Edin Dzeko, 40, Captains Bosnia at 2026 World Cup
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- Edin Dzeko says he never expected to be playing at 40, yet he is preparing to captain Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 World Cup after helping Schalke win promotion.
- Dzeko credits rigorous pre‑training and post‑training prevention work—30‑45 minutes before and after sessions—to protect his legs and maintain elite performance.
- Schalke offered Dzeko a new contract and benefited from his six goals in 11 games, which helped the club secure a Bundesliga return.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for the 2026 World Cup after Dzeko’s late equaliser against Wales and a penalty‑shootout win over Italy in the play‑off.
- Dzeko is the third‑oldest outfield player at the tournament, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, and remains Bosnia’s top scorer with 73 goals, far ahead of the next‑closest player’s 28.
- Fiorentina saw Dzeko make 11 goalless league appearances earlier this season, prompting his move to Schalke where his playing time increased.
Why it matters: Dzeko’s disciplined routine and Schalke contract prove veteran players can still shape squads, giving Bosnia a leader for the 2026 World Cup and showing clubs experience can drive promotion success. His six‑goal burst in 11 games and his role as Bosnia’s top scorer with 73 goals underline the impact of fitness and experience on club and country performance.
