1. Early Life and Background
Zvjezdan Misimović was born on 5 June 1982 in Munich, West Germany, to a family of Bosnian Serb gastarbeiters. His parents had immigrated to West Germany from Bosanska Gradiška (now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina) in the late 1960s. He is an Orthodox Christian.
2. Club Career
Misimović's professional club football career spanned several countries, beginning in Germany, followed by brief spells in Turkey and Russia, and concluding in China.
2.1. Youth and Early Senior Career
Misimović began his youth football career with German clubs SV Nord Lerchenau, TSV Forstenried, and SV Gartenstadt Trudering. He then joined the FC Bayern Munich youth academy, where he was known as "Zwetschge" (German for "plum") due to the similar pronunciation to his first name. He spent four years with the club's reserve team, making 102 appearances and scoring 44 goals. In the 2003-04 Regionalliga season, Misimović scored a personal best of 21 goals, finishing as the league's joint top goalscorer alongside his teammate Paolo Guerrero. His only club-level hat-trick occurred on 2 November in a 5-1 victory over SC Pfullendorf. Bayern Munich II won the championship that season, but as a reserve side, they were ineligible for promotion.
During the 2002-03 Bundesliga season, Misimović made five appearances for Bayern Munich's main squad. His senior debut for the club took place on 12 April 2003 in a 0-1 loss to SV Werder Bremen, where he came on as a 78th-minute substitute for Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Misimović moved to VfL Bochum at the start of the 2004-05 season. He departed the club at the end of the 2007-08 season when his contract expired. His transfer to 1. FC Nürnberg had been announced in January 2007.
He officially joined 1. FC Nürnberg in July 2007, quickly establishing himself as a key player. He debuted on 12 August in the season opener against Karlsruher SC. On 15 September, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-2 home draw against Hannover 96. In January of the following year, he sustained a groin injury but recovered in time for the second half of the season. However, in February, an ankle ligament injury sidelined him for the 2007-08 UEFA Cup round of 32 tie against S.L. Benfica. Without him, Nürnberg was eliminated after a 3-2 aggregate loss. This was a breakthrough season for Misimović, as he scored ten league goals in 28 appearances, which led to his transfer to VfL Wolfsburg.
2.2. VfL Wolfsburg
In June 2008, Misimović completed a transfer to fellow Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg for 3.90 M EUR, with the move becoming official on 1 July. He signed a contract until June 2012 and was assigned the squad number 10 for the 2008-09 season.
Misimović made his official debut for Wolfsburg on 16 August in the opening league match against 1. FC Köln, scoring the winning goal in the 78th minute in a 2-1 home victory. In October, he scored two goals in a 4-1 win over Arminia Bielefeld on his 100th Bundesliga appearance. Alongside fellow Bosnian international Edin Džeko and Brazilian striker Grafite, Misimović formed what became known as "the magic triangle," a highly effective attacking partnership. He played in 33 league matches during the season, starting all of them, and was instrumental in Wolfsburg winning its first-ever Bundesliga title. Misimović scored seven league goals and provided 20 assists, setting a new record for the most assists in a single Bundesliga season at the time. This record stood until Kevin De Bruyne surpassed it with 21 assists, also while playing for Wolfsburg in the 2014-15 season. In the DFB-Pokal, Misimović made four appearances before Wolfsburg was knocked out in the quarter-finals by SV Werder Bremen. In the UEFA Cup, he contributed with eight appearances and four goals, including two against S.C. Braga in the group stage, as Wolfsburg was eliminated in the knockout stage.
On 4 August 2009, Misimović's impressive performances were recognized with a new contract extension until 2013. He expressed feeling "at home" at Wolfsburg. In September, he made his UEFA Champions League debut, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 home win against PFC CSKA Moscow in the first group stage match. He participated in all group matches, but Wolfsburg finished third and dropped into the UEFA Europa League. His only Champions League goal came on 3 November against Beşiktaş J.K., scoring the opener and assisting Džeko's third goal in a 3-0 away victory at Vodafone Park. In December, Misimović was one of four Wolfsburg players nominated for the 2009 UEFA Team of the Year, though he did not make the final selection. In the Europa League, he scored his only goal in a round of 16 tie against FC Rubin Kazan during an eventual quarter-final exit.
