Valon Ethemi

Valon Ethemi was a key player when İstanbulspor won promotion to the Süper Lig in 2021–22, the club's first time in the top flight for 17 years. He had arrived from Kukësi in January 2021 on a free transfer. In the first Süper Lig season, 2022–23, he scored 12 goals in 30 appearances.

His route there ran through Albania. He came through the youth ranks at Renova in North Macedonia and then at Dinamo Tirana. His first senior club was Adriatiku Mamurras. In August 2017 he joined Kukësi on a free transfer and stayed until January 2021. With Kukësi he won the Albanian Cup in 2018–19.

In 2018 he made one appearance for the Albania under-21 side. He played for North Macedonia's senior team for the first time on 12 June 2022, in a Nations League match against Gibraltar. He has won four caps and has not yet scored for the national side.

In January 2024 he went on loan to Konyaspor, with an option to buy set at €2 million. He later joined Iğdır FK. On 28 August 2025 he moved on loan to Sivasspor. The deal was made permanent on 17 July 2026 as a free transfer, and he signed a contract for one year with an option for a second.