- published: 19 Aug 2016
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Shkodran Mustafi (born 17 April 1992) is a German professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Spanish club Valencia CF and the Germany national team.
He began his career in the youth ranks of Hamburger SV and English club Everton, where he made one substitute appearance in two-and-a-half-years before leaving to Sampdoria in January 2012. He signed a five-year deal at Valencia in August 2014.
Mustafi made his full international debut against Poland on 13 May 2014, and was part of the German team which won the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Mustafi was born in Bad Hersfeld, Hesse, Germany to an Albanian family, originally from Gostivar, Macedonia. He started his career in the youth system of local 1. FC Bebra, had a stint with SV Rotenburg, before joining Hamburger SV's youth setup in 2006.
In May 2009, Mustafi joined Everton, initially assigned to the Academy team. He later stated that "Goodison Park feels like home", after turning down offers from Manchester City and Newcastle.