Edin Dzeko is on the verge of making history after delivering a decisive performance in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final victory over Wales national football team, underlining his enduring quality at the age of 40.
The former Manchester City striker scored a crucial late equaliser before Bosnia and Herzegovina progressed via a penalty shootout, setting up a decisive clash with Italy national football team. The encounter also featured a heated exchange between Džeko and Wales head coach Craig Bellamy—his former teammate—highlighting the forward’s continued competitive edge.
Victory in the upcoming play-off final would see Džeko join a highly exclusive group of players aged 40 or over to feature at a FIFA World Cup. To date, only one outfield player has achieved this milestone: Roger Milla, who represented Cameroon national football team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the age of 42, even scoring during the competition.
Džeko may not be alone among football’s elder statesmen if Bosnia and Herzegovina secure qualification. Luka Modric is expected to captain Croatia national football team at what would be his sixth World Cup, while Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is also on course to feature in his sixth tournament with Portugal national football team.
However, while both Modrić and Ronaldo are long-established World Cup participants, qualification would mark Džeko’s return to the global stage after a 12-year absence—adding further significance to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s play-off campaign.
Although outfield players aged 40 or above are rare at the World Cup, the milestone has been reached more frequently by goalkeepers, with six having appeared at that age or older.
Since making his international debut in 2007, Džeko has remained a cornerstone of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national team, registering 73 goals in 147 appearances and maintaining a remarkable scoring record across two decades.
At club level, he has continued to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. After returning to Serie A with Fiorentina last summer, Džeko dismissed concerns over his age, emphasising the increased physical demands and discipline required to compete at the highest level.
Despite a difficult spell in Italy, where he struggled for form, a January move to Schalke 04 in Germany’s second tier has revitalised his campaign. The Bosnian forward has scored six goals in eight appearances, suggesting he remains a decisive contributor as the international season reaches its climax.
Looking ahead, Džeko has indicated he will assess his future based on physical condition, but his current form suggests retirement is not imminent. Should he guide Bosnia and Herzegovina to World Cup qualification, the veteran striker may yet extend his career to achieve one final historic milestone on football’s biggest stage.
