Ermin Bičakčić


Ermin Bičakčić is a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a centre back for German club 1899 Hoffenheim and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.
Bičakčić started his professional career at VfB Stuttgart, playing mainly in its reserve team, before joining Eintracht Braunschweig in 2012. Two years later, he moved to 1899 Hoffenheim.
Bičakčić represented Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina on youth levels, but decided to represent the latter on senior level. He made his senior international debut in 2013, earning over 30 caps since. Bičakčić represented the nation at their first major tournament, the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

Early career

Bičakčić started playing football at local clubs, SpVgg Möckmühl and FC Heilbronn, before joining VfB Stuttgart's youth academy in 2005. He made his professional debut in DFB-Pokal game against Chemnitzer FC on 27 October 2010 at the age of 20. On 29 July 2011, he scored his first professional goal against Wehen Wiesbaden.

Eintracht Braunschweig

In January 2012, Bičakčić moved to Eintracht Braunschweig on a contract until June 2013. He made his competitive debut for the team on 5 February against Eintracht Frankfurt. On 11 March, he scored his first goal for Eintracht Braunschweig against Energie Cottbus.
In January 2013, he extended his deal until June 2016. At the end of season, Bičakčić was voted the best defender in 2. Bundesliga, as his team earned promotion to Bundesliga.

1899 Hoffenheim

On 20 May 2014, Bičakčić signed a four-year contract with 1899 Hoffenheim. He scored on his official debut for the side, in DFB-Pokal game against USC Paloma on 17 August. Bičakčić made his league debut for the club against FC Augsburg on 23 August. He scored his first league goal in a loss to Werder Bremen.
On 23 September 2016, Bičakčić agreed to a new deal expiring in June 2020.
In September 2017, Bičakčić partially tore anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee, ruling him out for at least three months. He returned to action on 7 December in UEFA Europa League game against Ludogorets.
Even though his playing time was limited, mostly because of many injuries, Bičakčić contributed to his team's first historical qualification for UEFA Champions League, which was sealed in May 2018. He played his first game in the competition on 23 October, which ended in a draw against Lyon.
On 19 December 2018, Bičakčić played his 100th game for the club.
In May 2019, Bičakčić prolonged his contract with 1899 Hoffenheim until June 2022.

International career

Despite representing Germany on various youth levels, Bičakčić decided to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina on senior level. He was first part of Bosnia and Herzegovina under-19 team.
In August 2013, his request to change sports citizenship from German to Bosnian was approved by FIFA. Later that month, he received his first senior call-up, for friendly game against the United States, and debuted in that game on 14 August.
On 10 September, in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, Bičakčić scored his first senior international goal.
In June 2014, Bičakčić was named in Bosnia and Herzegovina's squad for 2014 FIFA World Cup, country's first major competition. He made his competition debut in the opening group match on 15 June, which ended in narrow loss to Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium.

Career statistics

Club

International

International goals

GoalDateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.10 September 2013Štadión pod Dubňom, Žilina, Slovakia
1–1
2–1
2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
2.6 September 2015Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1–0
3–0
UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying
3.25 March 2017Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
5–0
5–0
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification