Edin Džeko, now 40, is preparing for his second World Cup appearance with the Bosnian national team. His journey to sporting success was nearly cut short by the Bosnian War. As a young child, Džeko was prevented by his mother from playing football in the street on a fateful day. Shortly after, a bomb struck the same location where he and his friends would have been playing, resulting in the deaths of all his playmates. Džeko considers himself incredibly fortunate to have survived the conflict, attributing his life to his mother’s decision. This harrowing experience underscores the impact of war and the fragility of life, even as he achieves professional milestones. He remains Bosnia’s most prominent football star.