1. Overview
Dino Islamović (Дино ИсламовићDino IslamovićSerbian; born January 17, 1994) is a professional footballer who primarily plays as a forward. Born in Hudiksvall, Sweden, he initially represented various Swedish national youth teams and made his senior debut for the Sweden national team in a non-FIFA friendly match. Later, he opted to switch his international allegiance and began representing the Montenegro national team in official competitions. Throughout his club career, Islamović has played for several teams across different leagues in Sweden, England, the Netherlands, Norway, and South Korea, including notable spells with FC Groningen, Östersunds FK, and Rosenborg BK.
2. Early Life and Background
Dino Islamović was born on January 17, 1994, in Hudiksvall, Sweden. He possesses a dual ethnic background, being of both Montenegrin and Bosnian descent. This heritage played a role in his national identity, influencing his international career choices in football.
3. Club Career
Dino Islamović's professional club career spans multiple European leagues and a period in Asia, demonstrating a consistent progression through various football environments.
3.1. Youth and Early Professional Career
Islamović initiated his football journey at the Swedish club Malmö FF, a prominent team known for its youth development. Following his time in Sweden, he moved to England to join Fulham, where he spent two seasons. This period provided him with early professional exposure before he transitioned to continental European football.
3.2. FC Groningen
In June 2014, Islamović made a move to the Netherlands, signing with Eredivisie club FC Groningen. His debut for the team came swiftly on July 17, 2014, in a UEFA Europa League qualifying round match against Aberdeen at the Pittodrie Stadium. He entered the game as a substitute for Nick van der Velden in the 82nd minute, in a match that concluded in a goalless draw. A significant achievement during his tenure with Groningen was winning the KNVB Cup in the 2014-15 season, where FC Groningen defeated PEC Zwolle 2-0 in the final.
3.3. Return to Swedish League
After five years playing abroad, Islamović returned to Sweden in 2017, joining Trelleborgs FF from FC Groningen. He remained with Trelleborgs FF for one season before making a move to Östersunds FK in January 2018. He made an immediate impact for Östersunds, scoring on his debut against his former club in the Svenska Cupen on February 9, 2018. During his time at Östersunds FK, Islamović also participated in the UEFA Europa League. Notably, on February 22, 2018, he featured as a second-half substitute when Östersunds faced Arsenal in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 32 at the Emirates Stadium. Östersunds achieved a 2-1 victory in that match, with goals from Hosam Aiesh and Ken Sema, although they were ultimately knocked out of the competition on a 4-2 aggregate score.
3.4. Rosenborg BK
On December 30, 2019, Islamović secured a three-year contract with Norwegian club Rosenborg BK. He played for Rosenborg in the Eliteserien during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, contributing to their performances in both domestic league and European competitions.
3.5. Gangwon FC and Subsequent Career
In February 2022, Islamović transitioned to South Korean football, joining Gangwon FC in the K League 1. He spent two seasons competing in the K League 1 during 2022 and 2023. Following his period in South Korea, Islamović returned to Swedish football, signing with Kalmar FF for the 2024 season.
4. International Career
Dino Islamović's international career involves representing two different national teams, reflecting a significant decision regarding his international allegiance.
4.1. Sweden National Teams
Being born in Sweden, Islamović represented his birth nation at various youth levels, progressing through their system up to the Sweden U21 squad. He made his senior international debut for the Sweden national team in a non-FIFA friendly match against Moldova on January 9, 2020. This appearance was part of a non-FIFA sanctioned exhibition game.
4.2. Montenegro National Team
On March 5, 2020, Islamović announced his decision to switch his international allegiance to the Montenegro national team. His official international debut for Montenegro came six months later, on September 5, 2020, in a match against Cyprus. Montenegro secured a 2-0 victory in that game.
5. Career Statistics
The following table provides a comprehensive summary of Dino Islamović's professional appearances and goals for both club and international teams throughout his career.
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Continental | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Groningen | 2014-15 | Eredivisie | 11 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 1 |
| 2015-16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 11 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 1 | ||
| Trelleborg | 2017 | Superettan | 27 | 8 | 4 | 1 | - | 31 | 9 | |
| Östersund | 2018 | Allsvenskan | 22 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 11 |
| 2019 | 28 | 7 | 4 | 3 | - | 32 | 10 | |||
| Total | 50 | 16 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 60 | 21 | ||
| Rosenborg | 2020 | Eliteserien | 27 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 31 | 14 |
| 2021 | 21 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 28 | 15 | ||
| Total | 48 | 18 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 59 | 29 | ||
| Gangwon | 2022 | K League 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | 5 | 2 | |
| 2023 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 8 | 0 | |||
| Total | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | ||
| Kalmar | 2024 | Allsvenskan | 28 | 11 | 4 | 1 | - | 32 | 12 | |
| Career total | 177 | 55 | 22 | 13 | 11 | 6 | 210 | 74 | ||