Edin Džeko's international career ended with a 1-1 draw as Bosnia and Herzegovina came from behind to hold Sweden in the UEFA Nations League on Friday. Džeko, 40, started and captained Bosnia in his final appearance for the national team, bringing an end to a career that began in June 2007. The match was an emotional one for Džeko, who leaves international football as Bosnia and Herzegovina's all-time leading appearance-maker and goalscorer.
Sweden took the lead in the 61st minute through Viktor Gyökeres, who continued his impressive scoring run during the international break. Gyökeres has now scored in each of Sweden's three Nations League matches during the current international window, having also found the net against Romania and Poland. He has scored three goals in those three games, showcasing his form and skill.
Bosnia, however, responded in the 80th minute when Kerim Alajbegović equalised to secure a point for the hosts. The result brought an emotional night for Džeko, who had 151 international appearances and 73 goals before Friday's match. He made his debut against Türkiye on June 2, 2007, scoring in Bosnia's 3-2 victory, and helped Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify for their first FIFA World Cup in 2014.
Džeko also captained Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 tournament, and reflected on his decision to retire from international football, saying that nothing in his career can compare with the pride he felt every time he put on the Bosnia and Herzegovina jersey. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and his love for the jersey he wore for almost 20 years.
Džeko's final appearance means his Bosnia career ends with 152 caps and 73 goals, cementing his status as the country's most-capped player and record scorer. The veteran striker's farewell came as Bosnia extended their unbeaten start to the Nations League campaign after a goalless draw with Poland and a 4-2 victory over Romania before Friday's 1-1 draw with Sweden.
For Sweden, Gyökeres' latest goal continued a productive international break for the striker, who has found the net in all three Nations League matches played by his side during the window. The draw marked a positive result for both teams, with Bosnia and Herzegovina remaining unbeaten and Sweden continuing their scoring form.
Džeko's retirement marks the end of an era for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the striker having been a key player for the team throughout his career. His legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his contribution to the team will be celebrated by fans and teammates alike.
Key points
- Edin Džeko ended his international career with a 1-1 draw against Sweden in the UEFA Nations League.
- Viktor Gyökeres scored for Sweden, while Kerim Alajbegović equalised for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Džeko finished his career with 152 caps and 73 goals, making him Bosnia and Herzegovina's most-capped player and record scorer.
