Shimelis Bekele: profile
Shimelis Bekele (born 2 January 1990 in Hawaasa, Ethiopia) is an Ethiopian footballer who plays as a midfielder for El Gouna FC.
Bekele's senior club career began in 2010 at Awassa City F.C.. He has played for 7 clubs in 4 countries since 2010. The busiest spell of his career was at Petrojet FC (2014–2019): 123 appearances and 29 goals. Across all recorded club spells he totals 183 appearances and 45 goals.
At international level, Bekele has represented Ethiopia (2010–present). Our match database lists 3 of his international goals; the first came against Somalia on 16 November 2011 (World Cup Qualification).
Hawaasa has produced 5 footballers in our database, including Adane Girma, Jemal Tassew and Behailu Assefa.
Key facts
- Senior international debut
- 2010 (aged about 20)
- First international goal
- 2011 – aged 21 (match)
- Club career
- 2010–present (17 seasons)
- Countries played in
- 4: Ethiopia, Libya, Sudan and Egypt
- Club goals per game
- 0.25 (45 in 183)
- Height
- 179 cm — taller than 37% of Ethiopian internationals on record
- Latest move
- El Gouna FC (2021)
- Shares a birthday with
- Basile Boli, Elye Wahi and Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (more)
Club career
| Years | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2011 |  Awassa City F.C. |
Ethiopian Premier League | – | – |
| 2011–2013 | Saint George SC |
Ethiopian Premier League | – | – |
| 2013–2014 |  Al-ittihad |
Libyan Premier League | – | – |
| 2014 |  Al-Merrikh SC |
Sudani Premier League | – | – |
| 2014–2019 |  Petrojet FC |
Egyptian Premier League | 123 | 29 |
| 2019–2021 | Misr Lel Makkasa SC |
Egyptian Premier League | 60 | 16 |
| 2021– | El Gouna FC |
Egyptian Premier League | – | – |
| Total | 183 | 45 |
Appearances and goals are league figures where recorded on Wikidata; “–” means not recorded.
International career
| Years | Team | Level | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010– | Ethiopia |
Senior | – | – |
International goals (3)
| # | Date | Match | Min | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 Nov 2011 | Ethiopia 5–0 Somalia | 62 | World Cup Qualification |
| 2 | 16 Nov 2011 | Ethiopia 5–0 Somalia | 65 | World Cup Qualification |
| 3 | 14 Nov 2015 | Ethiopia 3–4 Congo | 90 | World Cup Qualification |
*Goals listed are those present in our match-by-match goal database, which is most complete for tournament matches.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Shimelis Bekele?
Shimelis Bekele was born on 2 January 1990, which makes him 36 years old.
Where was Shimelis Bekele born?
Shimelis Bekele was born in Hawaasa, Ethiopia.
Which national team does Shimelis Bekele play for?
Shimelis Bekele plays international football for Ethiopia.
Which clubs has Shimelis Bekele played for?
Shimelis Bekele's recorded clubs are Awassa City F.C., Saint George SC, Al-ittihad, Al-Merrikh SC, Petrojet FC, Misr Lel Makkasa SC and El Gouna FC.
What team does Shimelis Bekele play for now?
According to the latest data, Shimelis Bekele plays for El Gouna FC.
How tall is Shimelis Bekele?
Shimelis Bekele is 179 cm (5 ft 10 in) tall.
What position does Shimelis Bekele play?
Shimelis Bekele plays as a midfielder.
Ethiopian players of the same generation
Getaneh KebedeEthiopia · Saint George SC
S
Saladin SaidEthiopia · b. 1988
Fuad IbrahimEthiopia · b. 1991
J
Jemal TassewEthiopia · b. 1989
O
Oumed OukriEthiopia · Aswan SC
A
Alula GirmaEthiopia · b. 1993
B
Behailu AssefaEthiopia · b. 1989
A
Asrat MegersaEthiopia · b. 1987
S
Siyoum TesfayeEthiopia · b. 1988
Y
Yared ZenabuEthiopia · b. 1989
A
Addis HintsaEthiopia · b. 1987
Z
Zerihun TadeleEthiopia · b. 1989