Anel Hadžić

Anel Hadžić (born 16 August 1989) is a Bosnian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Hadžić started his professional career at Ried, before joining Sturm Graz in 2013. Three years later, he was transferred to Eskişehirspor. Later that year, he signed with Fehérvár. In 2021, Hadžić moved to Wacker Innsbruck. He switched to Wels later that year.

A former Austrian youth international, Hadžić made his senior international debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014, earning 14 caps until 2017. He represented the nation at their first major championship, the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Early career
Because of the outbreak of the Bosnian War, Hadžić's family fled from his native Bosnia and Herzegovina and moved to Austria, where he started playing football at a local club, before joining Ried's youth academy in 1999. He made his professional against Austria Kärnten on 29 September 2007 at the age of 17. On 25 October 2009, he scored his first professional goal against Red Bull Salzburg.

In May 2013, he switched to Sturm Graz.

In January 2016, he was transferred to Turkish side Eskişehirspor.

Fehérvár
In August 2016, Hadžić signed a two-year deal with Hungarian outfit Fehérvár. He made his official debut for the team in a Magyar Kupa game against Pécs on 14 September and managed to score a goal. Two weeks later, he made his league debut against Honvéd. On 22 October, he scored his first league goal in a triumph over Paks. He won his first title with the club on 27 May 2018, when they were crowned league champions.

In June, Hadžić extended his contract until June 2020.

He played his 100th game for the side against Ferencváros on 20 April 2019.

Later stage of career
In January 2021, Hadžić moved to Wacker Innsbruck.

In July, he joined Wels.

He announced his retirement from football on 17 December.

International career


Despite representing Austria at various youth levels, Hadžić decided to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the senior level.

In September 2013, his request to change sports citizenship from Austrian to Bosnian was approved by FIFA. Subsequently, in February 2014, he received his first senior call-up, for a friendly game against Egypt, and debuted in that game on 5 March.

In June 2014, Hadžić was named in Bosnia and Herzegovina's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, country's first major competition. He made his tournament debut in the last group match against Iran on 25 June.

Personal life
Hadžić's younger brother Elvir is also a professional footballer.

He married his long-time girlfriend Alma in June 2019. Together they have a son named Rayan.

Honours
Ried
 * Austrian Cup: 2010–11

Fehérvár
 * Nemzeti Bajnokság I: 2017–18
 * Magyar Kupa: 2018–19