“There comes a time for everyone, and perhaps mine is approaching,” admits Edin Dzeko, who is set to lead Bosnia and Herzegovina in their second World Cup appearance, armed with lessons from past experiences. He recalls, “At 17 or 18, I heard people say: ‘Experience comes from years of play,’” he mentions, scrunching his face slightly, “which is how a 17-year-old thinks.” A smile breaks across Dzeko’s face. “Yet, reaching this stage in life makes you realize that experience is crucial.”
When young Dzeko transferred from Zeljeznicar to Czech side Teplice, few could have predicted that he would carve out an impressive career across Europe’s top leagues, showcasing his talents on the grandest stages. He now stands among a select group of seven players over 40 set to participate in the tournament this summer, including icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. The curiosity surrounding Dzeko largely stems from his remarkable longevity. So, what’s the secret behind his enduring success?
“Honestly, I never imagined I’d still be playing at 40,” he acknowledges. “If you had asked me a decade ago, I would have confidently said ‘no.’ But I pay attention to my body and invest significant effort before and after training sessions to maintain my fitness. I’m not getting any younger, so I need to care for my legs and body. I still feel capable of contributing to the team, as I demonstrated in the last four months with Schalke and the national squad.”
“In youth, you might not prioritize arriving early for training and dedicating 30 to 45 minutes beforehand for gym workouts aimed at injury prevention. You might also skip the post-training routine, thinking, ‘I’d rather grab coffee or lunch with friends.’ However, with age, you realize that your body requires this attention to compete at a high level and to prolong your football career.”
After a challenging six months at Fiorentina, where he had limited success, Dzeko made the move back to Germany, joining Schalke in January. “They simply needed an extra boost, let’s say,” he explains. This return to Germany marked a homecoming for Dzeko, where he first made a name for himself as a prolific scorer with Wolfsburg. He would go on to replicate that success at clubs across Europe, clinching two Premier League titles and an FA Cup with Manchester City, before enjoying fruitful stints in Serie A with Roma and Inter, and finishing strong in Turkey with Fenerbahce.
Dzeko quickly made an impact at Schalke, scoring just 20 minutes into his debut. He netted six goals overall, playing a pivotal role in helping the club return to the Bundesliga after a three-year absence. Under the guidance of Miron Muslic, who fled Bosnia during the genocide, Dzeko’s return to Germany couldn’t have come at a better time, ensuring he arrived at the World Cup playoffs in good form. His recent headed goal against Wales in Cardiff was crucial in setting Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path to this moment.
A few days later, Bosnia triumphed in a nail-biting penalty shootout against Italy in Zenica, igniting celebrations filled with flares and fireworks throughout Sarajevo and beyond. Dzeko believes their achievement was overshadowed by Italy’s struggles. “There was a lot of focus on our stadium’s size and Italy’s potential failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup,” he states. “Hardly anyone acknowledged us as a team, despite our impressive lineup of young talents who proved their worth against Italy.”
Dzeko made his World Cup debut in Brazil in 2014, where Lionel Messi netted the decisive goal for Argentina during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s inaugural match in Rio de Janeiro. The memories, including a disallowed goal in a loss to Nigeria that led to their exit, remain vivid. “I wish I could have savored the experience more, but during the games, it’s tough to take in the beauty of the country,” he reflects. “It was our first major tournament, and to compete in Brazil, the heart of football, was incredible. Playing our first match at Maracanã against Argentina was even more special. The only thing missing was advancing to the next round.”
Dzeko, along with the national squad led by former forward Sergej Barbarez, is hoping for a different outcome this summer. They are placed in Group B with co-hosts Canada, facing them in their opening match on Friday, followed by Qatar and Switzerland. “I really enjoy the Swiss mountains,” Dzeko remarks. “When I played for Inter, I often visited with my wife and kids since it was so close from Milan… I definitely plan to return. Switzerland is the favorite in our group, boasting a wealth of talented players and vast experience in major competitions. Other teams might be more focused on securing second and third places.”
For now, Dzeko, who honed his skills playing in the shadows of war-torn Sarajevo, is eager to relish this new chapter of his career. Questions about his future can wait.
“I first need to discuss with Schalke about their plans for me, and then we will make a decision,” he mentions regarding his future. “This club has passionate fans, and I can already feel the affection they have for me. I must say, everything that has transpired in the last four months has exceeded my expectations.”
