Gedion Zelalem
{{short description|Professional soccer player}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Gedion Zelalem
| image = Gedion Zelalem Arsenal U21s Vs Fulham.jpg
| caption = Zelalem with Arsenal U21 in 2015
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|1|26}}
| birth_place = Berlin, Germany{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/gedion-zelalem |title=Gedion Zelalem |website=arsenal.com |publisher=Arsenal FC |access-date=November 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205844/http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/gedion-zelalem |archive-date=October 29, 2013 }}
| currentclub = New Mexico United
| clubnumber = 6
| position = Midfielder
| youthyears1 = 2002–2003
| youthclubs1 = BFC Germania 1888
| youthyears2 = 2003–2006
| youthclubs2 = Hertha BSC
| youthyears3 = 2006–2008
| youthclubs3 = MSC United
| youthyears4 = 2009–2011
| youthclubs4 = Bethesda SC
| youthyears5 = 2011–2013
| youthclubs5 = Olney Rangers
| youthyears6 = 2013–2014
| youthclubs6 = Arsenal
| years1 = 2014–2019
| clubs1 = Arsenal
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2015–2016
| clubs2 = → Rangers (loan)
| caps2 = 21
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2017
| clubs3 = → VVV-Venlo (loan)
| caps3 = 9
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2019
| clubs4 = Sporting Kansas City
| caps4 = 9
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2019
| clubs5 = → Swope Park Rangers
| caps5 = 7
| goals5 = 1
| years6 = 2020–2022
| clubs6 = New York City
| caps6 = 19
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2023–2024
| clubs7 = Den Bosch
| caps7 = 38
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2024–2025
| clubs8 = Lokomotiva
| caps8 = 0
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2025–
| clubs9= New Mexico United
| caps9 = 0
| goals9 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2012
| nationalteam1 = Germany U15
| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2012–2013
| nationalteam2 = Germany U16
| nationalcaps2 = 8
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2013
| nationalteam3 = Germany U17
| nationalcaps3 = 1
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2015–2017
| nationalteam4 = United States U20
| nationalcaps4 = 10
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2015
| nationalteam5 = United States U23
| nationalcaps5 = 5
| nationalgoals5 = 0
| pcupdate = February 12, 2025
| nationalteam-update = June 4, 2017
}}
Gedion Zelalem (born January 26, 1997) is a professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for USL Championship club New Mexico United. Born in Germany, he has represented the United States at youth level.
After playing for various youth teams in Germany and the United States, Zelalem initially played with Arsenal's youth squads after joining the team in early 2013, and made his senior squad debut for Arsenal in an FA Cup match in January 2014.{{cite web |first=Graham |last=MacAree |title=Arsenal vs. Coventry City: Final score 4–0, Podolski brace sees Gunners through |url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/1/24/5342322/arsenal-vs-coventry-city-fa-cup-final-score-result |publisher=SBNation |date=January 24, 2014 |access-date= January 24, 2014 }}
Internationally, Zelalem made appearances for Germany's under-15 team, under-16 team and under-17 team during 2012 and 2013. He became a U.S. citizen on December 2, 2014, and FIFA subsequently approved his eligibility to play for the United States on May 13, 2015.{{cite web |title=Gedion Zelalem cleared by FIFA to play for United States |url=http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/story/2447973/gedion-zelalem-cleared-by-fifa-to-play-for-united-states |work=ESPN FC |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |date=May 14, 2015 |access-date=May 18, 2015 }}[http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/12/30/report-arsenal-starlet-gedion-zelalem-receives-us-citizenship-plans-committi "Arsenal starlet Gedion Zelalem receives US citizenship, plans on committing to American cause"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102014522/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/12/30/report-arsenal-starlet-gedion-zelalem-receives-us-citizenship-plans-committi |date=January 2, 2015 }}, MLS Soccer, December 30, 2014.[http://www.espnfc.com/united-states/story/2221237/arsenal-prospect-gedion-zelalem-is-us-citizenwill-file-fifa-switch "Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem completes U.S. citizenship process"], ESPN FC, December 30, 2014.{{cite web|title=Gedion Zelalem cleared by FIFA to play for United States|url=http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/story/2447973/gedion-zelalem-cleared-by-fifa-to-play-for-united-states|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date= May 20, 2015|date= May 13, 2015}}
Early life
Zelalem was born in Berlin, Germany, to Ethiopian parents. He started playing football at the age of five for German club BFC Germania 1888.{{cite web| title = Zelalem Joins Sporting Kansas City| url = https://the18.com/soccer-entertainment/gedion-zelalem-joins-sporting-kansas-city-arsenal| website = the18.com| date = March 11, 2019| access-date = September 29, 2020 }} After this, he changed to Bundesliga side Hertha BSC's academy.
