Como’s rising star Jayden Addai admits he is torn between his Dutch upbringing and Ghanaian heritage as he weighs up which country to represent at senior international level.
The 20-year-old winger, who left AZ Alkmaar for Serie B side Como in the summer, has been one of the standout young players in Italy’s second tier and is already attracting interest from both the Ghana Football Association and the Royal Dutch FA.
Born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, Addai represented the Dutch youth sides but remains eligible to switch allegiance. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, the decision carries growing significance.
“I’m proud and happy to be here,” Addai told VI PRO after receiving a call-up to the Dutch U21 team. “I didn’t play many international matches in the youth teams because of 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.”
While Addai insists he is keeping his options open, he admits that his Ghanaian roots remain a powerful emotional pull.
“I have the option to choose. My agent knows more about that, but I have a choice between the Netherlands and Ghana. 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’s inclusion in the Dutch U21 setup for their games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Lithuania marks another step in his development, though his long-term future remains uncertain.
Dutch U21 head coach John Reiziger has also acknowledged that Addai is on the radar of the senior national team, but warned that breaking through will take time.
“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; young players who might have a future with the Dutch national team. There are several of them.”
By: Pascal Amoah
