PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Esmir Bajraktarević |
| Date of Birth | 10 March 2005 (Age: 21) |
| Place of Birth | Appleton, Wisconsin, USA |
| Nationality | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Height | — |
| Position | Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #19 (PSV) |
| Current Club | PSV Eindhoven |
| Previous Clubs | New England Revolution, New England Revolution II |
| International Caps | 20 |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Market Value | €8 million |
The Frozen Moment
Eindhoven, Netherlands. March 31, 2026. A World Cup playoff. Bosnia and Herzegovina versus Italy. A nation’s dream hung in the balance. After a dramatic 1-1 draw, the match went to penalties. Esmir Bajraktarević, just 21 years old, had already played over 120 minutes. Now he stood over the spot, facing Gianluigi Donnarumma—one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
With Bosnia leading 3-1 in the shootout, Bajraktarević stepped up and calmly slotted his penalty underneath Donnarumma’s gloves. The stadium erupted. Bosnia had qualified for their second-ever World Cup.
The moment was the culmination of a remarkable journey. Born in Wisconsin to Bosnian parents who had fled the Srebrenica genocide as refugees, Bajraktarević had once represented the United States at youth level and made a single senior appearance in a friendly. But in his heart, he always knew: “I’m very proud every time I play for Bosnia. It’s a different feeling. It’s where my parents come from and it’s what I’ve always thought of myself as, as a Bosnian.”
The “Milwaukee Messi” had become a national hero.
Origins
Esmir Bajraktarević was born on 10 March 2005 in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Bosnian parents Elmir and Emina. His parents had escaped Srebrenica during the 1995 Bosnian genocide, losing multiple family members. They spent two years as refugees in Switzerland before moving to the United States in 2001 through a refugee resettlement program. The tragedy of Srebrenica remains a defining part of Bajraktarević’s identity: “It’s a part of me and who I am. It’s in my blood.”
Bajraktarević began his football journey at SC Wave, a local club in the Milwaukee area. His exceptional talent earned him the nickname “Milwaukee Messi,” referencing his stocky build, left-footed playmaking ability, and dribbling skills. He later spent time in the Chicago Fire academy before joining the New England Revolution youth setup.
In May 2022, at just 17 years old, he signed his first professional contract with the New England Revolution.
The Professional Forge
New England Revolution (2021-2025)
Bajraktarević made his professional debut for New England Revolution II at the age of 16, first featuring in USL League One before progressing to MLS Next Pro. He made his first-team debut for the New England Revolution in a U.S. Open Cup match against New York City FC on 26 May 2022.
Over his time at the Revolution, he made 45 MLS appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 1 assist. He also featured in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Leagues Cup, contributing to his growing reputation as one of the most promising young wingers in American soccer. New England Revolution sporting director Curt Onalfo described him as having “exceptional skill” and “elite athletic qualities.”
PSV Eindhoven (2025-Present)
In January 2025, Bajraktarević made the move to Europe, joining Dutch Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven for approximately €3 million. He made his official debut against Zwolle on 18 January 2025 and debuted in the UEFA Champions League away at Arsenal on 12 March.
In his debut half-season with PSV, he helped the club win the Eredivisie title—his first major trophy. Over a season and a half with PSV, Bajraktarević has made 42 appearances for the first team, accumulating 1,461 minutes of action. Despite largely featuring as a substitute, he has recorded an impressive 7 goals and 5 assists, directly contributing to a goal every 122 minutes on average.
However, the 2026-27 season has begun with uncertainty. Bajraktarević was an unused substitute in PSV’s Eredivisie opener and has subsequently featured for Jong PSV (the reserve team), leading to speculation about his future. Manager Peter Bosz appears to favour other options on the wings, and Dutch media suggest a loan move or permanent transfer could be on the cards if PSV receives the right offer—potentially “millions more” than his €8 million market value.
He is under contract with PSV until June 2029.
The Anatomy of His Game
Bajraktarević is a creative, left-footed attacking player known for his dribbling, pace, and one-on-one ability.
In Possession
Bajraktarević is “gifted on the ball” and can play as a No. 10, drifting in and out of midfield from the right flank, or as a traditional winger. He is a “stocky left-footed playmaker” with “the dribbling skills of a modern winger.” His ability to create chances in one-on-one situations was noted as a key strength during his time in MLS. He is capable of playing on both flanks or behind the striker, making him a versatile attacking option.
Out of Possession
Bajraktarević’s work rate and pressing from the front are developing. His athleticism has been praised, but he has needed to learn the tactical side of the game and how to contribute effectively on both sides of the ball.
