Dzeko retires from Bosnia: final match against Sweden in Nations League

Edin Dzeko says goodbye to the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team this Friday, in the match against Sweden on the third matchday of the Nations League. At 40 years old, the striker closes a chapter of 151 international appearances and 73 goals that make him the greatest forward in the history of the Balkan national side.

Dzeko's historic farewell in numbers

• Edin Dzeko earned 151 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina, more than any other player in the country's history.
• He scored 73 goals and retires as Bosnia's all-time leading scorer.
• He debuted against Turkey in 2007 and found the net in that first appearance.
• He was the attacking leader in Bosnia's first World Cup qualification, in 2014.
• He captained the side at the most recent World Cup after beating Italy in the playoff.

Dzeko's final night with Bosnia in Zenica

The venue for the send-off is no accident. Zenica, one of the country's most football-loving cities, is preparing a tribute night in which fans can honor their biggest reference. Expectations are so high that symbolic gestures have already appeared before kickoff: a giant jersey bearing Dzeko's name was hung on the facade of a building in Sarajevo, a sign of the affection he inspires across the whole country.

From a debut goal against Turkey to World Cup captain

It all started with a goal. In 2007, Dzeko made his senior debut against Turkey and scored in that first match, a start that anticipated everything to come. Over the years he became the pillar of a generation that took Bosnia to its first World Cup in Brazil 2014. In the final stretch of his career, he took over the captaincy and pushed the team toward the most recent World Cup, beating Italy in the playoff along the way.

What Bosnia are playing for against Sweden in the Nations League

The game against Sweden is the third match of the Nations League group stage. Beyond the emotional weight of Dzeko's farewell, the fixture remains competitive for Bosnia, who are looking to pick up points in a tournament that offers rewards such as promotion or playoff places for major international events. Sweden arrive as a demanding opponent, with a young squad and ambitions of fighting for the top spots in the group.

A national icon's parting message

Nothing in my career compares to the pride I felt every time I put on that jersey. It was my childhood dream, a dream that was with me in each and every one of the 151 matches in which I had the honor of representing my country.

Dzeko shared an emotional message before the farewell. He spoke of the jersey as the great dream of his childhood and asked the fans to stand by him for his last night with Bosnia. The striker stressed that every success achieved with the national team was a shared achievement with the people, and that he wants to say goodbye exactly like this: with the supporters close, wearing the shirt he has loved since he was a child.

Frequently asked questions about Dzeko's retirement from Bosnia