Sports 4 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Veteran Dzeko Leads Bosnia's New Generation at World Cup
Veteran striker Edin Dzeko, at 40, is set to captain Bosnia and Herzegovina's youthful World Cup squad, bringing invaluable experience to a team tipped for a strong performance. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/veteran-dzeko-the-talisman-for-bosnia-s-new-generation-5484974
Edin Dzeko, already a Bosnian football legend, stands as a talisman for his nation’s new generation heading into the World Cup. At 40 years old, he is one of the last remaining players from Bosnia’s 2014 World Cup debut and will lead a squad brimming with young talent as captain.
This youthful brigade includes emerging stars like 18-year-old winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who has secured a move to Bayer Leverkusen after a stellar season with Red Bull Salzburg. Alajbegovic, a nimble left-winger, and the towering striker Dzeko, though different in their on-field styles, formed a crucial partnership during the team’s qualifying campaign.
Their synergy was evident in the playoff semi-final against Wales, where Alajbegovic’s corner was headed in by Dzeko for an equalizer, and Alajbegovic later converted a decisive penalty. Further solidifying their qualification, Alajbegovic also scored in the shoot-out victory against Italy, alongside Esmir Bajraktarevic, a promising 21-year-old playmaker.
Dzeko, Bosnia’s all-time leading scorer with 73 goals in 148 appearances, is aiming to join an elite club of players to compete in a World Cup past their 40th birthday, a feat only previously achieved by Cameroon’s Roger Milla. Despite his individual accolades, Dzeko emphasizes the importance of mentoring the younger players.
“I’m happy that I could help the youngsters go to the World Cup, it’s great for them and they have a great future,” Dzeko stated, reflecting on the transformative experience for the new squad members. “Those last two games, against Wales and Italy, it will change their lives for sure.”
He added, “I am happy because I am the captain of this great generation.” The team faces a challenging group stage against Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar, where Dzeko’s experience will be paramount as Bosnia aims to advance. This World Cup appearance marks a significant moment for Bosnian football, blending seasoned leadership with burgeoning talent.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)