Mirsad Baljić

Mirsad Baljić (born 4 March 1962) is a Bosnian former professional footballer who played as an offensive left-back.

He got his nickname Žvaka (chewing gum) for his constant use of chewing gum during matches.

Club career Baljić made his first football steps in hometown club Sarajevo's youth team before temporarily leaving football because of medical problems. When he returned, he went to city rivals Željezničar, and as one of their more talented youngsters, he got the opportunity to play in the first team. His league debut came in 1980 when he was aged 18. His biggest success at the club was reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals in the 1984–85 season under the guidance of Ivica Osim.

In 1988, Baljić moved to Swiss side Sion and stayed there until 1992, before leaving to join Zürich. After two seasons there he left to Luzern. Baljić finished his career at Locarno in 1995.

International career Baljić played in the youth, under-21 and Olympic teams of Yugoslavia.

He made his senior debut for Yugoslavia in a March 1984 friendly game against Hungary and has earned a total of 29 caps, scoring 2 goals. Baljić was part of the UEFA Euro 1984 and 1990 FIFA World Cup Yugoslav squads. His final international was a June 1990 FIFA World Cup match against West Germany.

International caps by year

Personal life Baljić lives and works in Switzerland. His son Omar is also a footballer, and has played for the Swiss national youth teams.

Honours Sion Nationalliga A: 1991–92 Swiss Cup: 1990–91

Yugoslavia Summer Olympics third place: 1984