Edin Džeko, Bosnia's Captain, Writes Letter to War-Affected Children as Country Prepares for 2026 World Cup

Edin Džeko, captain of the Bosnian national football team, has written an emotional letter addressed to children who, like himself, grew up during the devastation of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the letter published on The Players Tribune, Džeko reflected on his childhood during the Sarajevo siege, describing how he was nearly ten years old when the conflict ended. He emphasized the resilience of his people, stating: "In the end, we survived. Looking back, I am impressed with our strength. I was almost 10 years old when the siege ended. I had no plans to be a football player. It seemed so impossible that I wasn't even dreaming of it. But football was my escape."

Džeko's letter comes as Bosnia prepares for a significant moment on the international stage, with the team scheduled to face Switzerland in a 2026 World Cup match on June 18. The 38-year-old footballer is now among the greatest idols of Bosnian football and has built a life dramatically different from his war-torn childhood. He has been married since 2014 to Amra Silajdžić, a model and businesswoman, and the couple has four children together.

Beyond his playing career, Džeko maintains a relatively private family life, making selective but affectionate appearances with his wife and children on social media. Amra actively supports her husband's career, frequently attending his matches from the stands. The couple regularly exchange discrete but meaningful declarations of love on social media platforms, maintaining what they present as a strong and loving relationship. Through his letter and public presence, Džeko has become a symbol of hope and resilience for his nation, demonstrating how those affected by war can overcome trauma and achieve their dreams.