As Admir Mehmedi enters his tenth season in the Bundesliga, we take a look at the journey of this experienced and well-traveled forward, who has left a lasting mark on both club and country. Mehmedi was a key figure in Switzerland’s impressive run in the knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2020, scoring the decisive penalty in a shootout win over France.
From Switzerland to the World Stage
Mehmedi’s footballing journey began in Switzerland, where he honed his skills with local clubs like Bellinzona and FC Winterthur. At the tender age of 17, he made his senior debut with FC Zürich, quickly becoming a regular and helping them win the Swiss Super League title in 2008. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Swiss national team, where he went on to make a name for himself on the international stage.
Mehmedi’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2012, he made the move to Dynamo Kyiv after rejecting offers from prominent clubs like Liverpool and Nuremberg. After a successful stint in Ukraine, he landed in the Bundesliga with Freiburg, where his goalscoring abilities impressed many. His impressive performances helped him secure a move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, before eventually joining Wolfsburg in 2018.
A Versatile Attacker with a Big Heart
Mehmedi’s versatility on the pitch is one of his greatest assets. He can operate effectively in any attacking role, from a classic center forward to a playmaker behind the strikers, or even on the flanks. This adaptability has made him an invaluable asset to all the teams he has played for. While he might not be known for his prolific goalscoring, his ability to create chances and open up space for his teammates is crucial to any attacking unit.
Beyond his footballing prowess, Mehmedi is known for his kind and compassionate nature. In 2016, he made headlines for his heartwarming gesture of gifting a house to a family living in poverty in his native Macedonia. This act of generosity is a testament to his strong character and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.
A Legacy Defined by Passion and Dedication
Mehmedi has played in five major tournaments for Switzerland, including the 2011 U21 Euro, the 2012 Olympic Games, the 2014 World Cup, and Euro 2016 and 2020. He is the first Swiss player to score in both a World Cup and a European Championship, a remarkable achievement that highlights his consistent quality on the international stage.
Mehmedi’s journey has been marked by his passion for the game, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his willingness to give back to his community. His story is an inspiration to aspiring footballers and a reminder that true greatness extends beyond the confines of the pitch.
