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Shpejtim ArifiAlbanian footballer
Date of Birth: 04.03.1979
Country:  Albania |
Content:
- Early Career
- Regionalliga Breakthrough
- Iranian Adventure
- Persian Powerhouse
- Later Career and Retirement
- Achievements
Early Career
Shpatim Arifi began his football journey with lower division clubs Ludwigshafen 03 and Südwest. In the 2002/03 season, he joined Oberliga Southwest club VfR Weinheim, followed by stints with Waldhof Mannheim and a six-month spell at SV Sandhausen.
Regionalliga Breakthrough
In the 2005/06 season, Arifi played a pivotal role in helping SSV Reutlingen gain promotion to the Regionalliga Süd. However, he opted to stay in the Oberliga, joining FC 08 Homburg. Arifi's exceptional performances, including 19 goals, earned him the league’s top scorer accolade and helped Homburg secure promotion to the Regionalliga.
Iranian Adventure
In the summer of 2008, Arifi ventured to Iran, joining Pro League newcomer Payam Mashhad. Despite a turbulent season that saw multiple ownership and coaching changes, Arifi emerged as a standout performer, finishing second in the scoring charts with 18 goals.
Persian Powerhouse
In 2009, Arifi moved to Tehran powerhouse Persepolis, signing a two-year contract worth a record-breaking $850,000. However, his performances failed to match the lofty expectations, leading to his departure after the contract expired.
Later Career and Retirement
After leaving Persepolis, Arifi played for Tractor Sazi and Abu Moslem in Iran before returning to Germany to join Oberliga Baden-Württemberg club 1. FC Kaiserslautern II. He briefly negotiated a move to Albanian club Tirana in 2013 and had a trial with Waldhof Mannheim in the summer of that year. Arifi's career culminated in three appearances for Borussia Neunkirchen in May 2014 before he retired from professional football.
Achievements
- Hazfi Cup Winner: 2009/10, 2010/11- Oberliga Baden-Württemberg Winner: 2005/06
- Oberliga Südwest Winner: 2006/07
- Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar Winner: 2012/13
- Oberliga Südwest Top Scorer: 2006/07 (19 goals)