Zelalem emigrated to the United States with his father in 2006, following his mother's death in the previous year, and settled in the Washington, D.C. suburbs{{cite news|last=Goff|first=Steven|title=Arsenal takes look at Gedion Zelalem, a 14-year-old Ethiopian-German living in Washington|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/post/arsenal-takes-look-at-gedion-zelalem-a-14-year-old-ethiopian-german-living-in-washington/2011/08/21/gIQAAbl5UJ_blog.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 4, 2014|date=August 21, 2011}} He played with several teams: first with MSC United, Bethesda Soccer Club and BNC Revolution, before joining the elite club team Olney Rangers and the varsity team at Walter Johnson High School in Montgomery County, Maryland.Parisa Davoodi [http://www.theblackandwhite.net/2011/11/10/walter-johnson-freshman-to-join-arsenals-amateur-program/ "Walter Johnson freshman to join Arsenal's amateur program"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225944/http://www.theblackandwhite.net/2011/11/10/walter-johnson-freshman-to-join-arsenals-amateur-program/ |date=December 2, 2013 }} The Black & White, Bethesda, Maryland, November 10, 2011. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
Club career
=Arsenal=
Arsenal scout Danny Karbassiyoon discovered Zelalem in the United States playing for Olney Rangers during a Dallas Cup match. After contacting his coaches, Zelalem was flown to London for summer training with the Arsenal youth academy; following the end of this camp, he was offered a permanent place in the academy. Zelalem started out playing in Arsenal's under-16s squad, before graduating into the under-21s in April 2013.{{cite web |url=http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/first-years/gedion-zelalem/ |title=8. Gedion Zelalem |publisher=Jeorge Bird's Arsenal Youth |access-date=November 10, 2013}} His début for the under-21 side came against Liverpool U21 that month, but was unable to prevent Arsenal slipping to a 3–2 defeat at Anfield; however, he drew praise for his performance.{{cite web |url=http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/arsenal-german-youngster-zelalem-could-well-turn-out-to-be-the-next-fabregas/ |title=Zelalem: Why Arsenal's German Youngster Will Be The Next Fabregas |publisher=Sabotage Times |first=Jeorge |last=Bird |date=April 11, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122065442/http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/arsenal-german-youngster-zelalem-could-well-turn-out-to-be-the-next-fabregas |archive-date=November 22, 2013 |url-status=dead }} He made his second appearance for the side less than a week later in a 3–2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers U21, once again drawing praise for his performance.{{cite web |url=http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/04/15/zelalem-plays-another-90-minutes-as-arsenals-under-21s-win/?or=1 |title=Zelalem plays another 90 minutes as Arsenal's u-21s win |publisher=Here is the City Sport |date=April 15, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=Dan |last=Coombs}}
In July 2013, Zelalem was included in Arsenal's 24-man squad for their Asia tour.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-name-24-man-squad-for-asia-tour |title=Arsenal name 24-man squad for Asia Tour |publisher=Arsenal F.C. |date=July 11, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013}} Although regarded as a surprise inclusion, strong performances against an Indonesia Dream Team, the Vietnam national team and Japanese side Nagoya Grampus led to him being touted as a future star, and being compared favorably to Cesc Fàbregas.{{cite web |url=http://worldsoccertalk.com/2013/07/19/no-longer-a-secret-gedion-zelalem-shines-for-arsenal/ |title=No Longer a Secret: Gedion Zelalem Shines for Arsenal |publisher=World Soccer Talk |date=July 19, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/arsenal/id/1863?cc=5739 |title=Starlet Gedion Zelalem excelling on Arsenal tour |publisher=ESPN FC Blog |date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=Andrew |last=Magnan}}{{cite web |url=http://www.givemesport.com/362690-gedion-zelalem-is-arsenals-latest-teenage-prodigy |title=Gedion Zelalem is Arsenal's latest teenage prodigy |publisher=GiveMeSport |date=July 25, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=William |last=Cordova |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201634/http://www.givemesport.com/362690-gedion-zelalem-is-arsenals-latest-teenage-prodigy |archive-date=February 1, 2014 |url-status=dead }}
