Shimles Bekele, Biography, Stats, Records, & Facts

By just 34, Shimelis Bekele has made a big mark on Ethiopian football, ranking him alongside some of the most respected footballers in the country. Starting from simple beginnings in Ethiopia, moving to play overseas, and then returning home, let’s explore the fascinating path of one of Ethiopia’s top footballers.

Shimelis Bekele Biography

Shimelis Bekele Godo, born on January 2, 1990, in Hawassa City, Ethiopia, showed an early talent for football, thriving as an attacking midfielder. He began his professional journey at just 17 with Hawassa City, quickly catching the eye of Ethiopia’s top clubs, and eventually joined Saint George, one of the nation’s premier teams.

Despite facing challenges like injuries and stiff competition early on, Bekele’s love for the game never waned. He continued to impress on the pitch with his creativity, vision, and knack for scoring goals.

Throughout his career, Bekele has played for nine different clubs, including Ittihad Tripoli, Al-Merrikh, Petrojet, Misr Lel-Makkasa, El Gouna, ENPPI, and Defence Force, showcasing his talent across various leagues. Currently, he plays for Defence Force, a club based in Addis Ababa, where he continues to contribute his significant skills to the team.

Shimelis Bekele Stats

Clubs: Hawassa City/ Saint George/Ittihad Tripoli/Al-Merrikh/Petrojet/Misr Lel-Makkasa/El Gouna/ENPPI/ Defence Force

Position: Attacking Mid-Fielder

Matches Played Ever (International+Club): 293

Goals Scored Ever (International+Club): 62

In spite of his high talent, the trophy won by Bekele in the Ethiopian club was the only one in his career, which was during the 2011/2012 season with Saint George. However, his impact on the field goes beyond trophies, as evidenced by his impressive statistics.

Shimelis Bekele Records

Bekele holds the record of being the first player on the Ethiopian national team to play in 81 matches. The fact that he has managed to remain consistent and stay a great player for such a long time is an excellent demonstration of his gift and zeal.

Shimelis Bekele Facts

Bekele has represented Ethiopia in multiple competitions dating back from when he began his career all the way to now, such as the CECAFA Cup, Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup Qualifications. Markedly, he scored one or more goals in every of these tournaments.

Shimelis Bekele International Career with Ethiopian National Team

Bekele has made a profound contribution to the Ethiopian national team. He was out on the field for approximately 5000+ minutes, illustrating his passion and loyalty towards the nation. It is not bad that he has no international trophies since his influence on Ethiopian football is not limited to accolades.

Legacy and Impact

Shimelis Bekele’s legacy is much more than the trophies that he’s won. The far-reaching impact of his life on Ethiopian football is seen in the generation of young football players who pursue their dreams. His dedication, skill and passion for the game have left a lasting impression both in Ethiopia and beyond the game. 

In the end, Shimelis Bekele’s rise from impoverished origins to being one of the most celebrated footballers in Ethiopia showcases his ability and perseverance. As he achieves success after success, his name lives on, lighting the way for young men who have football dreams across the country.