In the 2009-10 season, despite Wolfsburg's inability to retain the title, Misimović maintained his excellent form, recording 15 assists, just two behind Mesut Özil, and scored 10 goals, equaling his personal best in the top flight set with Nürnberg. For the 2010-11 season, the arrival of playmaker Diego created uncertainty about Misimović's future at the club. Although he played in the 2-1 away defeat to FC Bayern Munich in the season opener, he left the club on the last day of the summer transfer window to join Galatasaray in Turkey. Misimović concluded his two-year spell at Wolfsburg with 92 appearances in all competitions and 25 goals.
2.3. Galatasaray
On 31 August 2010, Galatasaray announced that Misimović had joined the team on a four-year contract for a transfer fee of 7.00 M EUR. He made his debut for the team on 13 September against Gaziantepspor. Despite initially being an undisputed starter, on 18 November 2010, Misimović was assigned to the reserve squad, with then-head coach Gheorghe Hagi stating that he "didn't need him in the squad." Misimović's relationship with Hagi deteriorated, leading him to publicly call his coach "a liar," though he also expressed good wishes for his former club. He left Galatasaray in March 2011 after a disappointing period, having made only nine appearances.
2.4. Dynamo Moscow
On 3 March 2011, Misimović signed a three-year contract with Russian club FC Dynamo Moscow in a deal reportedly worth 4.50 M EUR. He made his competitive debut for the team on 12 March 2011 in a league match against FC Lokomotiv Moscow. His first goal came in the next match against FC Rostov, a penalty kick in a 3-1 home win.
Misimović concluded his first season in Russia by scoring ten goals in all competitions, including eight in the league. Notably, he scored the winning goal against PFC CSKA Moscow in April 2012. In the 2011-12 Russian Cup, he scored the solitary goal in the quarter-final match against FC Zenit Saint Petersburg and the winning goal in the semi-final against FC Volga Nizhny Novgorod, both from penalty kicks in the 73rd minute, guiding his team to the final. In the final, Misimović played for 82 minutes, but Dynamo was defeated 1-0 by FC Rubin Kazan.
2.5. Guizhou/Beijing Renhe
On 4 January 2013, Misimović signed a three-year contract with Guizhou Renhe of the Chinese Super League. Between 22 March and 3 April 2013, Misimović uniquely played three games on three different continents, highlighting his extensive travel for club and international duties.
In March 2015, Misimović announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. However, he made a brief return to the club three months later, in June 2015. In 2016, the club relocated from Guizhou to Beijing and was renamed Beijing Renhe. Misimović officially announced his second and final retirement on 8 January 2017.
3. International Career
Zvjezdan Misimović had an extensive international career, primarily representing the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.
3.1. Youth National Teams
Misimović first represented the FR Yugoslavia under-18 national squad at the 2001 UEFA European Under-18 Championship in Finland. Playing alongside future established players, he scored two goals in the tournament: the winning goal against Ukraine and another against host country Finland.
He later progressed to the FR Yugoslavia under-21 national team, but only made one appearance as an 85th-minute substitute against France in November 2002. The under-21s head coach Vladimir Petrović reportedly dropped Misimović, telling him he was "overweight and slow."
3.2. Senior National Team Debut and Early Years
In late 2003 and early 2004, Misimović, then 21, had not yet played for a senior national team. Approached by his Bayern Munich teammate Hasan Salihamidžić about playing for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, Misimović was reportedly immediately receptive. After discussions with officials from the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina (N/FSBiH), his commitment to the team was secured.
He debuted for Bosnia and Herzegovina under head coach Blaž Slišković on 18 February 2004 in a friendly match against Macedonia in Skopje. Approximately a month later, in another friendly against Luxembourg in late March 2004, he scored his first international goal.
3.2.1. 2006 World Cup qualifying
From fall 2004, Misimović was used sparingly by Slišković during the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. He played the full 90 minutes in the opening home draws against Spain and Serbia and Montenegro, followed by a substitute appearance in the away loss to Belgium. Misimović then enjoyed a period as a consistent starter, scoring the opening goal in a 1-1 home draw with Lithuania and another opening goal in a 1-1 away draw against Spain in Valencia. For the final four qualifiers in late 2005, Slišković moved Misimović to the bench, bringing him on only in the last 15-20 minutes of each match.
