Edin Džeko, 40, signs one-year Schalke extension ahead of Bundesliga return

The extension

Schalke 04 announced on August 3 that Edin Džeko has signed a one-year contract, keeping the 40-year-old striker at the Veltins-Arena for the club's return to the Bundesliga. Džeko had been non-committal after helping Schalke win promotion in May, but the Bosnia and Herzegovina captain ultimately decided to extend his stay. He will wear the No. 10 jersey and begin training immediately. The new deal takes him past his 41st birthday.

“I have experienced a super team and fantastic fans at Schalke since winter. The promotion to the Bundesliga is among the highlights of my career. It was unbelievable. Football has made me happy for my whole life and it drives me on. I still have hunger. And I also want to help our team in the Bundesliga.”

Impact at Schalke

Džeko joined Schalke on a free transfer from Fiorentina in January 2026, signing a short-term deal. He scored six goals and provided three assists in 11 second-division appearances, becoming a central figure in the club's push for promotion. Schalke secured their return to the top flight after three seasons away with a 1-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf in May, a match in which Džeko appeared as a substitute after recovering from a shoulder injury. Alongside Loris Karius, Kenan Karaman and Nikola Katic, he formed part of a senior core that steadied the team after mid-season stumbles. Sporting director Youri Mulder praised his influence, calling him a key player and a role model on and off the pitch.

“Our conversations over the past few weeks made it clear that Edin is still as hungry as ever. We therefore believe that he can help us in the Bundesliga too.”

A decorated career

Džeko's career includes league titles with Wolfsburg (2008-09) and Manchester City (2011-12, 2013-14), as well as Italian Cup wins with Inter Milan in 2022 and 2023. He was the Bundesliga's top scorer in 2009-10 before moving to City for £27 million. He scored 85 goals in 142 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg across three and a half seasons, and later netted 46 goals in two seasons at Fenerbahce. Internationally, he is Bosnia's record scorer with 73 goals in 151 appearances and captained the side at the 2026 World Cup, starting three of four matches before a last-32 exit to the United States. His last Bundesliga campaign was with Wolfsburg in 2010-11, making his return a 16-year gap.

What lies ahead

Schalke's first Bundesliga match after three seasons away is at Augsburg on August 30. Džeko will be among the oldest outfield players in the league; the record for oldest Bundesliga player is held by Klaus Fichtel (43 years, 184 days), and Claudio Pizarro is the oldest goalscorer at 40 years and 227 days. While Džeko is beyond his physical prime, he remains an awkward opponent for defenders and still capable of converting chances. His experience and standing may prove even more valuable for a newly promoted side that will be outmatched against many opponents. The timeline below traces his Schalke journey from arrival to the season opener.