Left: Samuel Gidi (MŠK Žilina) challenges Matúš Vojtko (Slovan Bratislava) for the ball. (source: TASR)
Samuel Gidi could soon become the newest face in Slovakia’s evolving national team picture. The 20-year-old midfielder, born in Ghana and currently playing for MŠK Žilina, has officially applied for Slovak citizenship – a move that would open the door to his selection for the national Under-21 squad, with a home European Championship just around the corner.
The Slovak Football Association (SFZ) and Gidi’s club confirmed the news to tvnoviny.sk, stating that the application is now being processed by the relevant authorities.
“An official request has been submitted regarding Samuel Gidi’s citizenship. It’s currently under review, and we’re waiting for a final decision,” said Žilina’s media officer, Martin Kollár.
Should the application be approved in time, Gidi – born on 15 April 2004 – would be eligible for this summer’s Euro Under-21 tournament, which Slovakia will host. With age still on his side, he could also feature in the next qualification cycle.
Gidi’s case has the backing of the SFZ, whose spokesperson confirmed that the federation has sent a statement supporting the player’s application. Final selection, however, rests with Under-21 head coach Jaroslav Kentoš.
“He’s got the quality for us to monitor him,” Kentoš said. “If he proves himself to be among the best, he’ll go to the Euros. If not, he won’t. The competition is fierce.”
One of Slovakia’s standout young midfielders
Gidi has quietly built an impressive résumé since arriving in Žilina in 2022. Across three seasons, he has made 88 appearances in the Slovak top flight, scoring six goals. Last December, the CIES Football Observatory named him one of the most talented Under-21 players in world football.
Club owner Jozef Antošík has no doubt about Gidi’s commitment: “He came here as a 15-year-old and has grown into our environment. He’s intelligent, educated, and already feels Slovak. I hope to one day see him wear our national shirt.”
If selected, Gidi would join a short list of naturalised players to have represented Slovakia, including Karim Guédé and Vernon De Marco.