3.2.2. Euro 2008 qualifying
UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying began in fall 2006 with Misimović as an established starter and goalscorer. After an opening win against Malta, a shocking 1-3 home defeat to Hungary prompted Slišković's resignation, which he later retracted. However, a 2-2 draw at lowly Moldova, where Misimović scored a goal to spark a comeback, was followed by a heavy 0-4 home defeat to Greece, leading to Slišković's final resignation.
During the winter break in qualifying, relations within the Bosnian team organization were severely strained. This turmoil led to thirteen Bosnian national team players, including Misimović, releasing a "signed joint statement in protest" in October 2006. Published in the Dnevni Avaz daily, the statement announced the players' intention to boycott national team matches until four N/FSBiH officials resigned. However, about two months later, Misimović did a complete turnaround, denying he ever signed such a paper and stating his relations with the N/FSBiH had always been amicable. Under new head coach Fuad Muzurović, Misimović truly came into his own, earning the national team captaincy.
3.3. Controversies and Captaincy
When Meho Kodro replaced Muzurović as head coach in January 2008, he stripped Misimović of the captain's armband, giving it to Emir Spahić. On 8 April 2008, Misimović, then 25, announced his retirement from the national team, citing "health concerns" and an inability to "keep up with the physical rigours of playing for both club and country." This announcement immediately sparked speculation that his decision was not health-related. Two days later, Bosnian national team general manager Elvir Bolić hinted that Misimović might reconsider, and Kodro traveled to Germany to meet the player. On 12 April, after speaking with Kodro, Misimović changed his mind, and the N/FSBiH announced his decision to continue his international career.
3.3.1. 2010 World Cup qualifying
Under the next head coach Ćiro Blažević, during the 2010 World Cup qualification process, Misimović asserted himself as the team's undisputed leader on the pitch, showcasing exceptional playmaking and leadership. His strong performances began with a hat-trick in a 7-0 victory over Estonia on 10 September 2008. Bosnia and Herzegovina finished second in their group, qualifying for the playoffs against Portugal in November 2009.
However, the qualifying campaign ended poorly for both Misimović and the team. Misimović had a subpar performance in the first leg away in Lisbon and was heavily criticized by head coach Blažević for his lack of contribution. Blažević particularly scolded him for two instances of losing possession that resulted in yellow cards for teammates Elvir Rahimić and Emir Spahić, leading to their automatic suspension for the return leg. Two days after the first leg, Misimović was ruled out of the return leg due to a knee injury he had reportedly picked up. Controversy then arose three days later, on 21 November 2009, when he played the full 90 minutes for VfL Wolfsburg in a Bundesliga match against 1. FC Nürnberg, leading to accusations in Bosnian media that he faked the injury to get back at Blažević. Blažević went further, directly accusing Misimović of sabotage and even alluding to his Serb ethnicity, suggesting a conspiracy "on instructions from the Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik and Serbian lobby because Republika Srpska would lose everything if Bosnia qualified for World Cup." A stunned Misimović responded that he would not play for Bosnia and Herzegovina as long as Blažević remained head coach, accusing Blažević of scapegoating him to deflect attention from the team's poor performance against Portugal. Blažević, who had already stated his intention to leave, responded by reiterating his departure because "Misimović is more important to this team than I am." Although Blažević later claimed to have reconciled with Misimović, the player denied this two weeks later. Blažević ultimately resigned, again singling out Misimović as the "reason why Bosnia did not qualify for the 2010 World Cup." Three years later, in September 2012, Misimović revealed he had considered suing Blažević for defamation.
3.3.2. Euro 2012 qualifying
Misimović played his 51st match for the national team against Luxembourg in September 2010, equaling Elvir Bolić's record for most caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He surpassed Bolić in a match against France in Sarajevo on 7 September, making him the most capped player with 52 matches. Bosnia and Herzegovina failed to qualify for UEFA Euro 2012 after losing a two-legged playoff against Portugal, in which Misimović scored a penalty kick in Lisbon.
