Bosnia legend Džeko retires from international after 151 caps
Bosnia legend Džeko retires from international after 151 caps
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Key Points
1
Dzeko is popularly known by Bosnian fans as 'Dijamant' (diamond), a nickname highlighted by Bosnian media and fans.
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Schalke announced a one-year contract extension for Dzeko in August after he helped the club return to the Bundesliga, following his January move to Schalke on a free transfer from Fiorentina.
3
Dzeko played a central role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2014 World Cup qualification, scoring 10 goals in the campaign and providing the assist for Vedad Ibisevic’s decisive goal against Lithuania to seal their place at Brazil 2014.
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Dzeko made his Bosnia and Herzegovina debut in 2007 against Turkey, scoring in a 3-2 win, and he scored the opening goal in Bosnia’s first-ever World Cup victory, a 3-1 win over Iran in 2014.
5
His final international appearance is set for October 2 against Sweden in Zenica, with Bosnia also scheduled to play Poland and Romania around that window as part of Nations League duties.
Edin Džeko, Bosnia and Herzegovina's captain and greatest international player, announced his retirement from national team football at age 40. Citizen Digital reported the Schalke striker will play his final match against Sweden on October 2 in a Nations League clash, ending a 19-year career that produced 151 caps and 73 goals — both national records.
Džeko, known as 'Dijamant' (diamond) by devoted Bosnian fans, described representing his country as a lifelong dream. 101 Great Goals noted he will continue playing club football after signing a one-year extension with Schalke following the team's return to the Bundesliga.
A Storied Career Beginning in 2007
Džeko made his Bosnia debut in 2007 against Turkey, immediately making an impact by scoring in a 3-2 win. Over nearly two decades, he became the nation's most dependable scorer and leader on the pitch. His consistency and passion for the shirt never wavered, even as injuries and age tested his body.
Leading Bosnia to Its First World Cup
Džeko's greatest achievement came during Bosnia's historic 2014 World Cup qualification campaign. He scored 10 crucial goals and provided the assist for Vedad Ibisevic's decisive goal against Lithuania that sealed Bosnia's place at Brazil 2014. At the tournament, Džeko scored the opening goal in Bosnia's first-ever World Cup victory — a 3-1 win over Iran.
Schalke Extension Allows Club Career to Continue
While retiring from international duty, Džeko will keep playing for Schalke in the Bundesliga. Citizen Digital reported he signed a one-year contract extension with the club in August after helping them return to Germany's top division. He joined Schalke on a free transfer from Fiorentina in January, proving his experience remains valuable at club level.
Emotional Farewell Awaits in Zenica
Džeko urged fans to attend his final national team match on October 2 against Sweden in Zenica. Bosnia will also play Poland and Romania in the Nations League during that window. The striker wants to share one last emotional moment with supporters who have cheered him for nearly two decades.
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