Milan Skriniar (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.
Skriniar began his career in his native Slovakia with Zilina. He also underwent a loan spell at ViOn Zlate Moravce early in his career. In 2016, Skriniar moved to Italy with Sampdoria, where he would play for a season before joining league rivals Internazionale. Skriniar 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, Skriniar 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. Skriniar later played for Slovakia at Euro 2020.
On 7 July 2017, Skriniar completed a transfer to fellow Serie A side Inter Milan signing a five-year contract. The club paid a reported fee around €20 million and also included the striker Gianluca Caprari. The transfer made Skriniar the most expensive Slovak player of all time. 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."
On 6 July 2023, Paris Saint-Germain officially confirmed that Skriniar had joined the club, signing a five-year contract until 30 June 2028. He became the first Slovak to play for the club. Skriniar made his debut in a 0–0 league draw against Lorient at the Parc des Princes on 12 August.
On 7 November 2023, Skriniar scored his first goal for PSG in a 2–1 loss against AC Milan in the group stage of the Champions League.
Skriniar has been described as a defender who is "a strong tackler who is quick to make clearances". A natural centre-back, he can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder where he also produced outstanding performances with under-21 side. His former youth manager said of him: He has always been the leader on and off the pitch. He has been described in the media as the successor to former Liverpool icon Martin Skrtel in Slovakia's defensive line. 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. French newspaper L'Equipe has highlighted Skriniar's high pass and long pass accuracy, his complexity and low injury proneness and imposing figure. |