3.3.3. 2014 World Cup qualifying
Misimović provided two assists for Edin Džeko in a victory over Greece in Zenica, a performance that local media compared to their successful partnership at VfL Wolfsburg. Although his penalty kick against Greece was saved by goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, teammate Vedad Ibišević converted the rebound, contributing to a 3-0 lead before the match ended 3-1. Bosnia and Herzegovina went on to qualify for their first major finals tournament as an independent nation, topping their group on goal difference.
3.3.4. 2014 World Cup
Misimović and Bosnia and Herzegovina faced Argentina in their first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. An early own goal by Sead Kolašinac put Argentina ahead. In the second half, Lionel Messi scored from the edge of the penalty area. Misimović was substituted 11 minutes later. With five minutes remaining, Ibišević scored Bosnia's first-ever World Cup goal after a pass from Senad Lulić, though Argentina ultimately won 2-1.
In the next decisive match against Nigeria, Misimović played the entire game. A goal from Džeko was controversially deemed offside, despite replays suggesting it should have stood. Nigeria took the lead with a goal from Peter Odemwingie. Bosnia pressed for an equalizer, and a shot from Džeko was deflected onto the post by Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama in stoppage time. Nigeria won 1-0, which effectively eliminated Bosnia and Herzegovina from the tournament with one match remaining. Misimović was dropped for the last group stage match against Iran, which Bosnia won 3-1, securing their first-ever World Cup victory.
3.4. Retirement from International Football
In August 2014, following his first and only World Cup appearance, Misimović announced his retirement from international football. On 28 May 2018, he, along with teammates Vedad Ibišević and Emir Spahić, played their official farewell match for Bosnia and Herzegovina in a friendly against Montenegro, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
4. Playing Style and Attributes
Zvjezdan Misimović was primarily an attacking midfielder, known for his exceptional playmaking abilities. His on-field style was characterized by precise passing, an expansive range of distribution, and outstanding vision that allowed him to dictate the tempo of the game and create numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates. A right-footed player, he possessed the technical skill to control the midfield and was also capable of unleashing powerful mid-range shots. His combination of creativity, strategic play, and goal-scoring prowess made him a pivotal figure in the offensive schemes of his clubs and the national team.
5. Post-playing Career
After concluding his playing career, Zvjezdan Misimović remained involved in football. He formerly served as the director of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team. He is currently employed by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina as an advisor, contributing to the administrative and strategic aspects of Bosnian football.
6. Personal Life
Zvjezdan Misimović is an ethnic Serb. His nicknames include Miske and Zwetschge ("plum"), the latter being a German term referencing the similar sound to his first name. He has stated that his favorite football team is Red Star Belgrade and that he would have loved to retire playing for them.
Misimović is married to Štefanija, who hails from Strumica, North Macedonia. The couple has three sons: Luka, born in 2004; Niko, born in 2009; and Noel, born in 2013.
