On July 17, Russian-descended center-back Romanovich was selected for South Korea’s U14 national team.
South Korean media outlet Naver reported that this marks the first time in South Korean football history that a naturalized player has been selected.
The 14-year-old Romanovich was born in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, to parents who are both Russian. According to relevant provisions of South Korean nationality law, if both parents are foreign residents, their children cannot acquire South Korean nationality even if they are born in South Korea. However, in 2023, Romanovich’s parents both obtained South Korean nationality, subsequently qualifying Romanovich for naturalization.
Media reports state that Romanovich possesses exceptional physical attributes, standing at 191cm tall at just 14 years of age. He also demonstrates fine dribbling skills and excellent shooting technique. In an interview, Romanovich stated: “I hope to represent the South Korean team at the World Cup in 2030 and score a goal.”