Edin Dzeko, the 40-year-old forward for Schalke 04, announced he will retire from international football after Bosnia and Herzegovina's UEFA Nations League match against Sweden on October 2, 2026, in Zenica stadium [1, 2, 3, 4].
Dzeko has been a key figure for Bosnia’s national team since his senior debut in June 2007 against Turkey. Over nearly two decades, he has earned 151 caps, making him the country’s most-capped player [1, 2, 3, 4]. He also holds the record as Bosnia and Herzegovina’s all-time leading scorer with 73 goals [1, 2, 3, 4].
His international career highlights include helping the nation qualify for its first FIFA World Cup in 2014, a milestone he described as “one of the happiest moments of my life as a footballer” [4]. Dzeko also played an important role as Bosnia reached the last 32 stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1, 2, 3, 4].
Dzeko reflected on his long journey in a series of statements: “Nothing in my career has ever compared to the pride I have felt every single time I wore that shirt,” he said [1]. He called representing his country a “childhood dream,” adding, “Almost 20 years have passed since that match against Turkey” [2]. He noted how much had changed over the years but that his love for the national jersey never faded: “If I have made it to the age of 40 with the national team, it is because I truly gave everything I had. Every time. Everything” [3].
He expressed a desire for his final night to be surrounded by fans: “And that is how I want to experience my final night representing my country: with all of you by my side, wearing the shirt I have loved since I was a boy - and the shirt I will love for the rest of my life” [4].
Throughout his club career, Dzeko played for renowned teams including Manchester City, AS Roma, and Inter Milan before joining Schalke 04 [1, 2, 3, 4].
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s final international appearance for Dzeko will be on October 2 at Zenica stadium in the UEFA Nations League match against Sweden, marking the end of a record-setting international tenure [4].
