Džeko ends Bosnia career after draw with Sweden
Edin Džeko captained Bosnia & Herzegovina for the last time on Friday in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Sweden. The Schalke forward was taken off after 63 minutes in Zenica, and a first-half stoppage-time goal was ruled out by VAR. He had announced his international retirement after appearing at the 2026 World Cup.
Edin Džeko closed his Bosnia & Herzegovina career in Zenica, captaining a 1-1 Nations League draw with Sweden. The Schalke forward played 63 minutes before being replaced, and a stoppage-time first-half effort was disallowed after VAR review. He had already said he would step away after one last match following the 2026 World Cup.
The occasion included 11th-minute fireworks honouring his national-team number, applause from players and a full stadium when he left, plus a post-match guard of honour, gifts and a large shirt displayed in Sarajevo. Džeko departs as Bosnia's most-capped player and record scorer with 73 goals, having appeared at two World Cups. Nikola Katić and Ermedin Demirović started against Sweden.
The farewell may resonate beyond sport in Bosnia & Herzegovina, giving fans a shared moment of pride and continuity. Supporters who followed Džeko's two World Cup appearances could see the team enter a new phase, while younger players may gain visibility. His record and ceremony could also reinforce national-team interest, though the long-term impact depends on results and how successors connect with the public.