7. Achievements and Honours
7.1. Club
- Regionalliga: 2003-04 (with Bayern Munich II)
- Bundesliga: 2002-03 (with Bayern Munich)
- 2. Bundesliga: 2005-06 (with VfL Bochum)
- Bundesliga: 2008-09 (with VfL Wolfsburg)
- Chinese FA Cup: 2013 (with Guizhou Renhe)
- Chinese Super Cup: 2014 (with Guizhou Renhe)
7.2. Individual
- Bosnian Footballer of the Year: 2007, 2013
- Vereinigung der Vertragsfussballspieler best XI: 2008-09
- Bosnian Sportsman of the Year: 2013
- Regionalliga top goalscorer: 2003-04
- Bundesliga top assist provider: 2008-09
8. Career Statistics
8.1. Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Bayern Munich II | 2000-01 | 12 | 1 | - | - | - | 12 | 1 | ||||
| 2001-02 | 31 | 14 | - | - | - | 31 | 14 | |||||
| 2002-03 | 28 | 8 | - | - | - | 28 | 8 | |||||
| 2003-04 | 31 | 21 | - | - | - | 31 | 21 | |||||
| Total | 102 | 44 | - | - | - | 102 | 44 | |||||
| Bayern Munich | 2002-03 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2003-04 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||
| Total | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
| VfL Bochum | 2004-05 | 31 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 4 | |
| 2005-06 | 31 | 11 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 33 | 12 | ||||
| 2006-07 | 30 | 7 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 32 | 8 | ||||
| Total | 92 | 21 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 101 | 24 | ||
| 1. FC Nürnberg | 2007-08 | 28 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 37 | 13 | |
| VfL Wolfsburg | 2008-09 | 33 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 4 | - | 45 | 11 | ||
| 2009-10 | 31 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 2 | - | 45 | 14 | |||
| 2010-11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 65 | 17 | 7 | 2 | 20 | 6 | - | 92 | 25 | |||
| Galatasaray | 2010-11 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 9 | 0 | ||
| Dynamo Moscow | 2011-12 | 35 | 8 | 4 | 2 | - | - | 39 | 10 | |||
| 2012-13 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | - | 14 | 0 | |||
| Total | 44 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | - | 54 | 10 | |||
| Beijing Renhe | 2013 | 24 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 0 | - | 39 | 7 | ||
| 2014 | 25 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | - | 30 | 7 | |||
| 2015 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 16 | 2 | ||||
| 2016 | 24 | 4 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 24 | 4 | ||||
| Total | 88 | 17 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 0 | - | 105 | 20 | |||
| Career total | 431 | 117 | 31 | 12 | 41 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 505 | 136 | ||
8.2. International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 2004 | 6 | 2 |
| 2005 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2006 | 8 | 5 | |
| 2007 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 7 | 4 | |
| 2009 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2010 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 10 | 4 | |
| 2012 | 8 | 4 | |
| 2013 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 84 | 25 | |
8.2.1. International goals
Scores and results list Bosnia and Herzegovina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Misimović goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 31 March 2004 | Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 1-0 | 2-1 | Friendly |
| 2 | 28 April 2004 | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Finland | 1-0 | 1-0 | Friendly |
| 3 | 8 June 2005 | Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain | Spain | 1-0 | 1-1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 4 | 28 February 2006 | Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany | Japan | 1-1 | 2-2 | Friendly |
| 5 | 31 May 2006 | Azadi Stadium' Tehran, Iran | Iran | 1-0 | 2-5 | Friendly |
| 6 | 2 September 2006 | Ta' Qali Stadium, Ta' Qali, Malta | Malta | 5-1 | 5-2 | UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying |
| 7 | 6 September 2006 | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Hungary | 1-3 | 1-3 | UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying |
| 8 | 7 October 2006 | Zimbru Stadium, Chişinău, Moldova | Moldova | 1-2 | 2-2 | UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying |
| 9 | 24 March 2007 | Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway | Norway | 1-0 | 2-1 | UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying |
| 10 | 19 November 2008 | Ljudski vrt, Maribor, Slovenia | Slovenia | 2-1 | 4-3 | Friendly |
| 11 | 10 September 2008 | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Estonia | 1-0 | 7-0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 12 | 2-0 | |||||
| 13 | 3-0 | |||||
| 14 | 28 March 2009 | Cristal Arena, Genk, Belgium | Belgium | 4-1 | 4-2 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 15 | 14 October 2009 | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Spain | 2-5 | 2-5 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 16 | 10 December 2010 | Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya, Turkey | Poland | 2-2 | 2-2 | Friendly |
| 17 | 6 September 2011 | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Belarus | 1-0 | 1-0 | UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying |
| 18 | 7 October 2011 | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Luxembourg | 2-0 | 5-0 | UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying |
| 19 | 3-0 | |||||
| 20 | 15 November 2011 | Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal | Portugal | 1-2 | 2-6 | UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs |
| 21 | 7 September 2012 | Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein | Liechtenstein | 1-0 | 8-1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 22 | 2-0 | |||||
| 23 | 11 September 2012 | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Latvia | 1-1 | 4-1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 24 | 3-1 | |||||
| 25 | 11 October 2013 | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina | Liechtenstein | 2-0 | 4-1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |