Milan Škriniar (born 11 February 1995) is a Slovak professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Slovakia national team.

Milan Škriniar
Škriniar with Slovakia in 2024
Personal information
Full name Milan Škriniar[1]
Date of birth (1995-02-11) 11 February 1995 (age 29)
Place of birth Žiar nad Hronom, Slovakia
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
Paris Saint-Germain
Number 37
Youth career
2006–2007 Žiar nad Hronom
2008–2012 Žilina
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2016 Žilina 77 (12)
2012–2013ViOn Zlaté Moravce (loan) 7 (0)
2016–2017 Sampdoria 38 (0)
2017–2023 Inter Milan 193 (10)
2023– Paris Saint-Germain 29 (0)
International career
2011 Slovakia U17 3 (0)
2012–2013 Slovakia U18 5 (0)
2013–2014 Slovakia U19 3 (0)
2012–2017 Slovakia U21 19 (3)
2016– Slovakia 77 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:07, 22 November 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:01, 16 November 2024 (UTC)

Škriniar began his career in his native Slovakia with Žilina. He also underwent a loan spell at ViOn Zlaté Moravce early in his career. In 2016, Škriniar moved to Italy with Sampdoria, where he would play for a season before joining league rivals Internazionale. Škriniar went on to win one Serie A, two Coppa Italia, and two Supercoppa Italiana titles for the Nerazzurri, eventually becoming the team's captain. He joined French club Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

As a youth international, Škriniar represented Slovakia at under-17, under-18, under-19, and under-21 level. In May 2016, at the age of 21, he made his senior Slovakia debut, and was selected for the team representing his country at UEFA Euro 2016. Škriniar later played for Slovakia at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

Club career

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MŠK Žilina

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Škriniar playing for Žilina in 2015

Škriniar began his career in the youth structures of Žiar nad Hronom before joining the youth setup of Žilina at 12 years old.[3] He made his official Slovak Super Liga debut for the first team on 27 March 2012 aged 17 years and 49 days, in a match against ViOn Zlaté Moravce. On 23 November 2012, he scored his first goal in the Slovak Super Liga against ViOn during a 4–1 victory.[4]

Škriniar was sent on loan for half a season to ViOn Zlaté Moravce in February 2013 to gain more first-team experience.[5]

Sampdoria

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On 29 January 2016, Sampdoria announced the signing of Milan Škriniar on a four-and-a-half-year contract.[6] He made his debut in a 2–1 home victory over Lazio in late April.[7] During the next season Škriniar played a key role for Marco Giampaolo's Blucerchiati, finishing the campaign as the youngest defender to have made at least 35 appearances in Serie A.[8]

Inter Milan

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On 7 July 2017, Škriniar completed a transfer to fellow Serie A side Inter Milan signing a five-year contract.[9] The club paid a reported fee around €20 million and also included the striker Gianluca Caprari.[10] The transfer made Škriniar the most expensive Slovak player of all time.[11] He was presented four days later and received squad number 37, stating: "It's amazing to think that in 18 months I've gone from the Slovakian league to playing for a club like Inter."[12]

Škriniar made his competitive debut for the club on 20 August in the opening matchday of 2017–18 Serie A against Fiorentina as Inter won 3–0 at San Siro.[13] He scored his first Serie A goal later on 16 September against Crotone, the opener in the 82nd minute with a right-footed shot in an eventual 2–0 away win to keep Inter's winning streak.[14] His second of the campaign came in matchday 10 against his former side Sampdoria on 24 October, netting again the opener as Inter won 3–2.[15]

Škriniar was distinguished for his performances in the first part of the season, being one of the best players of the squad.[16][17] He continued with his great performances even in the second part of the season, which proved clinical for the team, which returned to UEFA Champions League after six years.[18]

In the 2018–19 season, Škriniar made his debut in the UEFA Champions League on 18 September in the opening group stage match against Tottenham Hotspur, playing full-90 minutes in a 2–1 comeback win at San Siro.[19] On 2 November 2019, in a Serie A match against Bologna which ended in a 2–1 away win, Škriniar made his 100th appearance in all competitions for Inter, all of them as starter.[20] On 3 November 2021, Škriniar scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3–1 away win against Sheriff Tiraspol.[21]

 
Škriniar playing for Inter Milan in 2018

In an interview with Slovak outlet Futbolsfz.sk on 29 January 2023, Škriniar confirmed that he had signed a pre-contract agreement with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain.[22] Negotiations took place between Inter Milan and PSG to transfer Škriniar during the January transfer window, but they eventually broke down.[23] He was subsequently stripped of the captaincy by manager Simone Inzaghi.[24] In February, Škriniar suffered a lower back injury, which was later revealed to be a lumbar vertebra fracture.[25] He underwent surgery for the fracture in April, missing the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League.[26] In the 2023 UEFA Champions League final on 10 June, Škriniar was left on the bench as Inter was defeated 1–0 by Manchester City.[27]

On 30 June 2023, Inter Milan announced the departure of Škriniar as a free agent at the end of 2022–23 season, after six years with the club.[28]

Paris Saint-Germain

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On 6 July 2023, Paris Saint-Germain officially confirmed that Škriniar had joined the club, signing a five-year contract until 30 June 2028.[29] He became the first Slovak to play for the club.[30] Škriniar made his debut in a 0–0 league draw against Lorient at the Parc des Princes on 12 August.[31]

On 7 November 2023, Škriniar scored his first goal for PSG in a 2–1 loss against AC Milan in the group stage of the Champions League.[32]

International career

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Having represented various Slovak youth teams, Škriniar debuted for the senior squad in a friendly 3–1 victory over Georgia on 27 May 2016.[33] He was selected as part of the Slovakia squad for UEFA Euro 2016.[33]

After the international retirement of Ján Ďurica in November 2017, Škriniar took his place as a centre-back partner to Martin Škrtel in the national team, even directing Slovak defence in Škrtel's absences (for example, in a double fixture against Netherlands and Morocco despite his relatively young age, compared to veteran defenders Peter Pekarík and Tomáš Hubočan).[34]

On 27 March 2021, Škriniar scored his first international goal during a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification against Malta, ending in a 2–2 draw.[35] Following the international retirement of national team captain Marek Hamšík, Škriniar was appointed captain of the team in June 2022. National team coach Štefan Tarkovič highlighted Škriniar's leadership qualities during the announcement.[36]

Style of play

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Škriniar has been described as a defender who is "a strong tackler who is quick to make clearances".[17] A natural centre-back, he can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder where he also produced outstanding performances with under-21 side.[37] His former youth manager said of him: He [Škriniar] has always been the leader on and off the pitch.[37] He has been described in the media as the successor to former Liverpool icon Martin Škrtel in Slovakia's defensive line.[38] He has also drawn praise from several Italian pundits for his positional sense, as well as his ability in the air, and in one on one situations.[39] newspaper L'Équipe has highlighted Škriniar's high pass and long pass accuracy, his complexity and low injury proneness and imposing figure.[40]

Personal life

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Škriniar has been in a relationship with model Barbora Hrončeková since 2014. Their daughter Charlotte was born in 2020. They married in July 2023.[41]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 22 November 2024[42]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Žilina 2011–12 Slovak First League 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 0
2012–13 Slovak First League 10 1 3 0 0 0 13 1
2013–14 Slovak First League 15 1 1 0 1[b] 0 17 1
2014–15 Slovak First League 32 6 3 2 0 0 35 8
2015–16 Slovak First League 18 4 1 1 8[b] 0 27 5
Total 77 12 9 3 9 0 95 15
Zlaté Moravce (loan) 2012–13 Slovak First League 7 0 0 0 7 0
Žilina B 2014–15 II. Liga 1 0 1 0
Sampdoria 2015–16 Serie A 3 0 0 0 3 0
2016–17 Serie A 35 0 0 0 35 0
Total 38 0 0 0 38 0
Inter Milan 2017–18 Serie A 38 4 2 0 40 4
2018–19 Serie A 35 0 2 0 9[c] 0 46 0
2019–20 Serie A 32 0 3 0 7[d] 0 42 0
2020–21 Serie A 32 3 4 0 3[e] 0 39 3
2021–22 Serie A 35 3 4 0 8[e] 1 1[f] 0 48 4
2022–23 Serie A 21 0 1 0 8[e] 0 1[f] 0 31 0
Total 193 10 16 0 35 1 2 0 246 11
Paris Saint-Germain 2023–24 Ligue 1 24 0 1 0 6[e] 1 1[g] 0 32 1
2024–25 Ligue 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Total 29 0 1 0 6 1 1 0 37 1
Career total 345 22 26 3 50 2 3 0 424 27
  1. ^ Includes Slovak Cup, Coppa Italia, Coupe de France
  2. ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Six appearances in UEFA Champions League, one appearance in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ a b c d Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  6. ^ a b Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana
  7. ^ Appearance in Trophée des Champions

International

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As of match played 16 November 2024[43]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Slovakia 2016 7 0
2017 7 0
2018 9 0
2019 8 0
2020 5 0
2021 14 3
2022 8 0
2023 8 0
2024 11 0
Total 77 3
Slovakia score listed first, score column indicates score after each Škriniar goal.[43]
List of international goals scored by Milan Škriniar
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 27 March 2021 Štadión Antona Malatinského, Trnava, Slovakia 38   Malta 2–2 2–2 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 30 March 2021 Štadión Antona Malatinského, Trnava, Slovakia 39   Russia 1–0 2–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
3 14 June 2021 Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia 41   Poland 2–1 2–1 UEFA Euro 2020

Honours

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Žilina

Inter Milan

Paris Saint-Germain

Slovakia

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "UEFA Europa League 2019/2020: Booking List before Round of 32, 1st leg" (PDF). UEFA. 12 February 2020. p. 11. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Milan Škriniar". Paris Saint-Germain F.C. 11 February 1995. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  3. ^ Maliňák, Jaroslav (14 February 2012). "Milan Škriniar: Je na nás ako sa chopíme šance". Talenty Info (in Slovak). Archived from the original on 11 May 2013.
  4. ^ "Žilina vs. Zlaté Moravce 4-1". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  5. ^ "Škriniar na hosťovanie do Zlatých Moraviec". My Žilina. 22 February 2013. Archived from the original on 5 December 2020.
  6. ^ "Sampdoria je dôležitým krokom v mojej kariére, hovorí Škriniar". Sme (in Slovak). 30 January 2016.
  7. ^ "Sampdoria vs. Lazio 2 – 1". Soccerway. 24 April 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  8. ^ Gladwell, Ben (7 July 2017). "Inter seal Skriniar signing from Sampdoria". ESPN. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  9. ^ "Škriniar joins Inter". Inter Milan. 7 July 2017. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  10. ^ Wright, Joe (7 July 2017). "Inter complete €20m signing of Sampdoria star Skriniar". Goal.com. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  11. ^ Cannon, Rhod (14 February 2018). "Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar reveals 'breathtaking' January offer amid Manchester United interest". International Business Times. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  12. ^ "Škriniar: "Amazing to Join Inter"". Inter Milan. 11 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  13. ^ "Inter 3-0 Fiorentina". Inter Milan. 20 August 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
  14. ^ Matar, Daniela (16 September 2017). "Inter Milan leaves it late to beat Crotone and stay perfect". AP News. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023.
  15. ^ "The Nerazzurri march on: Inter 3-2 Sampdoria". Inter Milan. 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017.
  16. ^ Digby, Adam (23 December 2017). "Is Milan Skriniar Ready for One of Europe's Elite Clubs?". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  17. ^ a b "Slovak footballer Škriniar named one of the best players of the season". The Slovak Spectator. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  18. ^ "Stunning Inter Comeback Breaks Lazio Hearts and Seals Champions League Qualification". Sports Illustrated. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2018.
  19. ^ "Match Review, Inter 2-1 Tottenham: Vecino is there!". Inter Milan. 19 September 2018. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  20. ^ "A special milestone for Skriniar: 100 Nerazzurri appearances, all as a starter". Inter Milan. 2 November 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  21. ^ "Škriniar prispel gólom k dôležitému víťazstvu Interu. Tešil sa aj Real Madrid". Aktuality.sk (in Slovak). 3 November 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  22. ^ "Skriniar confirms PSG move: Yes, it's true, I've already signed". Marca. 29 January 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  23. ^ "Report: Reasons Why Inter Milan Kept Milan Skriniar, Didn't Sell to PSG". PSG Talk. 1 February 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  24. ^ "Future PSG player Milan Škriniar stripped of Inter captaincy - Get French Football News". Get French Football News. 4 February 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  25. ^ "Skriniar Undergoes Back Surgey". Serpents of Madonnina. 24 April 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  26. ^ Rutzler, Peter (20 April 2023). "Skriniar has surgery ahead of Champions League Milan derby". The Athletic. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  27. ^ Farkas, Fremont (14 June 2023). "Milan Skriniar Confirms PSG Transfer After Champions League Loss". ClutchPoints. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  28. ^ "Skriniar leaves Inter after six season". Inter Milan. 30 June 2023. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023.
  29. ^ "Milan Škriniar is Parisian!". Paris Saint-Germain. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  30. ^ "Milan Škriniar: "Paris, one of the best teams in the world"". Paris Saint-Germain. 6 July 2023.
  31. ^ "Paris Saint-Germain V Lorient". Paris Saint-Germain. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  32. ^ "Milan come from behind to beat PSG 2-1 and earn first Group F win". 7 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  33. ^ a b "Slovakia include Škriniar in Euro 2016 squad". EuroSport. 30 May 2016. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016.
  34. ^ "Slováci hostia Holandsko prvý raz. Udržia trnavskú latku?". Pravda (in Slovak). 31 May 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  35. ^ "Milan Škriniar po blamáži s Maltou: Musím zobrať zodpovednosť do vlastných rúk". Aktuality.sk (in Slovak). 28 March 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  36. ^ "Máme nového kapitána. Tréner Tarkovič oznámil meno nástupcu Mareka Hamšíka". Aktuality.sk (in Slovak). 2 June 2022.
  37. ^ a b "Skriniar Can Be The Next Central Defensive Superstar". Football Whispers. 28 January 2018.
  38. ^ "Skriniar the more elegant heir to Skrtel's throne in Slovakia defence". ESPN FC. 4 September 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2018.
  39. ^ "Pagelle Inter-Lazio: ecco i top&flop". Corriere dello Sport (in Italian). 1 February 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
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  55. ^ "Futbalista roka 2019: Výsledky sú známe! Kto je najlepší hráč či tréner?" [Footballer of the Year 2019: Results are known! Who is the best player or coach]. profutbal.sk (in Slovak). Fun Media Group. 23 March 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  56. ^ "Video Jeho nadvláda pokračuje: Milan Škriniar štvrtýkrát po sebe ovládol anketu Futbalista roka!". 20 March 2023.
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