Kerim-Sam Alajbegović, who was born on September 21, 2007, is an emerging Bosnian football talent that has already gained significant recognition for his outstanding technical skills and versatility on the pitch. Primarily playing as a left-winger, Alajbegović is celebrated for his exceptional dribbling ability, creativity, and game vision. Additionally, he is capable of playing on the right wing or in an attacking midfield role, which makes him an invaluable asset to both the senior and youth teams of Bayer Leverkusen. Although born in Germany, Alajbegović proudly represents Bosnia and Herzegovina at various youth levels, demonstrating his skills on the international stage.

Alajbegović’s football career commenced at 1. FC Köln, where he was part of their youth academy before transitioning to Bayer Leverkusen's youth setup in 2021. Since his arrival at the Bundesliga club, Alajbegović has continually shone in the UEFA Youth League and various youth tournaments, demonstrating his ability to excel at a competitive level. His vibrant playing style and knack for impacting the game have established him as one of the most thrilling young talents in Bosnian football. Alajbegović looks up to German international Florian Wirtz, whose style of play has greatly influenced his own.

At such a young age, Alajbegović has already made significant strides in youth football, making impressive appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina at U15, U17, U19, and U21 levels. His leadership skills have been emphasized through his role as captain of Bosnia's youth teams, underscoring his maturity and ability to lead on the pitch. As he continues to grow and progress, Alajbegović is definitely a player to keep an eye on for the future of both Bayer Leverkusen and Bosnian football.

Key Career Achievements

Alajbegović has already achieved remarkable milestones in his career that highlight his potential. A pivotal moment in his journey was his transition to Bayer Leverkusen’s youth academy in 2021. This represented a significant advancement, as Leverkusen is recognized as one of Germany's premier clubs, offering Alajbegović the chance to progress in one of Europe’s most challenging football environments. His standout performances in the UEFA Youth League have been especially noteworthy, demonstrating his talent and composure in high-pressure situations.

Alajbegović’s international ascent has been remarkable as well. He has played for various youth teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including U15, U17, U19, and U21. During his time with the U15 team, he made a significant impact by scoring three goals in four matches, positioning himself as one of the most promising young footballers in Bosnia. His leadership qualities became even more evident when he took on the role of captain for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s youth squads. These achievements on the international stage have solidified his status as one of the prominent young talents in Bosnian football.

One of the key milestones in his career occurred in 2024 when he started making appearances for Bayer Leverkusen’s senior team, signifying the start of his journey into professional football. Thanks to his technical abilities, versatility, and leadership skills, Alajbegović’s prospects in both club and international football are exceptionally promising, making it thrilling to anticipate how his career will progress in the upcoming years. 

Statistics

Alajbegović's statistics highlight his outstanding talent and swift progress in both youth and senior football. During his time in Bayer Leverkusen's youth system, he has displayed remarkable potential, especially in the UEFA Youth League, where he has excelled as a top performer. Although he has made only a few appearances for the senior team so far, his youth performances indicate that he is capable of making a considerable impact on the first team soon. His versatility to operate in multiple attacking roles is a significant asset that is highly regarded at the highest level.

Youth Career Statistics (Bayer Leverkusen): Since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, Alajbegović has established himself as a vital member of the youth team. Throughout his time with the U19 squad, he has showcased remarkable creativity and playmaking skills. His ability to dribble and create scoring chances has positioned him as one of the most promising talents within the youth setup. During the 2023-2024 UEFA Youth League, Alajbegović played a significant role, contributing both goals and assists in multiple matches.

International Career Statistics (Bosnia and Herzegovina): At the youth international level, Alajbegović has made notable progress. Representing the U15 team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he netted three goals in just four matches. His leadership skills on the field have led him to wear the captain's armband at various stages, highlighting his maturity and capability to guide his team. As he continues to advance in his career, Alajbegović is anticipated to make increasingly impactful contributions for Bosnia and Herzegovina in senior international competitions.

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Team
2021-2022	Bayer Leverkusen U19	12	3	5	Bayer Leverkusen
2022-2023	Bayer Leverkusen U19	15	6	4	Bayer Leverkusen
2023-2024	UEFA Youth League	6	2	3	Bayer Leverkusen
2023-2024	Bosnia & Herzegovina U15	4	3	1	Bosnia U15

Resilience & Recovery

Alajbegović's resilience is evident in how he has tackled challenges at the onset of his career. Like many young athletes, he encountered fierce competition upon joining Bayer Leverkusen's youth academy, which is renowned for nurturing elite talent. Nevertheless, his determination and strong work ethic enabled him to meet the challenge head-on and become a pivotal member of the youth team. His capacity to adapt to various playing styles and maintain consistent performance levels demonstrates his ability to overcome any hurdles he faces.

On the international stage, Alajbegović has shown remarkable resilience while representing Bosnia and Herzegovina in various youth tournaments. Even at a young age, he has displayed significant maturity and leadership during matches, earning the admiration of both his teammates and coaches. His capacity to thrive under pressure, whether competing in the UEFA Youth League or leading his national team, highlights his mental fortitude and dedication to achieving success.

The journey of Alajbegović is characterized by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to his sport. As he progresses in his career, he will surely encounter obstacles; however, his capacity to overcome challenges will be a significant asset for him as he moves forward.

Heritage

Even though Alajbegović is still at the beginning of his career, he is already forging a legacy characterized by his outstanding talent, leadership skills, and capability to excel at the highest levels. His ability to thrive in both club and international football is evident from his performances with Bayer Leverkusen’s youth team and his contributions to the youth teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina. If he maintains his current path, Alajbegović could become one of the most impactful Bosnian players of his generation.

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

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

Future Prospects

As we look to the future, Alajbegović is poised for a promising career in both club and international football. His ongoing development at Bayer Leverkusen may lead him to become a consistent presence in the first team, and he is likely to play a crucial role in the club's upcoming achievements. Alajbegović's capability to excel in various attacking positions provides a valuable option for the team, establishing him as a significant player for the club’s tactical versatility.

Alajbegović’s international career with Bosnia and Herzegovina is filled with promise. Having already taken on the role of captain for his country's youth teams, it is only a matter of time before he earns a call-up to the senior national squad. As he continues to develop, Alajbegović is expected to play a crucial role in aiding Bosnia and Herzegovina in achieving success on the global stage, with potential participation in prestigious tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship or the FIFA World Cup.

In the years ahead, Alajbegović is anticipated to establish himself as one of the premier young wingers in Europe. His technical skills, creativity, and leadership traits will certainly make him a standout player to follow in the Bundesliga and on the international scene. With his strong work ethic and resolve, there are no bounds to what Alajbegović can accomplish in his career.