Kerim Alajbegović: From a boy with dreams to realizing a dream, love for my country shaped me

(Patria) - A retrospective of his football journey was published on Kerim Alajbegović's Facebook page. From a boy to a representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with whom he is going to the World Cup in June.

Two photos were published, one from the beginning of his journey and another in the national team jersey.

"This on the left in the photo is me as a child, just at the beginning of my journey. A boy with dreams bigger than himself, but with a lot of fear and doubt. Days when training was hard, when sacrifices hurt, when I had to choose between friends and the field, between the easier and the right path. There I learned what discipline means, what it means to fall and get up stronger. There I left bad habits behind and built myself, step by step, day by day.

And this on the right, that's me today. The same boy, only more mature. At just 18 years old, all the effort, tears, and sweat have turned into reality, I am going with Bosnia and Herzegovina to the World Cup.

But what has remained the same, and what will always remain, is the love for my country. Wherever I go, whatever paths I take, I carry this country in my heart and soul. Its rivers, mountains, people, and struggle – all of it is a part of me. It has shaped me and given me the strength to move forward.

Nothing happened overnight. Behind this picture are years of quiet struggle, family support, and the belief that dreams come true for those who don't give up. There were moments when it was easiest to give up. When no one was watching, when doubts were louder than dreams. But that's exactly when I learned – champions are not made in front of an audience, but in silence, when you decide to move on, even when it's hardest," Alajbegović said.