Blerim Džemaili
A versatile and technically gifted Swiss midfield engine who delivered crucial goals in World Cups and became a cult hero at Bologna.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: April 12·Millennials
Biography
Blerim Džemaili's career is a map of European football, marked by resilience, a thunderous right foot, and a profound sense of belonging. Born in Macedonia to Albanian parents, his family sought asylum in Switzerland when he was a child, and he rose through the ranks of the Swiss national system. A complete central midfielder, Džemaili combined defensive grit with a penchant for spectacular long-range strikes. His club journey saw him at the pinnacle with spells at Bolton Wanderers and Napoli—where he won a Coppa Italia—and in the passionate heart of Italy's Serie A with Genoa, Bologna, and Torino. It was at Bologna where he truly found his spiritual home, becoming captain and a fan favorite for his commitment and leadership. On the international stage, he was a stalwart for Switzerland, earning over 60 caps and scoring memorable goals in consecutive World Cups (2014 and 2018). Džemaili's story is one of a footballer who maximized his talent through hard work, becoming a key figure for every team he represented and a symbol of Switzerland's successful immigrant footballing culture.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Blerim was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Blerim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Blerim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored for Switzerland in both the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup tournaments.
- Won the Coppa Italia with S.S.C. Napoli in the 2011-2012 season.
- Earned over 60 caps for the Swiss national team between 2006 and 2018.
- Served as captain of Bologna F.C. during his impactful tenure at the club.
Did You Know?
He holds Swiss citizenship and represented Switzerland internationally, but was born in Tetovo, Macedonia.
His younger brother, Orhan Džemaili, is also a professional footballer.
He scored a stunning 30-yard volley for Switzerland against France in the 2014 World Cup.
After retiring, he returned to Bologna in a front-office role as a club manager.
“I play for the crest on the front, not the name on the back.”
