**Legendary Bosnian Striker Edin Dzeko to Retire from International Football**
Bosnian football icon Edin Dzeko has announced his retirement from international football, with his final appearance for the national team set for October 2 against Sweden in the UEFA Nations League. The announcement, made on September 3, 2026, marks the end of a remarkable international career that has spanned nearly two decades.
At 40 years old, Dzeko has enjoyed a prolific career, both internationally and at the club level. Currently a forward for Schalke 04, he has previously played for several prestigious clubs, including Manchester City, AS Roma, and Inter Milan. His contributions to football have made him a household name, particularly in his home country of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Dzeko expressed his deep pride in representing his country. “Nothing in my career has ever compared to the pride I have felt every single time I wore that shirt,” he wrote. He reflected on his journey since making his international debut in 2007, stating, “It was my childhood dream, a dream I carried with me on each of the 151 occasions I had the honour of representing my country on a football pitch.”
Dzeko's international career is highlighted by his impressive record of 73 goals in 151 appearances, making him Bosnia's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. His contributions were pivotal in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify for their first-ever World Cup in 2014, a milestone that remains a significant achievement in the nation’s football history. More recently, he played a crucial role in the team’s journey to the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the last 32.
As he prepares to step away from international competition, Dzeko acknowledged the changes he has experienced over the years but emphasized that his love for the national team has remained constant. “So many things have changed, and I have changed too, but my love for this shirt never has,” he stated. He concluded his message by affirming that he felt it was time to pass the torch, saying, “Now I feel the time has come to step aside. 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.”
Dzeko’s retirement will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the Bosnian national team, as he has been a central figure in the squad for nearly two decades. His leadership, experience, and goal-scoring ability have made him an invaluable asset, and his departure marks the end of an era for Bosnian football.
As fans and fellow players prepare to bid farewell to Dzeko on the pitch, his legacy as one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's greatest footballers is firmly established. His impact on the game will be remembered for years to come, both for his individual achievements and for the pride he brought to his country through his performances on the international stage.