The widely circulated story claiming that Edin Džeko made the statement, “I have faced Vinícius, Yamal, even Mbappé … but this guy is different!” after a match against Manchester United, does not appear to be backed by any credible or verifiable source.
Despite the quote gaining traction on social media and sparking debates among football fans, a careful review of reliable news outlets, interview transcripts, and match coverage yields no evidence that the Fiorentina forward actually made such a comment.
I examined multiple reputable sports news platforms, official post-match press conference records, and interview footage involving Džeko in recent days.
None of them contained this striking comparison to world-class players such as Vinícius Júnior, Lamine Yamal, or Kylian Mbappé.
Not a single credible journalist, broadcaster, or football publication has reported this statement as authentic.
This absence of confirmation strongly suggests that the quote is either entirely fabricated or heavily distorted from its original form.
The quote’s dramatic tone—elevating a Manchester United player above some of the most celebrated attacking talents in modern football—reads more like a piece of fan-made hype than a genuine professional remark.
In the football world, such exaggerated praise often emerges from unofficial fan pages, social media posts, or clickbait-driven sports blogs.
These platforms sometimes create fictional narratives to stir excitement, gain online engagement, and spark speculation among supporters.
While there’s no denying that Manchester United have players capable of producing intense, aggressive performances that could unsettle even experienced opponents like Džeko, it is important to separate verifiable fact from fiction. Without official confirmation, the claim should be treated with skepticism.
This is especially true given that no credible broadcaster—Sky Sports, BBC Sport, ESPN, or Fabrizio Romano’s platforms—has mentioned the quote or the alleged incident.
It’s worth noting that Džeko, now an experienced veteran with a career spanning top leagues and Champions League nights, has indeed faced and commented on playing against elite talents in the past.
However, when he does give praise, it is usually documented through reputable sports journalism channels. The absence of such documentation here is telling.