Following these strong performances, Zelalem stated that he hoped to make a few appearances during the 2013–14 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/497127/20130806/arsenal-gedion-zelalem-wenger-first-team-plans.htm |title=Arsenal's Latest Midfield Prodigy Gedion Zelalem on His Ambitions for Next Season |publisher=International Business Times UK – Sports & Stars |date=August 6, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=Adrian |last=Back}} He remained in the team for the Emirates Cup match against Galatasaray on August 4, but was unable to keep Arsenal from sliding to a 2–1 defeat.{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/match/report/1314/post/first-team/arsenal-1-2-galatasaray-match-report |title=Arsenal 1–2 Galatasaray – Match report |date=August 4, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=Richard |last=Clarke}} Zelalem was selected on the bench in Arsenal's second Premier League game of the season, a 3–1 victory over Fulham on August 24, but did not make an appearance.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23744679 |title=Fulham 1–3 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport |date=August 24, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=Owen |last=Phillips}} However, on September 10 Zelalem announced on Twitter that he had sustained an injury that would keep him out of action for up to two months.{{cite web |url=http://news.arseblog.com/2013/09/zelalem-ruled-out-for-eight-weeks/ |title=Zelalem ruled out for eight weeks |publisher=Arseblog News |date=September 10, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |archive-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114032815/http://news.arseblog.com/2013/09/zelalem-ruled-out-for-eight-weeks/ |url-status=dead }} Although he announced his return to training in late October, Arsène Wenger confirmed that he would not be fit enough for the League Cup match against Chelsea on October 29, dismissing a previous rumor.{{cite web |url=http://www.givemesport.com/395566-arsenal-zelalem-struggling-with-injury |title=Arsenal: Zelalem struggling with injury |publisher=GiveMeSport |date=October 28, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=Will |last=Haine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102010743/http://www.givemesport.com/395566-arsenal-zelalem-struggling-with-injury |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |url-status=dead }} He returned to action for Arsenal's youth side a week later in a UEFA Youth League fixture against Borussia Dortmund on November 6, playing the entire match in a 2–2 draw.{{cite web |url=http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/11/07/arsenal-wonderkid-gedion-zelalem-makes-injury-comeback-as-a-numb/ |title=Arsenal wonderkid Gedion Zelalem makes injury comeback as a number 10 |publisher=Here is the City Sport |date=November 8, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=Dan |last=Coombs |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202111707/http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/11/07/arsenal-wonderkid-gedion-zelalem-makes-injury-comeback-as-a-numb/ |url-status=dead }}
On January 24, 2014, Zelalem made his debut with Arsenal's senior squad, coming on as a substitute for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 71st minute of their 4–0 home FA Cup victory against Coventry City. And later that year, on March 18, 2014, Zelalem signed a contract extension with Arsenal to last until 2017.{{Cite web |title=Cazorla, Ramsey, Zelalem sign contracts |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140318/cazorla-ramsey-zelalem-sign-contracts |work=Arsenal FC |date=March 18, 2014}} Zelalem soon made his second appearance for Arsenal, coming on as a substitute at the beginning of the second half, in a 4–1 away win against Galatasaray in UEFA Champions League on December 9, 2014.{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2014401--galatasaray-vs-arsenal/ |title=Podolski, Ramsey inspire Arsenal at Galatasaray|publisher=UEFA |date=December 9, 2014 |access-date=February 11, 2015}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/12/09/gedion-zelalem-plays-for-arsenal-in-champions-league-match/|title=Gedion Zelalem plays for Arsenal in Champions League match |date=December 9, 2014 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |first=Steven |last=Goff|newspaper=The Washington Post }}
==Rangers (loan)==
