Aleksandar Trajkovski turns 34 — Palermo hero remembered

Aleksandar Trajkovski turns 34 on September 5, 2026, marking another milestone for one of North Macedonia's best-known forwards. Once a regular on the national team, Trajkovski now approaches his mid-thirties as a veteran who has passed his peak scoring years but remains a revered figure for fans.

Palermo moment and career path

Trajkovski is forever linked to the play-off semi-final in Palermo, where his goal put North Macedonia within touching distance of the World Cup in Qatar. He also produced memorable finishes elsewhere, including the famous bicycle-kick against Saudi Arabia. His club career took him from the local ranks at Cementarnica in Skopje through Inter Zaprešić, Belgian sides Zulte Waregem and Mechelen, and on to Mallorca and Palermo.

On the international stage Trajkovski finished with 98 caps and 24 goals — a tally that underscored his importance to the national side but left one margin unfilled: he never reached 100 appearances, announcing his international exit before that milestone.

On the occasion of his farewell he wrote a long message reflecting on pride, hard moments and gratitude. He praised teammates and fans, but also said he felt his recent efforts were not always properly valued. In English translation, he wrote: "Today I stand before you with a heart full of emotion... From the first day I put on the jersey, I knew it was not just an obligation — but an honor, pride and responsibility that cannot be described in words. To represent your country, your people, your family... That is something you feel, not explain. Every call to the national team for me was like the first. The same excitement, the same nerves, the same desire to give everything of myself. Every match was a battle, every goal — a moment I will carry in my heart forever. But more than anything, I will remember the people, the teammates who became brothers, who believed in me and all those who were part of this journey. There were difficult moments... Defeats that hurt, but also victories that taught us what true joy means. In all those moments, one thing never changed — the love for the jersey and the desire to give the maximum for our country. Still, in recent times I feel that my work and effort were not sufficiently appreciated. Special thanks to the fans, you were our strength when it was hardest, our wind at the back when we needed it most. This is not an easy decision... Leaving hurts, but it also brings pride. The pride that I had the honor to be part of this national team and to wear this jersey with my heart. The national team is not just a team — it is a family. Thank you all for the trust, support and love throughout all these years. Thank you for allowing me to live my dream. With head held high and a full heart... I retire. Respectfully... Aleksandar Trajkovski"

At club level Trajkovski is currently unattached after parting ways with Croatian Lokomotiva. Given his track record and reputation, many expect he will soon appear at another club presentation — still smiling as he has so often in public.

Even without the century of caps, Trajkovski's goals and moments — especially that strike in Palermo — have guaranteed him a lasting place in North Macedonian football memory.

Photo: press material from the event