“There may come a time for all of us to say goodbye, and perhaps that moment is approaching for me,” reflects Edin Dzeko as he prepares to lead Bosnia and Herzegovina in only their second World Cup appearance. He shares valuable insights gained over the years: “When I was just starting out at 17 or 18, I often heard people say, ‘Experience comes from years of playing,’” he recalls, a hint of a smile crossing his face. “But now that I’ve reached this stage, I’ve come to understand just how crucial experience is.”
Dzeko’s journey began with his transfer from Zeljeznicar in Sarajevo to the Czech club Teplice as a teenager, a move that few anticipated would launch a successful career across Europe’s top leagues. Joining the ranks of seven players over forty years old who might compete this summer, alongside legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, Dzeko’s enduring presence raises questions about his secret to longevity in the game.
“I never imagined I’d still be playing at 40,” he admits. “If you had asked me a decade ago, I would have confidently said ‘no.’ But I pay close attention to my body and dedicate a lot of time to training, both before and after sessions, to maintain my physical condition. I might not be the youngest anymore, but I feel capable of contributing to my team, which I have done over the past four months with Schalke and the national team.”
Reflecting on his younger years, he adds, “When you’re younger, you often overlook the importance of arriving early for practice and staying afterward to work on injury prevention. At 20, you might think, ‘I don’t have time for this; I want to go out with friends.’ However, as you age, you realize how essential it is to care for your body to compete at a high level and extend your career.”
Following a challenging six months with Fiorentina, which he joined last summer, Dzeko made a move to Schalke in January for the remainder of the season. “They just needed a little push, let’s say,” he explains about his return to Germany, where he first made a name for himself as a prolific scorer at Wolfsburg. His success continued as he clinched two Premier League titles and an FA Cup with Manchester City, along with significant contributions at Roma, Inter, and Fenerbahce.
Once at Schalke, he quickly made his mark, scoring just 20 minutes into his debut and netting six goals total, helping the club secure a return to the Bundesliga after three years. His manager, Miron Muslic, who fled Bosnia during the genocide, played a pivotal role in this transition. For Dzeko, this move was vital in preparing for the March World Cup playoffs. His most recent goal, a crucial header against Wales in Cardiff, paved the way for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s current standing. “Apologies to the Welshman,” Dzeko remarks, giving a thumbs-up to the Welsh representative conducting the interview.
Days later, the team celebrated a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Italy in Zenica, igniting joyous scenes with flares and fireworks in Sarajevo and beyond. Dzeko feels that their achievement was overshadowed by discussions regarding Italy’s struggles. “During that time, there was a lot of focus on our stadium, the small field, and the fact that Italy might miss a third consecutive World Cup. Hardly anyone acknowledged us as a team, even though we are genuinely strong with many young talents who proved their worth against Italy,” he explains.
Dzeko’s first World Cup experience came in Brazil in 2014, where a goal from Lionel Messi secured Argentina’s win during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s debut match in Rio de Janeiro. He recalls the bittersweet memories, including a disallowed goal in a loss to Nigeria that led to their elimination. “I wish I could have appreciated it more; during games, it’s tough to fully enjoy such a beautiful country,” he reflects. “For us, it was the first major competition, and to participate in Brazil, the heart of football, was incredible. Playing our first match at Maracanã against Argentina made it even more special. The only thing we missed was advancing to the next round.”
As he gears up for the upcoming tournament, Dzeko, along with former forward Sergej Barbarez, is hopeful for a better outcome this summer. Bosnia and Herzegovina find themselves in Group B, competing against co-hosts Canada, whom they will face in their opening match, as well as Qatar and Switzerland. “I have great affection for the Swiss mountains,” Dzeko shares. “During my time at Inter, I often visited with my family, and I will certainly return. Switzerland are the clear favorites in our group, boasting a wealth of talented players and a team used to competing at a high level. Other teams will likely focus on securing second and third place.”
As the World Cup approaches, Dzeko, who grew up playing football amidst the ruins of Sarajevo, is eager to embrace this new chapter. Questions about his future can wait. “First, I need to discuss plans with Schalke and then we’ll decide,” he concludes. “This is a fantastic club with passionate fans, and I have felt their warmth over the past few months. Everything that has occurred in this time has exceeded my expectations.”
