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Bosnia and Herzegovina legend Edin Dzeko has officially confirmed that he will retire from international football, bringing the curtain down on a historic career. The Schalke forward, who has remained a talismanic presence for his country even in the later years of his career, will sign off after one final appearance next month.

Dzeko brings historic Bosnia career to a close

Dzeko has announced that his retirement from international football is now imminent, signalling the end of an outstanding journey with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 40-year-old striker, who is currently playing for Schalke, will represent his country for the final time in their Nations League meeting with Sweden on October 2.

After making his senior debut against Turkey in 2007, the former Manchester City, Wolfsburg and Inter star has gone on to enjoy a distinguished run on the international stage. He will retire as both his nation's most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped an entire generation of Bosnian football.

'I truly gave everything'

While confirming the decision on Instagram, the experienced forward spoke with deep gratitude about his near two decades with the national team. Dzeko underlined what a privilege it had been to represent his homeland on the international stage, calling it the fulfilment of a lifelong dream across 151 caps.

"Nothing in my career has ever compared to the pride I have felt every single time I wore that shirt," Dzeko wrote. "It was my childhood dream, a dream I carried with me on each of the 151 occasions I had the honour of representing my country on a football pitch. So many things have changed, and I have changed too, but my love for this shirt never has.

"Now I feel the time has come to step aside. If I have made it to the age of 40 with the national team, it is because I truly gave everything I had. Every time. Everything."

He also urged supporters to be with him for one final evening, adding: "I just hope you will be there that night against Sweden, so we can share one more emotion. That is how I want to experience my final night representing my country: with all of you by my side."

A legacy of unprecedented success

Dzeko's influence on Bosnian football cannot be overstated. Across 151 appearances, he has scored 73 goals, cementing his place as a national icon. His goals were crucial in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify for the 2014 World Cup, the country's first appearance at a major tournament as an independent nation.

The striker pointed to that landmark achievement as one of the greatest moments of his career, saying: "Qualifying for our first World Cup in 2014 remains one of the happiest moments of my life as a footballer.

"The emotions I felt on the night of the goal against Wales, and then in Zenica against Italy in March, will stay in my heart forever. Seeing my people celebrating in the streets of our cities was another incredible gift that football has given me."

Even in the closing phase of his career, Dzeko continued to produce on the biggest stages. He played a key role in Bosnia's run to the last 32 of the 2026 tournament, ensuring his influence remained significant well into his forties.

One last dance against Sweden

Attention now turns to October 2, when Bosnia and Herzegovina take on Sweden in the Nations League. The match will not only be an important competitive test, but also an emotional farewell for the greatest player the nation has produced.

Fans are certain to turn out in large numbers to give their captain the send-off he deserves. After the international break, Dzeko will switch his focus back to club football with Schalke, drawing the final line under an international career that brought unmatched joy to the streets of Bosnia.