Who is Esmir Bajraktarević?

Esmir Bajraktarević: A Rising Football Star Bridging Two Worlds

Esmir Bajraktarević is one of the most intriguing young football talents of his generation – a player whose personal identity and professional trajectory span continents, cultures, and competitive environments. Born in the United States but representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at senior international level, Bajraktarević’s story reflects modern football’s globalized nature and the nuanced decisions young players face when shaping their careers.

Full Name: Esmir Bajraktarević
Date of Birth: 10 March 2005
Place of Birth: Appleton, Wisconsin, United States
Height: ~1.75 m
Position: Winger (primarily right wing)
Current Club: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)
Shirt Number: 19

Early Life and Background

Esmir Bajraktarević’s life began in Appleton, Wisconsin — a Midwestern city steeped in American football culture but not traditionally a hotbed for producing top European-level soccer stars. From an early age, he displayed a natural affinity for the sport, blending technical skill with a creative attacking instinct. Growing up in a family with Bosnian heritage helped shape his cultural identity and later influenced his international allegiance.

As a youth player, Bajraktarević trained with local clubs such as SC Wave and entered the esteemed youth setup of the Chicago Fire before transitioning to the New England Revolution academy in 2021. This move marked a pivotal point: it placed him within a professional development environment that could accelerate his path to the senior ranks.

Club Career: From MLS to the Eredivisie

New England Revolution — The American Launchpad

Bajraktarević’s rise through the New England Revolution system was swift and notable. After joining the academy, he made his professional debut with New England Revolution II, the club’s reserve side, in 2021 at just 16 years old. In his early appearances he showcased confidence and creativity, earning regular minutes and scoring his first professional goals over subsequent seasons.

In May 2022, he signed his first professional contract as a Homegrown Player, a status designed by MLS to support local talent progression. By the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Bajraktarević was a regular contributor for the first team in Major League Soccer, registering goals and assists, including important moments in the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup competitions.

Across his MLS tenure, he made 45 appearances for the Revolution, with 28 starts, scoring several goals and generating attacking momentum. His creative output — including goals and a growing set of assists — underscored his readiness for the next step in his development.

PSV Eindhoven — A European Leap

On 2 January 2025, Bajraktarević secured a long-term transfer to PSV Eindhoven, one of the Netherlands’ most respected clubs renowned for nurturing young talent. He signed a contract extending to mid-2029 and joined PSV with high expectations, both technically and tactically.

The move was significant in multiple ways:

PSV have a strong track record of advancing young players into elite leagues.
The Eredivisie’s tactical emphasis on technical skill suited Bajraktarević’s style.
The transition from MLS to European football emphasized adaptability and growth.

PSV’s football director praised his ball sensitivity, strong crossing ability, and one-on-one threat, highlighting why the club had monitored him for months before securing the transfer.

He made his debut for PSV’s first team on 18 January 2025 against PEC Zwolle, integrating into professional European football with both first-team and Jong PSV (reserve) minutes as part of his development. This dual role helped him acclimate to the higher tactical demands and competitive intensity of Dutch football.

PSV Achievements:

Eredivisie Title (2024–25): Bajraktarević earned his first major professional title with PSV as they secured the Dutch league championship, a significant career milestone.
Johan Cruyff Shield (2025): PSV also lifted this traditional season curtain-raiser, adding more early silverware to his résumé.

By mid-2025, he began to score for PSV, including a memorable brace in a 4–2 victory over FC Groningen in August, announcing himself as a tangible offensive threat and gaining praise from fans and pundits alike.

Style of Play: A Modern Attacking Wing Threat

Esmir Bajraktarević is characterized by:

Pace and acceleration: His ability to drive down the flank and stretch defenses.
Creative vision: Delivering incisive passes and crosses — a key asset for any modern wide attacker.
Technical skill: Comfort with the ball, agility, and the knack for finding space.
Tactical versatility: While primarily a winger, he can operate across the front line or in advanced midfield positions.

His left-footed delivery adds a tactical switch for coaches, offering the flexibility to invert plays or provide width as needed. Coaches at PSV have experimented with him on both wings and as a supporting forward, maximizing his adaptability.

International Career: A Story of Dual Identity and Choice

United States — Youth and Friendly Senior Debut

Bajraktarević’s early national representation was with the United States youth teams, reflecting his American upbringing. He featured with the U.S. U19s and later the U23s, even earning a senior friendly appearance for the United States against Slovenia on 20 January 2024.

However, because that appearance came in a friendly rather than a competitive fixture, it left him eligible to file a one-time switch in accordance with FIFA eligibility rules.

Switch to Bosnia and Herzegovina — Heritage and Opportunity

In July 2024, Bajraktarević publicly opted to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina — the land of his family’s origins — at senior competitive level. This choice resonated emotionally and culturally: he expressed pride in representing his Bosnian roots, signaling a deep personal connection beyond mere sporting strategy.

FIFA approved his change of sporting nationality in August 2024, enabling him to be called up for competitive matches in the UEFA Nations League A. He debuted for Bosnia and Herzegovina on 7 September 2024 against the Netherlands at the Philips Stadium, contributing with an assist in a difficult match that nevertheless showcased his potential on a big stage.

2025 World Cup Qualifying and First International Goal

One of the defining moments of his international trajectory came on 15 November 2025, when Bajraktarević scored his first senior international goal in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Romania. His strike was crucial in a significant victory, underlining his growth and importance to Bosnia’s campaign.

Off-the-Field Character and Influence

Bajraktarević’s journey also reflects broader narratives in modern football:

Cross-cultural identity: Navigating dual nationality and choosing an international career path not just for sporting opportunity but personal heritage.
MLS as a development path: His progression underscores Major League Soccer’s increasing role as a launchpad for young talent into elite European leagues.
Role model status: Younger players from underrepresented regions or diverse backgrounds see in him a template for transitioning from domestic environments to world-class football.

He is frequently cited by coaches and teammates for his commitment to improvement, professionalism at a young age, and adaptable mindset — qualities essential for success amid European competition.

Legacy and Future Potential

By early 2026, Esmir Bajraktarević stands at a crossroads of potential greatness. At 20 years old, he has already:

Won a national league title in Europe.
Debuted and started contributing for his national team in World Cup qualifying.
Secured a multi-year contract with a club known for shaping global stars.

The next chapters of his story will likely involve:

Breaking into PSV’s consistent starting lineup and increasing his contributions in the Eredivisie and European competitions.
Becoming a central figure for Bosnia and Herzegovina as they aim for major tournament qualification and success.
Potential future transfers to even larger leagues if he continues to fulfill his developmental promise.

Conclusion

Esmir Bajraktarević’s journey is emblematic of football’s vibrant intersections between continents, cultures, and competitive environments. From scoring goals in MLS to captaining attacking plays in European competitions, from representing the United States at youth levels to scoring for Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup qualifying, his story transcends statistics and reflects the deeply personal and strategic choices that define modern athletic careers.