Goran Pandev: Leader of North Macedonia

Published at Apr 21st, 2022 byAlex McMahon

Photo Credit: AP

A legend of North Macedonian football and a forward for Parma, Goran Pandev has enjoyed an eventful career at the top of European football.

Pandev became the first Macedonian to score 100 goals in Europe’s top five leagues in 2021 and retired from the international game as his country’s all-time leading scorer.

Primarily playing in Italy, Pandev has scored almost 150 goals across his club career. His impact goes far beyond the score sheet, however, with the veteran proving to be an invaluable member of numerous teams, partly down to his tactical flexibility.

Able to operate in numerous roles across the front line, Pandev is a five-time Coppa Italia winner, a champion in Italy and Turkey and was a member of the Inter side that won the 2010 Champions League.

While his peak years are behind him, the 38-year-old has made headlines in recent months for his exploits with the North Macedonia national team. The country made its first ever appearance at a major tournament at Euro 2020.

They didn’t make it out of the group, but there’s no denying it was an historic moment in the country’s sporting history.

Pandev, the all-time leader in appearances and goals scored, was at the heart of their success, leading them through qualification and into the tournament itself.

It was only fitting that he scored their first ever goal in major competition, finding the net after 28 minutes against Austria. All good things come to an end, though, and that goal proved to be his list in a North Macedonia shirt.

Pandev International Retirement

Goran Pandev announced his most recent international retirement during Euro 2020.

Previously lured back into international football in 2015, Pandev took his country to new heights well into his thirties, but opted to bow out following their final group stage fixture of the delayed tournament.

“Yes, this is it for me, the last match in the jersey of Macedonia national football team. I think this is the right moment to say goodbye to the national team.

“I am happy that I say farewell to the national team in such a great competition, because not only my dream, but the dream of the national coach and all the players became reality to see our country, Macedonia, in a great competition.”

Following Pandev’s final match, North Macedonia manager Igor Angelovski said, “We must thank Goran Pandev for everything he has done for North Macedonia football.

“It has been a privilege to work for five and a half years with a man and a player who led by example and set the bar high for future generations.”

Pandev ovation

Given a standing ovation and a guard of honour when he was substituted in the 68th minute of his final international appearance, Pandev was the recipient of tidal waves of praise from all corners.

North Macedonia centre-back Kire Ristevski said, “Pandev is like a king for what he does. I cannot even explain what an amazing guy he is. He always wants to help everyone, and from him we have seen things like from a legend.

“I think there is no-one like him in North Macedonia, as a player, and also privately. He is a communicative guy and wants to talk with everyone.”

The impact Pandev has had on and off the pitch cannot be overstated. His legacy in North Macedonia will be felt 50 years from now, and it will take something special for anyone to get close to his records.

The second retirement appears more final than the first, but how thankful North Macedonian fans can be that Pandev succumbed to temptation and returned to international football in 2015.

What Next For North Macedonia?

There was no slump after Goran Pandev’s retirement for North Macedonia. They lost just once in eight games after Euro 2020, including an historic win over Italy in the World Cup playoffs.

While Pandev wasn’t on the field for those matches, his influence can be considered a notable factor in the success of the North Macedonia men’s team.

His play and leadership built the foundations for others, setting an example to follow and giving them a very real chance at appearing in further major tournaments.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be with the Risovi and the Qatar World Cup. Defeat to Portugal stopped their playoff progression.

Such a loss was a disappointment from sitting on cloud nine after seeing off Italy, but coming this far is a sign of what the future holds for North Macedonia in the post-Pandev era.