1. Overview
Zlatan Bajramović (Zlatan Bajramovićzlǎtan bǎjramoʋitɕBosnian; born August 12, 1979) is a Bosnian professional football manager and former player. He primarily played as a defensive midfielder or center half. Bajramović is known for his extensive playing career in Germany and his contributions to the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team. After retiring as a player due to injuries, he transitioned into coaching, currently serving as an assistant head coach for both 2. Bundesliga club Karlsruher SC and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.
2. Early life and background
Zlatan Bajramović was born on August 12, 1979, in Hamburg, Germany. His family originates from Vitez, a town located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
3. Playing career
Zlatan Bajramović spent his entire professional playing career in Germany, where he established himself as a prominent defensive midfielder. He also represented the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team on the international stage.
3.1. Club career
Bajramović began his professional career at FC St. Pauli in 1997, where he played until 2002. After his tenure at St. Pauli, he moved to SC Freiburg in 2002. During his time with SC Freiburg, he achieved significant success, including winning the 2. Bundesliga title in the 2002-03 season.
In 2005, Bajramović transferred to Schalke 04, a prominent club in the German football league. With Schalke 04, he continued to achieve success, securing the DFB-Ligapokal in 2005. His tenure at Schalke 04 lasted until 2008. On July 30, 2008, Bajramović joined Eintracht Frankfurt. His career at Frankfurt, however, was significantly impacted by numerous injuries. Following these persistent injury struggles, he made the decision to retire from professional football in 2011.
| Club | Period |
|---|---|
| FC St. Pauli | 1997-2002 |
| SC Freiburg | 2002-2005 |
| Schalke 04 | 2005-2008 |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | 2008-2011 |
3.2. International career
Zlatan Bajramović made his senior international debut for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in a friendly match against Macedonia in March 2002. Throughout his international career, he earned a total of 35 caps for his country and scored three goals. His final international appearance came in a FIFA World Cup qualification match against Portugal in November 2009.
4. Managerial career
Following his retirement as a professional player, Zlatan Bajramović transitioned into football management. He has taken on assistant coaching roles, leveraging his extensive playing experience at top German clubs and on the international stage. He is currently an assistant head coach for Karlsruher SC, a club competing in the 2. Bundesliga. In addition to his club role, he also serves as an assistant head coach for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, contributing to the development of his national team.
5. Honours
Zlatan Bajramović achieved several notable successes during his playing career, contributing to his teams' triumphs in domestic competitions.
- SC Freiburg
- 2. Bundesliga: 2002-03
- Schalke 04
- DFB-Ligapokal: 2005
6. Personal life
Zlatan Bajramović's family originates from Vitez, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He stands at 72 in (182 cm) and weighs 161 lb (73 kg).
7. Assessment and Legacy
Zlatan Bajramović's career is marked by his consistent presence in German professional football, having played for several prominent clubs over more than a decade. His role as a defensive midfielder was instrumental in the successes of teams like SC Freiburg and Schalke 04, where he earned domestic titles. Beyond his club contributions, his dedication to the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team showcased his commitment to his national heritage on the international stage. His transition into a managerial role signifies his continued involvement in the sport, where he now imparts his experience as an assistant head coach for both a German club and the national team.