Bosnia and Herzegovina After Dzeko: Betting on the Young Generation

Following Edin Dzeko's retirement, the generational change in Bosnia and Herzegovina's national team is continuing. This change is fuelled by the emotional bond of a large global diaspora.

The domestic league is seriously underfunded and struggles to produce players for the national team on a regular basis. For this reason, looking abroad has become a necessity. A number of talented young players born abroad, who could also have worn the shirt of the country where they were born, have chosen instead to represent their roots, and this choice is changing the team's identity.

The head of this squad project is former captain and current sporting director Emir Spahic. In late 2024, Spahic set out the philosophy with the words "We are bringing our children home." At the 2026 World Cup, the team took the field with the third-youngest squad in the tournament, and this approach has moved beyond a temporary fix to become a plan for the country's football future.

Kerim Alajbegovic, who came through the Bayer Leverkusen youth system, made 44 official appearances for Red Bull Salzburg in the 2025/2026 season, scoring 14 goals and providing four assists. Usually playing on the left wing, the player is effective in one-on-one situations and comfortable with both feet. Having turned 19 in September, he stands out for his confidence on the pitch.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina's final group match against Qatar, Alajbegovic scored an impressive solo goal, making him the eighth-youngest player to score at a World Cup. He was also recorded as the youngest player to score from outside the penalty area.