Edin Dzeko, the seasoned captain of Bosnia and Herzegovina, candidly admits, “Sometimes there is an end for all of us, maybe mine is coming soon.” However, before contemplating retirement, he is focused on leading his nation in only their second-ever World Cup, with valuable lessons from his extensive career. He recalls, “When I was 17, 18, people were telling me: ‘Experience is something you get by playing for so many years.’” A grin spreads across his face as he reflects, “But when you reach this age, you realize experience is fundamental.”
Dzeko’s journey began when he was sold by Zeljeznicar, a club in Sarajevo, to Teplice in the Czech Republic as a young player. Few could have predicted that he would go on to enjoy a remarkable career across Europe’s most prestigious leagues. As one of seven players in their forties potentially participating in the upcoming tournament, alongside legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, the intrigue surrounding Dzeko largely stems from his impressive longevity. So, what fuels his sustained success?
“I never thought I would still be playing at 40,” he admits. “If you had asked me a decade ago, I would have said ‘no.’ However, I listen to my body and commit to extensive training before and after sessions. I’m not the youngest anymore, so I must care for my legs and overall health to continue contributing to the team, as I did during my recent months with Schalke and the national squad.”
As a young player, Dzeko acknowledges that he didn’t prioritize the extra training hours. “When you’re younger, you might think, ‘I don’t have time for this,’ preferring to hang out with friends instead,” he explains. “But as you grow older, you understand that your body requires this commitment if you want to compete at the highest level for an extended period.”
After a challenging six months at Fiorentina, where he struggled to find form, Dzeko joined Schalke in January. “They just needed another push, let’s put it like this,” he states, reflecting on his return to Germany, the place where he first made a name for himself as a prolific scorer at Wolfsburg. His impressive track record includes two Premier League titles and an FA Cup with Manchester City, as well as a successful stint in Serie A with Roma and Inter, before achieving double-digit goals at Fenerbahce.
His impact at Schalke was immediate, netting a goal just 20 minutes into his debut—one of six that helped the club secure promotion back to the Bundesliga after three years in the lower division. His manager, Miron Muslic, who fled genocide in Bosnia as a child, played a crucial role in Dzeko’s resurgence. Notably, it was Dzeko’s header that equalized against Wales in Cardiff, guiding Bosnia and Herzegovina to this point.
A few days later, Bosnia triumphed over Italy in a nail-biting penalty shootout in Zenica, sparking celebrations filled with flares and fireworks across Sarajevo. Dzeko reflects on how their achievements may have been overshadowed by Italy’s disappointment. “During that time, there was so much focus on our stadium and Italy’s potential failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup,” he notes. “Yet, almost nobody acknowledged that we are a strong team with many young players who showcased their talent against Italy.”
Dzeko’s first World Cup appearance was in Brazil in 2014, where Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored the decisive goal in Bosnia’s debut. The memories of that tournament, including a disallowed goal against Nigeria that led to their elimination, still resonate with him. “I wish I could have enjoyed it more,” he reflects. “Playing in Brazil, the home of football, was amazing, and competing in our opening match at Maracanã against Argentina was unforgettable. The only thing missing was advancing to the next round.”
Now, as he prepares for the summer tournament, Dzeko, alongside his team led by former forward Sergej Barbarez, is hopeful for a different outcome. They find themselves in Group B, facing co-hosts Canada in their opening match, followed by Qatar and Switzerland. “I love the Swiss mountains,” Dzeko shares. “During my time at Inter, I often visited with my wife and kids. Switzerland is definitely the favorite in our group, boasting experienced players and a track record of competing in major tournaments.”
For the moment, Dzeko, who honed his skills amidst the ruins of a war-torn Sarajevo, is eager to embrace this new journey. Questions about his long-term future can be postponed. “First, I need to discuss with Schalke about their plans, and then we will decide,” he concludes. “This is a great club with passionate fans, and my experience over the past four months has exceeded all expectations.”