On August 24, 2015, Zelalem was loaned to Rangers until January.{{cite news|last1=Hytner|first1=David|title=Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem to join Rangers on loan until January|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/18/arsenal-gedion-zelalem-rangers-loan|access-date=May 23, 2016|work=The Guardian|date=August 18, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Gedion Zelalem joins Rangers on loan|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150824/gedion-zelalem-joins-rangers-on-loan|publisher=Arsenal F.C.|access-date=August 24, 2015|date=August 24, 2015}} He made his debut in a 5–0 win over Airdrieonians in the Scottish League Cup, setting up goals for Martyn Waghorn and James Tavernier. He made his league debut in Rangers' Scottish Championship game against Queen of the South which Rangers won 5–1. In January 2016 his loan was extended through to the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Rangers extend Gedion Zelalem loan from Arsenal until summer|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35247539|access-date=May 23, 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=January 6, 2016}}
He played in 21 Championship matches, helping Rangers clinch the second-tier title, and was an unused substitute as they beat Peterhead 4–0 to win the 2015–16 Scottish Challenge Cup. A week later, Rangers played old firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Cup semifinal. Zelalem converted a penalty in the shootout to help his club progress to the final,{{cite web|last1=Usry|first1=Rob|title=Gedion Zelalem scores in penalty shootout as Rangers beat Celtic in Scottish Cup|url=http://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2016/4/17/11447052/gedion-zelalem-penalty-shootout-rangers-beat-celtic-scottish-cup|website=Stars and Stripes FC|access-date=May 21, 2016|date=April 17, 2016}} and started in that match, which Rangers lost 3–2 to Hibernian.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36292302 |title=Scottish Cup final: Rangers 2–3 Hibernian |publisher=BBC Sport |date=May 21, 2016 |access-date=February 1, 2018}}
==VVV-Venlo (loan)==
On January 24, 2017, Zelalem signed a contract extension with Arsenal and accepted a loan move to Dutch second-tier club VVV-Venlo, lasting until the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/gedion-zelalem-joins-dutch-side-vvv-venlo-on-loan-57297/|title=Gedion Zelalem joins Dutch side VVV Venlo on loan|access-date=January 24, 2017|work=EmpireofSoccer.com|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202035620/http://www.empireofsoccer.com/gedion-zelalem-joins-dutch-side-vvv-venlo-on-loan-57297/|url-status=dead}} He made nine league appearances as VVV Venlo won the 2016–17 Eerste Divisie title.{{cite web |url=https://us.soccerway.com/players/gedion-zelalem/309766/ |title=G. Zelalem |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=February 2, 2018}}
=Sporting Kansas City=
After no first team appearances at Arsenal upon returning in 2017,{{Cite web|url=https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=71924|title=Gedion Zelalem Football Stats|publisher=Soccer Base|website=www.soccerbase.com}} Zelalem joined Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City for free on March 10, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/3795945/sources-arsenals-gedion-zelalem-agrees-to-join-sporting-kansas-city|title=Sources: Sporting KC acquires Arsenal's Zelalem|date=March 10, 2019|website=ESPN.com}}
=New York City FC=
After Sporting Kansas City did not pick up Zelalem's option, he signed for fellow MLS side New York City FC on January 11, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.nycfc.com/post/2020/01/11/new-york-city-fc-signs-midfielder-gedion-zelalem |title=New York City FC Signs Midfielder Gedion Zelalem |work=nycfc.com |date=11 January 2020 |access-date=11 January 2020 }} NYCFC declined Zelalem's contract option on December 1, 2020,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycfc.com/post/2020/12/01/new-york-city-fc-announces-roster-moves-2021|title = New York City FC Announces Roster Moves for 2021}} but signed him to a new contract prior to the start of the 2021 season, on March 8.{{cite news |title=New York City FC Midfielder Gedion Zelalem Signs New Contract; Midfielder Juan Pablo Torres Loaned Out |url=https://www.nycfc.com/post/2021/03/08/new-york-city-fc-midfielder-gedion-zelalem-signs-new-contract-midfielder-juan-pablo |access-date=March 8, 2021 |work=New York City FC |date=March 8, 2021}}
Limited by injuries, Zelalem made seven league appearances in a season that culminated with winning the MLS Cup. Two days later, Zelalem signed a one-year contract extension with option years in 2023 and 2024.{{cite web |url=https://www.nycfc.com/news/new-york-city-fc-re-signs-heber-nicolas-acevedo-and-gedion-zelalem |title=New York City FC Re-Signs Héber, Nicolás Acevedo and Gedion Zelalem |work=nycfc.com |date=11 December 2021 |access-date=28 January 2022}}