Versatility
Primarily a winger, Bajraktarević has also operated as an attacking midfielder and as a left or right-sided forward. His ability to drift inside from wide areas makes him unpredictable and difficult for defenders to track.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2025-26 Season Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Sub Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | 28 | 8 | 1,058 | 4 | 4 | 20 |
| KNVB Cup | 4 | 3 | 285 | 3 | — | — |
| UEFA Champions League | 5 | — | 83 | — | — | 5 |
| Super Cup | 1 | — | 14 | — | — | 1 |
| Total | 38 | 11+ | 1,440+ | 7 | 4 | 26 |
TABLE B: Career (Senior)
| Club | Period | League Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Revolution II | 2021-2023 | 36 | 7 |
| New England Revolution | 2022-2025 | 45 | 3 |
| PSV Eindhoven | 2025-Present | 32 | 4 |
| Jong PSV | 2025-2026 | 10 | 1 |
| Total | 2021-Present | 123+ | 15+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup 2026 | — | — | Round of 32 |
| Senior Career | 20 | 1 | — |
| U23 Career (USA) | — | — | — |
TABLE D: Major Honours
| Honour | Year(s) | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Eredivisie | 2024-25 | PSV Eindhoven |
What These Figures Reveal
Bajraktarević’s move to Europe has been a significant step forward in his development. Despite limited starting opportunities, his output of 7 goals and 5 assists in 1,461 minutes of Eredivisie action is impressive for a player in the early stages of his European career. His experience in the UEFA Champions League, albeit limited minutes, further demonstrates his potential. His international record, including the decisive penalty against Italy, shows his composure in high-pressure situations.
The Present Tense
Esmir Bajraktarević is 21 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. He is a key player for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team but faces uncertainty at club level with PSV Eindhoven.
The PSV Eindhoven Story
Bajraktarević’s time at PSV has been a mixed experience. While he has shown flashes of brilliance and produced good numbers, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Peter Bosz. The arrival of Ivan Perišić has further limited his opportunities.
Dutch media have reported that PSV is open to his departure if the right offer arrives—potentially “millions more” than his €8 million market value. A loan move is also a possibility, with the aim of securing regular first-team football and continuity.
The International Career
Bajraktarević’s international story is one of the most compelling narratives of recent years. He represented the United States at youth level and made his senior debut in a friendly against Slovenia in January 2024. However, seeing limited opportunities with the USMNT, he filed a one-time switch to Bosnia and Herzegovina in August 2024.
He made his debut for Bosnia on 7 September 2024. On 31 March 2026, he scored the winning penalty against Italy in a World Cup playoff to send Bosnia to the 2026 World Cup. He is also the player who converted the decisive spot-kick in the playoff against Wales.
The 2026 World Cup Campaign
Bajraktarević was named in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historic World Cup squad. He has played in every World Cup match for Bosnia, starting the opening draw against Canada, appearing as a substitute in the loss to Switzerland, and playing all 90 minutes in the victory over Qatar. He featured in the Round of 32 match against the United States, the country of his birth—a “twist of fate” that captured global attention.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Bajraktarević’s story is one of identity, heritage, and belief. His parents survived the Srebrenica genocide and fled to the U.S. as refugees, losing multiple family members along the way. Bajraktarević has always felt a deep connection to Bosnia: “In heart I always knew since I was little that it was going to be Bosnia at the end of the day. There’s videos of me wearing Edin Džeko’s jersey growing up. He was my favorite player growing up, and it’s just something you dream of.”
His decision to switch national allegiances was bold, but one that his former coach at New England Revolution described as fitting his character: “I just think that he’s a kid that just takes risks, and he takes chances, and he believes in himself… I wish him well in the game against the U.S. even though I want the US to win.”
Transfer Speculation
Bajraktarević’s future at PSV is uncertain. According to Dutch media, PSV is open to selling or loaning him this summer. The club is reportedly seeking a fee of “millions more” than his €8 million market value. A decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks.
The Verdict from the Camp
Sergej Barbarez, Bosnia and Herzegovina Head Coach:
“He’s a classic example of what’s happening lately since I’ve been here. We’ve expanded our horizons all the way to the U.S…. He’s a very good guy, extremely well-mannered, a really nice guy who knows why he’s here. He can feel the jersey he’s wearing.”
Curt Onalfo, New England Revolution Sporting Director:
“You have to be exceptional, and in the case of Esmir, he has exceptional skill. It’s visible, his ball handling is exceptional. He also has elite athletic qualities as well. He needed to learn the game tactically, and that’s what we helped him with.”
Esmir Bajraktarević:
“I’m very proud every time I play for Bosnia. It’s a different feeling. It’s where my parents come from and it’s what I’ve always thought of myself as, as a Bosnian.”
Media Reports:
The Athletic described Bajraktarević as “the ‘Milwaukee Messi’ who became a national hero in the World Cup play-off matches.” The Eindhovens Dagblad noted: “Will there be space for him to play? It will become clear in the coming weeks,” suggesting his situation at PSV remains unresolved.
Where Next?
Esmir Bajraktarević is 21 years old. He has already achieved significant milestones—a World Cup qualification, a penalty against Italy, and a move to a top European club. Now he stands at a crossroads.
The PSV Situation
Bajraktarević is under contract with PSV until 2029. His immediate future depends on whether manager Peter Bosz sees a role for him or whether a loan or permanent transfer to another club materialises.
The International Picture
With 20 caps and a World Cup already under his belt, Bajraktarević is one of Bosnia’s most important young players. He will be a cornerstone of the national team for the next decade.
Legacy
From Appleton, Wisconsin, to the World Cup, from the U.S. youth setup to Bosnian national hero, Esmir Bajraktarević’s journey is one of courage, identity, and belief. He has carried the weight of his parents’ history—their escape from Srebrenica, their lost family members, their journey as refugees—and transformed it into a footballing story that has united a nation.
His no-look penalty against Italy will be remembered for generations. His decision to represent Bosnia, the country of his parents’ birth, was a bold one that paid off. Now, as he faces uncertainty at club level, the “Milwaukee Messi” has every chance to continue writing his remarkable story. At just 21, his career is only beginning.
