Born on September 21, 2007, Kerim-Sam Alajbegović is a talented young footballer from Bosnia who has garnered significant attention for his outstanding technical skills and adaptability on the field. Primarily playing as a left-winger, Alajbegović is recognized for his exceptional dribbling, creativity, and vision. He is also capable of playing on the right wing or in an attacking midfield role, making him an invaluable member of both the senior and youth teams of Bayer Leverkusen. Although he was born in Germany, Alajbegović has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at various youth levels, highlighting his skills on the international platform.

Alajbegović began his football career at 1. FC Köln, where he entered their youth academy before transferring to Bayer Leverkusen’s youth setup in 2021. Since aligning with the Bundesliga powerhouse, he has consistently stood out in the UEFA Youth League and various other youth tournaments, demonstrating his ability to excel at a high standard. His energetic playing style and knack for impacting the game position him as one of the most thrilling young talents in Bosnian football. He looks up to German international Florian Wirtz, whose style of play has greatly influenced his own on-field approach.

Despite being young, Alajbegović has already made a significant impact in youth football, showcasing his talent with impressive performances for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the U15, U17, U19, and U21 levels. His leadership skills have been evident as he has taken on the role of captain for Bosnia's youth teams, reflecting his maturity and ability to lead on the pitch. As he continues to grow, Alajbegović is certainly a player to keep an eye on for the future of both Bayer Leverkusen and Bosnian football.

Career Achievements

Alajbegović's career has already been marked by significant accomplishments that highlight his potential. One of the key milestones in his early career was his transition to Bayer Leverkusen’s youth academy in 2021. This represented a crucial advancement, as Leverkusen is among the leading clubs in Germany, offering Alajbegović the chance to grow in one of Europe’s most challenging environments. His displays in the UEFA Youth League have been especially noteworthy, as he consistently demonstrates his talent and capability to excel in high-pressure situations.

Alajbegović's international ascent has been remarkable as well. He has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina across multiple youth levels, namely the U15, U17, U19, and U21 teams. During his time with the U15 squad, he netted three goals in four matches, marking him as one of Bosnia's brightest young prospects. His leadership skills were showcased further when he took on the role of captain for various youth teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These achievements on the global stage have solidified his status as a prominent young talent in Bosnian football.

One of the most noteworthy milestones in his career occurred in 2024 when Alajbegović started making appearances for Bayer Leverkusen’s senior team, signifying the start of his journey into professional football. With his technical abilities, adaptability, and leadership traits, Alajbegović's prospects in both club and international football appear exceedingly promising, and it will be thrilling to observe how his career develops in the years ahead. 

Statistics

Alajbegović's statistics showcase his remarkable talent and swift progression in both youth and senior football. During his time at Bayer Leverkusen’s youth setup, he has displayed immense potential, particularly in the UEFA Youth League, where he has distinguished himself as a key player. Although his senior appearances are currently limited, his youth performances indicate a strong potential to significantly impact the first team soon. His capacity to excel in various attacking roles provides him with a level of versatility that is highly appreciated at the highest levels of the sport.

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 exceptional dribbling and ability to create scoring opportunities have positioned him as one of the standout talents among youth players. During the 2023-2024 UEFA Youth League, Alajbegović made significant contributions, recording both goals and assists in multiple matches.

International Career Statistics (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Alajbegović has made notable progress on the international youth stage. While representing the Bosnia and Herzegovina U15 team, he netted three goals in just four matches. His on-field leadership has granted him the opportunity to wear the captain's armband at various levels, highlighting his maturity and ability to guide his team. As he climbs the ranks, Alajbegović is anticipated to play an even more crucial role for Bosnia and Herzegovina in senior international competitions.

Year	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 & Recoveries

Alajbegović's resilience is evident in how he has navigated challenges early in his career. Like numerous young athletes, he encountered intense competition upon joining Bayer Leverkusen’s youth academy, a club renowned for cultivating exceptional talents. Nonetheless, Alajbegović's resolve and strong work ethic enabled him to meet the challenge and become a central figure in the youth team. His capacity to adjust to various playing styles and maintain consistent performances has demonstrated that he is adept at overcoming any hurdles in his path.

On the international stage, Alajbegović has demonstrated remarkable resilience, especially while representing Bosnia and Herzegovina in various youth tournaments. Although he is still quite young, he has shown a level of maturity and leadership on the field that has earned him the admiration of both his teammates and coaches. His capacity to perform in high-pressure situations, whether it be in the UEFA Youth League or while leading his national team, highlights his mental strength and dedication to achieving success.

The journey of Alajbegović is marked by resilience, diligence, and a strong commitment to his profession. As he progresses in his career, he will certainly encounter obstacles; however, his capability to tackle challenges will be one of his notable advantages as he moves forward.

Heritage

Despite being in the early stages of his career, Alajbegović is already establishing a legacy characterized by his remarkable talent, strong leadership skills, and exceptional performance at high levels. His ability to excel in both club and international football is evident through his displays with Bayer Leverkusen’s youth team as well as his impact on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s youth squads. If he maintains his current path, Alajbegović could emerge as one of the most significant Bosnian players of his generation.

His exceptional leadership and maturity, particularly for someone of his age, distinguish him from his contemporaries. As Alajbegović continues to advance in his career, he has the potential to become a pivotal player for both Bayer Leverkusen and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. His capacity to motivate and guide others will undoubtedly create a profound legacy, both in the Bundesliga and on the international platform.

In the years to come, Alajbegović has the potential to emerge as one of the prominent figures in European football, emulating the path of his idol, Florian Wirtz. His legacy will not solely rest on his technical prowess but will also be shaped 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 progress at Bayer Leverkusen could lead to him becoming a staple in the first team, and he is anticipated to play a crucial role in the club's upcoming achievements. With his capacity to perform in various attacking positions, Alajbegović provides a flexible option for the team, positioning him as an essential contributor to the club's tactical adaptability.

Alajbegović's international career with Bosnia and Herzegovina shows great promise. Having already taken on the role of captain for his youth teams, it is likely that he will soon receive a call-up to the senior national squad. As he continues to grow and develop, Alajbegović has the potential to play a crucial role in leading Bosnia and Herzegovina to success on the global stage, with opportunities to participate 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 leading young wingers across Europe. His technical skills, creativity, and leadership attributes will certainly make him one of the most thrilling players to observe in the Bundesliga and on the international stage. Fueled by his strong work ethic and determination, there are no bounds to what Alajbegović can accomplish in his football career.