Following the 2022 season, Zelalem's contract option was declined by New York City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycfc.com/news/new-york-city-fc-announces-roster-moves-for-2023|title=New York City FC Announces Roster Moves For 2023|first=New York City|last=FC|website=New York City FC}}
=Den Bosch=
On August 29, 2024, Zelalem's contract with Den Bosch was terminated by mutual consent.{{cite web|publisher=FC Den Bosch|url=https://www.fcdenbosch.nl/wegen-fc-den-bosch-en-gedion-zelalem-27-scheiden/|title=Wegen FC Den Bosch en Gedion Zelalem (27) scheiden|trans-title=Gedion Zelalem (27) leaves FC Den Bosch|date=August 29, 2024|access-date=August 29, 2024|language=nl}}
International eligibility and career
=Ethiopia=
Prior to making his one-time switch to the United States, Zelalem was eligible to represent Ethiopia internationally, due to his parents' nationality. Ethiopia's coach hoped Zelalem would opt to play for Ethiopia, but Zelalem turned down the opportunity.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24537467 |title=Gedion Zelalem: Ethiopia keen on Arsenal teenager |publisher=BBC Sport |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=November 10, 2013}}
=Germany=
Before becoming an American citizen, Zelalem had previously played for Germany's youth teams. He played for Germany's under-15 and under-16 sides, making two appearances for the under-15s and eight appearances for the under-16s.{{cite web |url=https://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=311738&action=showPlayer&player=zelalem_gedion&lang=E&cHash=cf4d32e080e27b3c3744e222eb69c945 |title=National team player Gedion Zelalem |publisher=Deutscher Fussball-Bund}} In November 2013, Zelalem represented Germany at under-17 level in a friendly versus Spain.{{cite web|title=DFB – Deutscher Fußball-Bund e.V. – Statistik|url=https://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=504293&no_cache=1&spielid=230&action=schema&teama=Deutschland&teamb=Spanien|publisher=DFB.de|access-date=March 25, 2014}} But in March 2014, he withdrew from the Germany under-17 national team for the Group 5 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship elite round fixtures,{{cite web|title=Arsenal wonderkid turns down Germany call up|url=http://www.givemesport.com/446638-arsenal-wonderkid-turns-down-germany-call-up|publisher=Givemefootball.com|access-date=March 25, 2014|date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=March 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331092754/http://www.givemesport.com/446638-arsenal-wonderkid-turns-down-germany-call-up|url-status=dead}} and again turned down the Germany under-18 national team for friendly matches versus France in March 2015, citing his desire to represent the United States instead.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BrianSciaretta/status/578559971874443264|title=Brian Sciaretta on Twitter}}
=United States=
Zelalem began training with the United States under-15 side in 2012, but was unable to play in matches at that time due to being classified as a permanent resident, but not yet a U.S. citizen.{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1295812-arsenal-meet-gedion-zelalem-the-newest-starlet-to-join-the-club-academy |title=Arsenal: Meet Gedion Zelalem, the Newest Star to Join the Club's Academy |publisher=Bleacher Report |date=August 13, 2012 |access-date=November 10, 2013 |first=Matthew |last=Snyder}} In May 2014, it was reported that Zelalem's father, Zelalem Wolydes, held U.S. permanent residency and intended to apply for United States citizenship. If Wolydes gained U.S. citizenship before his son turned 18, then under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, Gedion would also acquire United States citizenship and become eligible to represent the United States internationally. He would also be able to retain his German passport which allows him to live and work in the European Union without restrictions.{{cite news|last=Goff|first=Steven|title=Arsenal's Zelalem nearing U.S. eligibility|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/05/02/arsenals-zelalem-nearing-u-s-eligibility/|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 4, 2014|date=May 2, 2014}}
