Edin Dzeko is set to hang up his international boots after nearly two decades of service. The Schalke forward and former Manchester City star confirmed his international retirement on Thursday, revealing that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s UEFA Nations League clash against Sweden will mark his farewell appearance for the national team. The announcement closes a glittering chapter for the 40-year-old, who remains Bosnia’s all-time top scorer and most capped footballer.
Edin Dzeko Retirement: The Announcement
Taking to social media, Edin Dzeko revealed that “the time has come to step aside,’ admitting he never imagined how emotional the decision would feel. The Edin Dzeko retirement news arrived just weeks after he signed a fresh one-year deal with Schalke, having helped the German club return to the Bundesliga last term.
Known to fans as “Dijamant” (Diamond), the striker has captained the Bosnia and Herzegovina National Football Team since 2014 and asked supporters to fill the stands for his farewell night in Zenica.
“I just hope you will be there that night against Sweden, so we can share one more emotion,” he said, promising to wear the shirt “with love for the rest of my life.”
Edin Dzeko International Career
Dzeko debuted for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team against Turkey in June 2007, aged 21. Across 151 caps, he has scored 73 goals, guiding the Balkan nation to its maiden World Cup in 2014 and again to the 2026 finals, where Bosnia reached the Round of 32.
Even at 40, Dzeko struck a crucial equaliser against Wales during qualifying and played a role in the decisive win over Italy. Ahead of the Edin Dzeko last match, Bosnia face Poland and Romania in the Nations League before hosting Sweden on October 2 in Zenica, the fixture chosen for Dzeko’s emotional farewell.
While Edin Dzeko international retirement ends a glorious chapter of his career, he has also achieved massive success in the club circuit, representing Manchester City, Roma, Inter Milan, Fenerbahce and Fiorentina.
