Ivan Żelizko, a 25-year-old Ukrainian footballer, former Lechia Gdańsk player and Ukrainian youth international, and his family have been granted Polish citizenship. she handed over Pomeranian Voivode Beata Rutkiewicz. The event sparked interest among fans, as the midfielder may apply to play for the Polish national team in the future.
Ceremony at the Pomeranian Voivodeship Office
On November 10, 2026, the Pomeranian Voivodeship Office in Gdańsk announced the granting of Polish citizenship to Ivan Żeliszka and his family.
During the ceremony, Pomeranian Voivode Beata Rutkiewicz presented the citizenship documents. In a press release, the office congratulated the family and extended best wishes for their future.
The photos shared show the footballer with his family during the ceremony and the moment of signing the green jersey with number 6.
For the athlete, who has been associated with Gdańsk for several years, this is an important event not only in his private life, but potentially also in his sports career.
Who is Ivan Zhelisko?
Ivan Zhelyzko was born on February 12, 2001, in Lviv. He took his first steps in football in Karpaty Lviv, and then developed his career outside of Ukraine.
He played for Karviná in the Czech Republic and Valmiera in Latvia. In August 2023, he joined Lechia Gdańsk, where he quickly became a key midfielder.
He played for the Gdańsk club until September 2026. He contributed, among other things, to Lechia’s promotion to the Ekstraklasa in 2024.
In the 2025/2026 season, he was one of the team’s standout players, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 30 league appearances.
In September 2026, he moved to Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria. According to sports reports, the transfer fee was around three million euros.
Żelizko primarily plays as a defensive or central midfielder. He is valued for his ball-receiving skills, midfield play, and powerful long-range shots.
Polish roots of a Ukrainian footballer
According to Polish sports media, Żelizko is of Polish descent. His grandparents are from Poland.
Obtaining Polish citizenship together with his family is therefore also an important element of his personal history.
In recent years, the footballer has become professionally involved with Poland, representing Lechia Gdańsk and performing in front of Polish fans.
Although he is currently pursuing his career in Bulgaria, obtaining citizenship could be important for his future.
Will Żelizko play for the Polish national team?
This question arose almost immediately after the announcement of the citizenship granting.
The 25-year-old midfielder previously played for Ukraine’s youth national teams, from the U-17 to the U-23 levels. However, he did not make his senior national team debut.
This means that the possibility of potentially playing for Poland remains open, although it would require meeting the relevant FIFA regulations regarding eligibility to represent a given country.
Obtaining Polish citizenship does not automatically mean a call-up to the national team or a player’s decision to change national colours.
Polish sports media are already speculating whether Żelizko could interest coach Jan Urban in the future.
However, there is no confirmation yet that the footballer intends to represent Poland.
A new chapter in the life of the athlete and his family
“This is an important and solemn moment for the entire family. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish you prosperity, much success, and all the best in this new stage of your life,” the Pomeranian Voivodeship Office in Gdańsk wrote on social media.
Regardless of further sporting decisions, this is an important moment for Żelizka and his loved ones.
How do you assess the possibility of the former youth representative of Ukraine playing in the white and red colors?
Sources: Pomeranian Voivodeship Office in Gdańsk, Lechia.net, Polish Radio 24, WP SportoweFakty.
Photos: Pomeranian Voivodeship Office in Gdańsk.
Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Nowiny Wschodnie, a news platform followed by more than 140,000 people on social media. A graduate in Journalism and Social Communication, he has been co-creating and developing Nowiny Wschodnie since 2017. He gained professional experience working with local and international media.
He specializes in fact-checking, countering disinformation and propaganda, and information security. His work focuses on Poland, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Polish-Ukrainian relations. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization working in the fields of integration and intercultural dialogue.
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