Henok Goitom
Encyclopedia
Henok Goitom is a Swedish
footballer of Eritrea
n origin who plays for UD Almería
in Spain
, as a centre forward.
, where he was rarely an option during his short stay. However, in his sole Serie A
appearance, on 19 February 2005, he only needed seven minutes as a late substitute to net a 90th minute equalizer against F.C. Internazionale Milano
.
Subsequently, Goitom served a two-year loan in the Spanish
second division
, with Ciudad de Murcia
and scored 15 league goals during his second season.
In 2007, Goitom was released by Udinese, and signed a four-year deal with Ciudad Murcia's city rivals, Real Murcia
, for €
3 million. He was officially unveiled by the club on 14 July.
The president of UD Almería
, Alfonso García
, however, announced his club would take the matter to court. García, as he appeared before the media during the presentation of defender
Aitor López Rekarte
, showed journalists papers which proved an agreement had already been reached between the Andalusia
ns and Udinese.
With Murcia, Goitom only netted twice during the entire season, which saw the team eventually relegated from La Liga
, as last. In July 2008, he was loaned for 2008–09 to fellow league side Real Valladolid
, which had an option to buy in June 2009.
Established as first-choice, Goitom netted twice as Valladolid beat Recreativo de Huelva
3–2 away on 7 March 2009, but was also sent off
during the match (as teammate Álvaro Rubio). He finished the season as the club's top scorer, at 10.
In late July 2009, he was released by Murcia and joined fellow league side Almería, replacing Sevilla FC
-bound (via Real Madrid
) Álvaro Negredo
. His 2009–10 season
output consisted of one goal, in a 1–1 home draw against CD Tenerife
; also, even though he was the only pure striker in the squad, he was never an undisputed starter, but the Andalusia
ns retained their top division status in the end.
On 19 January 2011, Goitom scored one of Almería's most important goals, netting a penalty kick
in a 3–2 win at Deportivo de La Coruña
(4–2 on aggregate), with the club reaching the semifinals
of the Copa del Rey
for the first time ever (he added two more in the competition, netting in both legs against Real Sociedad
). However, he again only netted once in the league
, in a 2–2 home draw against Atlético Madrid, and the club returned to the second division after four years.
during 2006, and played for the nation during qualification for the 2006
and 2007 European Championship
s.
He was on the verge of breaking into the full squad
for the 2006 FIFA World Cup
squad in Germany
, but did not make the final cut.
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
footballer of Eritrea
Eritrea
Eritrea , officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea derives it's name from the Greek word Erethria, meaning 'red land'. The capital is Asmara. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast...
n origin who plays for UD Almería
UD Almería
Unión Deportiva Almería, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Almería, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded in 1989 as Almería Club de Fútbol, it currently plays in Segunda División, holding home games at Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, with a 22,000-seat...
in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, as a centre forward.
Club career
Goitom moved to Italy in 2004 to join Udinese CalcioUdinese Calcio
Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and currently plays in the Serie A. Founded in 1896, Udinese is the second oldest club in the Serie A, after Genoa....
, where he was rarely an option during his short stay. However, in his sole Serie A
Serie A
Serie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
appearance, on 19 February 2005, he only needed seven minutes as a late substitute to net a 90th minute equalizer against F.C. Internazionale Milano
F.C. Internazionale Milano
Football Club Internazionale Milano, often referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Italy. Outside Italy, the club is often called Inter Milan. They are the reigning FIFA Club World champions and Coppa Italia holders.Inter have always...
.
Subsequently, Goitom served a two-year loan in the Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
second division
Segunda División
The Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
, with Ciudad de Murcia
Ciudad de Murcia
Club de Fútbol Atlético Ciudad was a Spanish football club based in Murcia, in the autonomous community of Murcia. Founded in 2007, it played its last season in Segunda División B , holding home matches at Estadio Juan de la Cierva, with a 1,600-seat capacity.-History:On June 6, 2007, Ciudad de...
and scored 15 league goals during his second season.
In 2007, Goitom was released by Udinese, and signed a four-year deal with Ciudad Murcia's city rivals, Real Murcia
Real Murcia
Real Murcia Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the region of Murcia. Founded in 1908, it currently plays in the second division, playing home matches at Estadio Nueva Condomina, which can hold 33,045 spectators....
, for €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
3 million. He was officially unveiled by the club on 14 July.
The president of UD Almería
UD Almería
Unión Deportiva Almería, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Almería, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded in 1989 as Almería Club de Fútbol, it currently plays in Segunda División, holding home games at Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, with a 22,000-seat...
, Alfonso García
Alfonso Garcia
Alfonso Garcia is a Spanish footballer. He played all of his career in Germany, including 2 seasons in the Bundesliga with SpVgg Unterhaching. As of February 2009, he plays for an amateur team FSV 08 Bissingen.-External links:...
, however, announced his club would take the matter to court. García, as he appeared before the media during the presentation of defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
Aitor López Rekarte
Aitor López Rekarte
Aitor López Rekarte is a retired Spanish footballer.He played as a defender on the right side, and sporadically on the other flank; his professional career was closely connected to Real Sociedad, where he played 13 of 15 total seasons.-Club career:López Rekarte played a decade for the Basque side...
, showed journalists papers which proved an agreement had already been reached between the Andalusia
Andalusia
Andalusia is the most populous and the second largest in area of the autonomous communities of Spain. The Andalusian autonomous community is officially recognised as a nationality of Spain. The territory is divided into eight provinces: Huelva, Seville, Cádiz, Córdoba, Málaga, Jaén, Granada and...
ns and Udinese.
With Murcia, Goitom only netted twice during the entire season, which saw the team eventually relegated from La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
, as last. In July 2008, he was loaned for 2008–09 to fellow league side Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid Club de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Valladolid, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, from where the nickname Pucela is derived....
, which had an option to buy in June 2009.
Established as first-choice, Goitom netted twice as Valladolid beat Recreativo de Huelva
Recreativo de Huelva
Real Club Recreativo de Huelva, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Huelva, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 23 December 1889, it is the oldest football team in Spain, and currently plays in the second division, holding home games at Estadio Nuevo Colombino, which has a...
3–2 away on 7 March 2009, but was also sent off
Ejection (sports)
In sports, an ejection is one of several disqualifying actions assessed to a player or coach by a game official , usually for unsportsmanlike conduct....
during the match (as teammate Álvaro Rubio). He finished the season as the club's top scorer, at 10.
In late July 2009, he was released by Murcia and joined fellow league side Almería, replacing Sevilla FC
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
-bound (via Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
) Álvaro Negredo
Álvaro Negredo
Álvaro Negredo Sánchez is a Spanish footballer who plays for Sevilla FC as a striker.Nicknamed La fiera de Vallecas , his career was associated with Real Madrid, although he could never become a part of its first-team setup, going on to represent other teams in his country.-Real Madrid:Born in...
. His 2009–10 season
2009–10 La Liga
- Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|...
output consisted of one goal, in a 1–1 home draw against CD Tenerife
CD Tenerife
Club Deportivo Tenerife, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in Tenerife . Founded in 1922, it currently plays in Segunda División B, holding home matches at Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López, with a 24,000-seat capacity.-History:Club Deportivo Tenerife was founded in...
; also, even though he was the only pure striker in the squad, he was never an undisputed starter, but the Andalusia
Andalusia
Andalusia is the most populous and the second largest in area of the autonomous communities of Spain. The Andalusian autonomous community is officially recognised as a nationality of Spain. The territory is divided into eight provinces: Huelva, Seville, Cádiz, Córdoba, Málaga, Jaén, Granada and...
ns retained their top division status in the end.
On 19 January 2011, Goitom scored one of Almería's most important goals, netting a penalty kick
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
in a 3–2 win at Deportivo de La Coruña
Deportivo de La Coruña
Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña is a professional football club based in the city of A Coruña, Galicia; founded in 1906 and currently playing in Segunda División...
(4–2 on aggregate), with the club reaching the semifinals
2010–11 Copa del Rey
The 2010–11 Copa del Rey was the 107th staging of the Copa del Rey. The competition began on August 21, 2010 and ended on April 20, 2011 with the final, held at the Estadio Mestalla in Valencia, in which Real Madrid lifted the trophy for the eighteenth time in their history with a 1–0 victory over...
of the Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
for the first time ever (he added two more in the competition, netting in both legs against Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in the city of San Sebastián, Basque Country, founded on 7 September 1909...
). However, he again only netted once in the league
2010–11 La Liga
The 2010–11 La Liga season was the 80th since its establishment. The campaign began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 21 May 2011. A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2009–10 season and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División...
, in a 2–2 home draw against Atlético Madrid, and the club returned to the second division after four years.
International career
Goitom was a regular starter for the Sweden national under-21 football teamSweden national under-21 football team
The Swedish U-21 national football team is the football team representing Sweden in competitions for under-21 year old players. Sweden U21's current captain is Jiloan Hamad with Jakob Johansson as vice captain.-UEFA European U-21 Championship Record:...
during 2006, and played for the nation during qualification for the 2006
2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Klaas Jan Huntelaar3 goals Thomas Kahlenberg Nicky Hofs2 goals Bryan Bergougnoux Ruslan Fomin Artem Milevskiy...
and 2007 European Championship
2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
The UEFA U-21 Championship 2007 were held from 10 June 2007 to 23 June 2007. It is the 16th staging of UEFA's European Under-21 Football Championship....
s.
He was on the verge of breaking into the full squad
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
for the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
squad in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, but did not make the final cut.