Kerim-Sam Alajbegović, born on September 21, 2007, is an emerging Bosnian football talent who has already garnered attention for his remarkable technical skills and versatility on the pitch. Primarily functioning as a left-winger, Alajbegović is recognized for his dribbling ability, creativity, and vision. He is also capable of playing on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder, making him a valuable asset to both the senior and youth teams at Bayer Leverkusen. Originally from Germany, Alajbegović has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at multiple youth levels, demonstrating his capabilities on the international stage.

Alajbegović started his football career at 1. FC Köln, where he entered their youth academy before transferring to the youth setup of Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. Since becoming a part of this Bundesliga powerhouse, Alajbegović has continually impressed during the UEFA Youth League and other youth tournaments, demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level. His dynamic style of play and capacity to impact the game have established him as one of the most promising young talents in Bosnian football. He looks up to German international Florian Wirtz, whose style of play has influenced his own approach to the game.

At such a young age, Alajbegović has already made significant strides in youth football, showcasing his talent through impressive performances for Bosnia and Herzegovina at various levels, including U15, U17, U19, and U21. His exceptional leadership skills have been evident as he has captained the youth teams, reflecting his maturity and ability to lead on the pitch. As he progresses further, Alajbegović is undoubtedly a player to keep an eye on for the future of both Bayer Leverkusen and Bosnian football.

Significant Career Achievements

Alajbegović has already achieved remarkable milestones in his career, highlighting his immense potential. A pivotal moment in his early journey was his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen’s youth academy in 2021. This represented a significant advancement, as Leverkusen is recognized as one of Germany’s leading clubs, allowing Alajbegović to cultivate his skills in a highly competitive European setting. His performances in the UEFA Youth League have stood out, demonstrating his flair and capacity to excel in high-pressure matches.

Alajbegović's international journey has been remarkably noteworthy. He has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina across various youth categories, including the U15, U17, U19, and U21 teams. During his time with the U15 team, he netted three goals in just four matches, marking him as one of Bosnia's most exciting young prospects. His capacity for leadership was further showcased when he took on the role of captain for Bosnia and Herzegovina's youth squads. These achievements on the global stage have solidified his status as a pivotal young talent in Bosnian football.

One of the most notable milestones in his career occurred in 2024 when he started appearing for Bayer Leverkusen’s senior team, which signified the start of his transition to professional football. With his exceptional technical abilities, versatility, and strong leadership traits, Alajbegović’s prospects in both club and international football appear very promising, and it will be fascinating to witness the progression of his career in the years ahead. 

Performance Metrics

Alajbegović's statistics showcase his remarkable talent and swift progress in both youth and senior football. Throughout his youth career at Bayer Leverkusen, he has demonstrated immense potential, especially in the UEFA Youth League, where he has excelled as a key player. Although his appearances at the senior level remain limited, his performance in youth competitions indicates that he is poised to make a significant contribution to the first team soon. His ability to operate in various attacking positions adds a rare versatility to his skill set, which is highly sought after in top-tier football.

Youth Career Statistics (Bayer Leverkusen): Since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, Alajbegović has emerged as a pivotal member of the youth team. Throughout his time with the U19 squad, he has showcased remarkable creativity and playmaking skills. His impressive dribbling ability and talent for setting up goal-scoring chances have established him as one of the most thrilling prospects within the youth setup. During the 2023-2024 UEFA Youth League, Alajbegović played a significant role, making valuable contributions in terms of both goals and assists across multiple matches.

International Career Statistics (Bosnia and Herzegovina): At the youth international level, Alajbegović has made noteworthy progress. During his time with the Bosnia and Herzegovina U15 team, he netted three goals in just four matches. His on-field leadership has led to him captaining various youth teams, showcasing his maturity and preparedness to guide his teammates. As he continues to advance in his career, Alajbegović is anticipated to play an even more pivotal role for Bosnia and Herzegovina in senior international competitions.

Year

Tournament

Matches Played

Objectives

Assists

Squad

2021-2022

Bayer Leverkusen Under 19

12

3

5

Bayer Leverkusen

2022-2023

Bayer Leverkusen Under 19

15

6

4

Bayer Leverkusen

2023-2024

UEFA Youth League

6

2

3

Bayer Leverkusen

2023-2024

Bosnia and Herzegovina U15

4

3

1

Bosnia U15 Team

Resilience and Recoveries

Alajbegović demonstrates resilience through the challenges he has faced early in his career. Like many young athletes, he encountered tough competition when he joined Bayer Leverkusen’s youth academy, a club renowned for nurturing top talent. Nevertheless, Alajbegović's determination and strong work ethic enabled him to meet these challenges head-on and emerge as a vital player within the youth squad. His capacity to adapt to various playing styles and his consistent performances illustrate his ability to surmount any hurdles that come his way.

On the international stage, Alajbegović has shown remarkable resilience, especially in his role representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at various youth tournaments. Although he is quite young, he has displayed impressive maturity and leadership qualities on the field, earning him the admiration of both his teammates and coaches. His capability to thrive under pressure—whether in the UEFA Youth League or while serving as captain of his national team—highlights his mental fortitude and dedication to achieving success.

The journey of Alajbegović embodies the values of resilience, effort, and commitment to his passion. As he progresses in his career, he is sure to encounter various obstacles; however, his ability to face challenges will be a significant asset as he moves forward.

Heritage

Though Alajbegović is still in the early stages of his career, he is already establishing a legacy defined by his remarkable talent, leadership abilities, and capacity to perform at elite levels. His promise for success in both club and international football shines through in his performances with Bayer Leverkusen’s youth squad and his contributions to youth teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina. If he maintains his current path, Alajbegović could emerge as one of the most impactful Bosnian players of his generation.

Alajbegović's leadership qualities and maturity, particularly for his age, distinguish him from his contemporaries. As he advances in his career, he has the potential to become a pivotal player for both Bayer Leverkusen and the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina. His capacity to motivate and guide will create a lasting impact, whether in the Bundesliga or on the international arena.

In the years to come, Alajbegović has the potential to emerge as a prominent figure in European football, emulating the success of his idol, Florian Wirtz. His legacy will be shaped not only by his technical skills but also by his character and leadership abilities.

Future Prospects

Looking forward, Alajbegović's future appears promising in both club and international football. His ongoing development at Bayer Leverkusen may allow him to become a consistent presence in the first team, and he is anticipated to play a significant role in the club's forthcoming achievements. With his capability to perform in various attacking positions, Alajbegović provides a versatile option for the team, making him a pivotal player for the club’s tactical adaptability.

Alajbegović's international career with Bosnia and Herzegovina looks bright. He has already led his country as a captain at youth levels, suggesting that it won’t be long before he is invited to join the senior national team. As he continues to develop, Alajbegović has the potential to be a key player in Bosnia and Herzegovina's quest for success on the international stage, with chances to compete in important tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

In the years ahead, Alajbegović is anticipated to establish himself as one of the premier young wingers across Europe. His technical skills, creativity, and leadership attributes are sure to make him one of the most captivating players to follow in the Bundesliga as well as on the international stage. With his strong work ethic and determination, there are no bounds to what Alajbegović can accomplish in his career.