The Washington Post reported that Zelalem became a U.S. citizen on December 29, 2014, and that Zelalem had applied for an expedited U.S. passport.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/12/30/everything-you-need-to-know-about-u-s-prospect-gedion-zelalem/ "Everything you need to know about U.S. prospect Gedion Zelalem"], Washington Post, December 29, 2014. After Zelalem received his citizenship, Sunil Gulati, head of the U.S. Soccer, revealed that the U.S. Soccer board had started the process to allow Zelalem to become eligible to play for the U.S. national team. Due to a FIFA rule designed to prevent players from naturalizing to and representing nations to which they lack ties, Zelalem was subject to waiting a minimum of five years before he could start to represent the United States. Gulati stated U.S. Soccer filed for an exception, since Zelalem attended middle school in the United States.{{cite web|title=Gedion Zelalem currently ineligible but United States can get FIFA exception|url=http://www.espnfc.com/united-states/story/2268050/united-states-needs-fifa-exception-for-ineligible-gedion-zelalem-of-arsenal|website=ESPNFC|date=January 27, 2015}} He was approved to play for the United States and was added to the United States squad for the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup on May 13, 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/u-20-mens-national-team|title=U-20 Men's National Team | U.S. Soccer Official Website|website=www.ussoccer.com}} He made his debut against Australia in an under-20 friendly match on May 19, 2015, which the United States won 2–1.{{cite web|title=Gedion Zelalem makes U.S. debut in under-20 friendly|url=http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/story/2457677/gedion-zelalem-makes-us-debut-in-under-20-friendly|website=ESPNFC |date=May 19, 2015|access-date=May 19, 2015}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played March 15, 2024}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honors
Rangers
- Scottish Championship: 2015–16{{ cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35912680| publisher=BBC Sport| first=Andy|last=Burke | access-date=April 5, 2016 | date=April 5, 2016 | title=Rangers 1-0 Dumbarton }}
- Scottish Challenge Cup: 2015–16{{ cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35953055| publisher=BBC Sport | first=Tom |last=English | access-date=April 10, 2016 | date=April 10, 2016 | title=Rangers 4-0 Peterhead}}
VVV-Venlo
- Eerste Divisie: 2016–17{{cite web|url=https://www.w3livenews.com/2017/05/25/Exclusive-Arsenal-s-Gedion-Zelalem-facing-nine-months-out-after-devastating/6352425|title=Exclusive: Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem facing nine months out|website=W3 Live News.com}}
New York City FC
|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-cup-playoffs/2021/matches/porvsnyc-12-11-2021/lineups
|title=2021 MLS Cup
|publisher=mlssoccer.com
|access-date=6 July 2022}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{UEFA player}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205844/http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/gedion-zelalem Arsenal profile]
{{New Mexico United squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zelalem, Gedion}}
Category:Footballers from Berlin
Category:Sportspeople from Bethesda, Maryland
Category:Soccer players from Maryland
Category:Sportspeople of Ethiopian descent
Category:German people of Ethiopian descent
Category:American people of Ethiopian descent
Category:German emigrants to the United States
Category:Naturalized citizens of the United States
Category:21st-century American sportsmen
Category:21st-century German sportsmen
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:German men's footballers
Category:Germany men's youth international footballers
Category:American men's soccer players
Category:United States men's under-20 international soccer players
Category:United States men's under-23 international soccer players
Category:Sporting Kansas City players
Category:Sporting Kansas City II players
Category:New York City FC players
Category:NK Lokomotiva Zagreb players
Category:New Mexico United players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:Eerste Divisie players
Category:Major League Soccer players
Category:USL Championship players
Category:German expatriate men's footballers
Category:American expatriate men's soccer players
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:German expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:American expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland
Category:German expatriate sportspeople in Scotland
Category:American expatriate sportspeople in Scotland
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands
Category:German expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands
Category:American expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Croatia