Esmir Bajraktarević is a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a winger for PSV Eindhoven and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States, to Bosnian refugee parents, he developed through the youth systems of SC Wave, Chicago Fire, and the New England Revolution before moving to PSV in 2025. After representing the United States at youth level and making one senior appearance, he switched his international allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024, honoring his family’s heritage.
As his career has flourished, many supporters have become interested in Esmir Bajraktarević’s family, including his girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
Esmir Bajraktarević Girlfriend and Relationship Status
Bosnian footballer Esmir Bajraktarević is dating a young woman named Leila (also referred to in the Bosnian press as Leila Hotic).
The PSV Eindhoven winger prefers to keep his private life out of the spotlight. However, he shared some romantic photos with his girlfriend on social media, quickly drawing attention and praise from fans of the Bosnian national team.
When Esmir was officially unveiled by the Dutch club, local fans and commentators were curious about a very beautiful young woman accompanying him on the pitch. The press later clarified that it was his sister, Elma Bajraktarević, who is one of his greatest supporters in his career.
Esmir Bajraktarević Children and Family Life
There is no verified public information indicating that Esmir Bajraktarević has children.
At just 21 years old, his public life remains centered on his rapidly developing football career with PSV Eindhoven and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.
Esmir Bajraktarević Parents and Early Life
Esmir Bajraktarević was born on 10 March 2005 in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States.
His parents are Elmir Bajraktarević and Emina Bajraktarević, both Bosniaks originally from Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the Bosnian War, they were forced to flee their homeland, first seeking refuge in Switzerland before being resettled in the United States in 2001. Their experiences profoundly shaped Esmir’s identity and ultimately influenced his decision to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally.
Esmir has spoken emotionally about his family’s history, explaining that the tragedy of Srebrenica is a fundamental part of who he is and that representing Bosnia and Herzegovina fulfills a lifelong dream rooted in his family’s heritage.
Esmir Bajraktarević Siblings and Family Background
Esmir comes from a close-knit family and has an older sister named Elma and an older brother named Osman.
His brother and sister were born while the family was living in Switzerland before they emigrated to the United States. The Bajraktarević family has maintained strong Bosnian traditions, language, and culture despite growing up in America, helping Esmir remain closely connected to his roots.
How Family Influenced Esmir Bajraktarević’s Career
Family has been the driving force behind Esmir Bajraktarević’s football journey.
His father, Elmir, played a significant role in nurturing his passion for football from an early age, while his parents ensured that Bosnian culture remained central to family life. Although Esmir grew up in Wisconsin, he frequently visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, spoke Bosnian at home, and grew up idolizing Bosnian football legend Edin Džeko.
These deep family connections ultimately led him to switch his international allegiance from the United States to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024, describing the decision as one made “from the heart.”
Esmir Bajraktarević’s Professional Journey
Bajraktarević began his career with SC Wave before joining the academies of Chicago Fire and the New England Revolution. After making his professional breakthrough in Major League Soccer, he signed for PSV Eindhoven in January 2025.
Internationally, he represented the United States at youth level and even made one senior appearance before receiving FIFA approval to switch to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since then, he has become an important player for the national team and played a key role in helping Bosnia qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FAQ About Esmir Bajraktarević’s Family
Does Esmir Bajraktarević have a girlfriend?
Yes, Bosnian footballer Esmir Bajraktarević is dating a young woman named Leila.
Is Esmir Bajraktarević married?
Esmir Bajraktarević is not married.
Does Esmir Bajraktarević have children?
No. There is no verified information suggesting that he has children.
Who are Esmir Bajraktarević’s parents?
His parents are Elmir Bajraktarević and Emina Bajraktarević, Bosnian refugees originally from Srebrenica.
Does Esmir Bajraktarević have siblings?
Yes. He has an older sister, Elma, and an older brother, Osman.
Where was Esmir Bajraktarević born?
He was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States, on 10 March 2005.
Why does Esmir Bajraktarević play for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Although he represented the United States at youth level and once at senior level, he chose Bosnia and Herzegovina because of his family’s heritage, his upbringing, and his strong emotional connection to his parents’ homeland.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
