A former youth international for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bešić made his senior international debut in 2010, earning over 40 caps until 2022. He represented the nation at their first major championship, the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Club career
Hamburger SV
Bešić started playing football at local clubs, before joining Hamburger SV's youth academy in 2009. In November 2010, he signed his first professional contract with the team.[1] He made his professional debut against Borussia Dortmund on 12 November at the age of 18.[2]
Ferencváros
In August 2012, he moved to Hungarian side Ferencváros on a one-year deal.[3] He made his official debut for the club on 14 September against Haladás.[4] On 5 May 2013, he scored his first professional goal in a triumph over Paks.[5]
In July, he prolonged his contract with the squad until June 2016.[6]
Everton
In July 2014, Bešić was transferred to English outfit Everton for an undisclosed fee.[7] He made his competitive debut for the team on 30 August against Chelsea.[8]
In February 2016, he signed a new five-year deal with the side.[9]
In August, he suffered a severe knee injury, which was diagnosed as an anterior cruciate ligament tear and was ruled out for at least six months. Over eight months after the injury, on 10 April 2017, he returned to the pitch.[10]
In February 2018, he was loaned to Middlesbrough for the remainder of the campaign. In August, his loan was extended for an additional season.[11]
In September 2021, Bešić returned to Ferencváros on a three-year contract.[13] On 22 September, he played his first official game for the squad since coming back against Fehérvár.[14] He won his first trophy with the club after returning on 24 April 2022, when they were crowned league champions.[15] On 29 April, he scored first goal for Ferencváros since his comeback in a defeat of Paks.[16]
Bešić appeared in his 100th match for the team against Honvéd on 13 November.[17]
In February 2023, he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament again and was expected to be sidelined for at least half a year. Over seven months after the injury, on 16 September, he made his return to action and managed to score a goal.[18]
In November 2010, he received his first senior call-up, for a friendly game against Slovakia,[20] and debuted in that game on 17 November.[21]
In June 2014, Bešić was named in Bosnia and Herzegovina's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, country's first major competition.[22] He made his tournament debut in the opening group match against Argentina on 15 June.[23]
He was described by then Everton manager Roberto Martínez as a "very complete footballer", who "has got a very natural balance about knowing that he can be strong and aggressive but in the same way he's a technical player on the ball."[25]
Personal life
Bešić has three children with his long-time girlfriend Jessica, two daughters and one son.[26]