Bosnia: Edin Džeko bids farewell to the national team in front of a standing ovation

02.10.26 FT UEFA Nations League B

Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Sweden

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Edin Džeko played his final match for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team on Friday evening. Making his 152nd international appearance, the 40-year-old striker was applauded by his teammates, the Swedish players and the supporters at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica.

Starting against Sweden, Džeko left the pitch in the 63rd minute to a prolonged ovation. His teammates then positioned themselves on either side of the field to form a guard of honour for him. The Swedish players also applauded the Bosnian captain as he came off.

The tribute had begun even before kick-off. In the 11th minute, banners dedicated to Džeko were unfurled around the stadium, while flares were lit from several homes near Bilino Polje. In Sarajevo, a huge No. 11 shirt had also been installed on a building near the Eternal Flame.

Džeko has a goal disallowed before half-time

On the pitch, Džeko thought he had scored a goal in his final appearance. In stoppage time at the end of the first half, he volleyed home a pass from Ermedin Demirović. The goal was eventually disallowed after the officials decided that the ball had gone out of play during Kerim Alajbegović’s cross.

Sweden then took the lead in the 61st minute through Viktor Gyökeres. Two minutes later, Džeko left the pitch for the final time in the national team shirt.

Bosnia and Herzegovina equalised in the 80th minute. A cross from Alajbegović ended up in the net after an action involving Swedish defender Nikola Katić. The match ended 1-1.

Read also: 2026 World Cup: Edin Džeko, the “old captain” who still symbolises Bosnia

152 caps and 74 goals for Bosnia

Džeko ends his international career with 152 caps and 74 goals, both records for the Bosnian national team. He made his debut for his country on 2 June 2007 against Turkey and scored on his first appearance. He was part of the generation that qualified Bosnia and Herzegovina for its first World Cup, in 2014, before wearing the captain’s armband during the country’s second appearance at the World Cup, in 2026.

After 19 years with the national team, Džeko decided to bring his international career to an end. His club career continues: the striker recently stated that he wanted to keep playing football.

In Zenica, his final appearance for Bosnia and Herzegovina ended with a collective tribute. His teammates, the Swedish players and the Bilino Polje supporters accompanied the final moments of his international career.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sweden

UEFA Nations League B