Ervin Zukanović (born 11 February 1987) is a Bosnian former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. He is currently assistant coach of Čelik Zenica. Zukanović started his professional career at Željezničar. After leaving the club, he had short spells with Austria Lustenau II, Velež, Sulzberg and KFC Uerdingen, before settling in Belgium, where he played for Dender, Eupen, Kortrijk and Gent. In 2014, he was loaned to Chievo. The following year, Zukanović was transferred to Sampdoria. One year after, he switched to Roma, who loaned him to Atalanta in 2016 and to Genoa in 2017, with whom he signed permanently a year later. In 2019, Zukanović joined Al-Ahli. The following year, he moved to SPAL. Later that year, he signed with Fatih Karagümrük. In 2022, he joined Asteras Tripolis. Zukanović made his senior international debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2012, earning over 30 caps until 2019.

Club career

Early career

Zukanović came through the youth academy of his hometown club Željezničar. He made his professional debut in 2005 at the age of 18. After leaving the team, he had short spells with mostly lower-league sides like Austria Lustenau II, Sulzberg and KFC Uerdingen. In January 2009, he joined Belgian outfit Dender. On 7 March, he scored his first professional goal against Genk. In July 2010, Zukanović switched to Eupen. In June 2011, he was transferred to Kortrijk. In December 2012, he moved to Gent.

Chievo

In June 2014, Zukanović was loaned to Italian side Chievo until the end of the season. He made his official debut for the team on 24 September against Sampdoria. On 26 October, he scored his first goal for Chievo against Genoa. In June 2015, Chievo signed him on a four-year deal.

Sampdoria

In July, Zukanović was transferred to Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee. He made his competitive debut for the squad in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against Vojvodina on 30 July. A month later, he made his league debut against Napoli. On 25 October, he scored his first goal for Sampdoria in a triumph over Hellas Verona.

Roma

In January 2016, Zukanović was sent on a six-month loan to Roma, with an option to make the transfer permanent. He debuted officially for the club against Frosinone on 30 January. A month later, Roma exercised their buy clause and signed him on a contract until June 2019. On 8 March, Zukanović debuted in the UEFA Champions League away at Real Madrid. In July, he was sent on a season-long loan to Atalanta.

Genoa

In July 2017, Zukanović was loaned to Genoa for the remainder of the campaign. He debuted competitively for the side against Lazio on 17 September. In March 2018, Genoa signed him on a three-year deal.

Later stage of career

In August 2019, Zukanović was transferred to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli. In January 2020, he signed with SPAL. In August, he joined Turkish team Fatih Karagümrük. In August 2022, he moved to Greek side Asteras Tripolis. He announced his retirement from football on 16 July 2024.

International career

In October 2012, Zukanović received his first senior call-up to Bosnia and Herzegovina, for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Lithuania. He debuted against the latter on 16 October. Zukanović was selected in Bosnia and Herzegovina's preliminary squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He failed to join the team, which had a training camp in the United States, due to visa problems. However, he later blamed the Bosnian FA, which subsequently got him dropped from the squad. He retired from international football on 20 October 2020.

Managerial career

In August 2024, Zukanović was appointed as Čelik Zenica assistant coach.

Personal life

Zukanović married his long-time girlfriend Emina in July 2011. Together they have three children, a daughter named Alin and two sons named Armin and Din. He is a practising Muslim; together with international teammates Ibrahim Šehić, Muhamed Bešić, Armin Hodžić, Izet Hajrović, Sead Kolašinac and Edin Višća he visited a mosque in Zenica during the national team's concentration. Zukanović possesses Belgian passport since 2015.

Career statistics

Club

International