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US-born star chooses Bosnia over USA
2 Jul
Summary
- Bajraktarevic born in Wisconsin, plays for PSV.
- He previously played for the US national team once.
- His parents survived the Srebrenica genocide.
Esmir Bajraktarevic, born in Wisconsin, has made a significant decision to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally, a country with deep family ties. He previously made one appearance for the United States men's national team in 2024.
Bajraktarevic, who now plays for PSV in the Netherlands alongside U.S. internationals Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest, hails from a family with a profound connection to Bosnia. His parents, Elmir and Emina, are survivors of the Srebrenica genocide, having migrated to the U.S. from Switzerland in 2001. This heritage deeply influences Bajraktarevic's identity and his choice to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite his U.S. upbringing and involvement in the U.S. youth system, including a senior cap in a friendly, Bajraktarevic filed a one-time switch to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina six months later. This move aligns with Bosnia's effort to build a new generation of talent, aiming to improve upon past successes like reaching the World Cup knockout stages.
