Como winger Jayden Addai has opened up about his international dilemma as he weighs the prospect of representing either Ghana or the Netherlands at senior level.
The Dutch-born Ghanaian, who joined Serie A side Como this summer from AZ Alkmaar, has made an impressive start to life in Italy ; enough to attract the attention of both federations.
Although Addai has featured for the Netherlands at youth level, he remains eligible to play for Ghana’s senior national team. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America fast approaching, the 19-year-old is hoping to make a decision soon.
“I’m proud and happy to be here,” Addai told VI PRO after his latest call-up to the Dutch U21 squad. “Also because I didn’t play many international matches in the youth team due to my passport. I only had a Ghanaian passport, but for a few years now I’ve had both, so I can play for both countries.”
He admitted the choice won’t be easy, given his deep Ghanaian roots.
“I have the option to choose. My agent knows more about that, but I still have to see how it all goes. There’s also the World Cup coming up, which is a great tournament. Certainly, Ghana is truly in my heart. Both my parents are Ghanaian. I grew up Ghanaian, in the Netherlands. So that makes it difficult.”
Addai is currently with the Dutch U21 side for their European Championship qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Lithuania.
Meanwhile, Netherlands U21 coach John Reiziger hinted that while Addai has potential, a senior call-up may not be imminent.
“Good wingers are interesting for us, but perhaps also for the Dutch national team in the long run,” Reiziger said. “Of course I discuss that with Ronald [Koeman] ; young players who might have a future with the Dutch national team. There are several of them.”
For now, Addai’s international future remains open ; but both Ghana and the Netherlands will be watching closely as his rise continues in Serie A.
