Edin Dzeko will make his final appearance for Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, ending an international career that included two World Cup qualifications and one of the country’s defining goals.
Sarajevo’s cevapi restaurants will mark the occasion in an unusual way. Participating cevabdzinice will serve 11 pieces of cevapi in half a flatbread rather than the customary 10, a tribute to Dzeko’s No. 11 shirt. The local producers’ association said the change had never previously been made.
The association described Dzeko as far more than a squad number, citing the celebrations, disappointments and pride attached to his years representing Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dzeko puts the team first
The 40-year-old expects an emotional occasion but wants the result to remain the priority.
“It will be difficult for me,” Dzeko said. “But it is about the national team in the end. I want to enjoy it, certainly, but getting a good result is the most important thing. It always has been. Playing for the national team means everything to me.”
He believes Bosnia and Herzegovina have the players to move forward after his departure. Dzeko said he will continue supporting the side as a fan and trusts both current teammates and remaining internationals to take responsibility.
He said the decision to retire internationally came at the correct time. His teammates had urged him to continue, he added, describing them as younger brothers. His exit, he stressed, applies only to the pitch.
World Cups and the Wales goal
Bosnia and Herzegovina reached the World Cup twice during Dzeko’s international career, qualifying for the 2014 tournament and again for the 2026 finals. He called those campaigns the finest achievement for both himself and the national side.
His most significant goal came in the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final in Wales. Dzeko equalised in the 86th minute before Bosnia and Herzegovina won the shootout 4-2.
They then beat Italy 4-1 on penalties to secure a place in North America. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup ended in the round of 32, with a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts the United States.
Schalke season continues
Dzeko does not see coaching as his next career. He intends to finish his club career as strongly as possible before taking a break after more than 20 years in professional football.
His club focus remains Schalke. Although his Bosnia and Herzegovina career is ending, he plans to see out the season with the aim of keeping Schalke in the Bundesliga.
