Edin Dzeko Bids Emotional Farewell as Bosnia Draw 1-1 With Sweden

What happened in Zenica

Edin Dzeko ended his international career after Bosnia and Herzegovina's 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with Sweden in Zenica on Friday, closing a record-breaking chapter for the Dragons.

The 40-year-old former Manchester City and Roma forward made his 152nd and final appearance as captain. Fireworks marked the 11th minute in honour of the number 11 on his shirt. Late in the first half he found the net, but the goal was disallowed because the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres put Sweden ahead before Kerim Alajbegovic equalised for Bosnia. Dzeko received a standing ovation when he was substituted after 62 minutes.

Guard of honour and soft toys

Celebrations continued after the final whistle with an official ceremony, a guard of honour from teammates, and a drone show displaying messages of thanks. During a lap of honour, the crowd showered Dzeko with soft toys in a lasting tribute, BBC Sport reported.

Legacy

Dzeko leaves the international stage with 73 goals in 152 caps — both all-time records for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The farewell came in the same Nations League group night as Poland's thrashing of Romania, with Bosnia and Sweden sharing the points in Group B4.

UEFA and club coverage underlined the emotion of a career that stretched from his early days with the national side through major tournaments and a long spell as the face of Bosnian football. His final outing ended level on the scoreboard but heavy with gratitude from the stands in Zenica.