Dzeko appointed captain for Bosnia’s World Cup return after Schalke promotion

Edin Dzeko has been named captain of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team for their upcoming World Cup campaign, marking the nation’s first appearance at the tournament since 2014. The 40-year-old striker, who made his international debut in 2007, will lead a squad that includes young talents such as Esmir Bajraktarevic into a group featuring co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

Dzeko’s appointment follows a significant period of professional activity, having joined German club Schalke in January after departing Fenerbahçe in Turkiye. He played a pivotal role in Schalke’s return to the Bundesliga, contributing six goals and three assists. The club, which has over 200,000 members, had been relegated at the end of the 2019-20 season and endured a 16-game winless streak before their recent promotion.

During the qualification process and the European playoff, Dzeko scored five goals and provided three assists for his country. He described his decision to join Schalke as partly motivated by a desire to help the club return to the top flight, noting that the additional players brought in during the January transfer window were instrumental in securing the promotion.

Reflecting on his longevity at age 40, Dzeko attributed his continued performance to rigorous physical maintenance and mental resilience. He stated that he listens to his body and undertakes extensive work before and after training to manage the physical demands of the game, a sentiment reinforced by past challenges, including a difficult period at Fiorentina.

As captain, Dzeko emphasised the responsibility of guiding the next generation of Bosnian players. He expressed confidence in the young squad’s future, noting that recent matches against Wales and Italy would be pivotal experiences for them. While the timeline for his career beyond the World Cup remains unknown, Dzeko aims to conclude his tenure on a high note.