Ukrainian-Born Greek Player Plish Reveals Why He Chose Ukraine’s U-19 Team

Footballer Kostantinos Plish and His Ukrainian Roots

According to Главком: Kostantinos Plish, a footballer born in Greece, has opened up about his decision to represent Ukraine’s U-19 national team, citing his parents’ origins in the Ternopil region. Since making his debut for the squad in September 2025, Plish has appeared in five matches. The Ukraine U-19 team has since advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 European Championship and secured a spot in the 2027 World Cup finals.

Plish, a midfielder for both Ukraine’s U-19 side and the Greek club Olympiacos, was born in Greece but has deep family ties to Ukraine: his mother comes from the village of Hubyn, while his father hails from Buchach in the Ternopil region. Although he has never visited Ukraine, Plish shared that his parents taught him to speak Ukrainian from an early age.

'I learned to speak Ukrainian first, and then in kindergarten and school I learned Greek,' Plish explained.

The athlete also expressed a strong emotional connection to Ukraine, stating: 'For me, Ukraine is home. I feel that I am Ukrainian. So when the opportunity came to join the national team, I really wanted to meet the guys and play football with them.' Reflecting on his skills, Plish noted that he handles the ball well, has solid technique, can 'scan' the pitch effectively, and knows where to find space.

Ukraine U-19 Team Achievements

Head coach of Ukraine’s U-19 squad, Dmytro Mykhailenko, highlighted the team’s accomplishments on the international stage:

'I think we brought a bit of joy and happiness to all Ukrainians amid everything that has been happening. We are very happy-the whole team is. Our dream has come true. We had been dreaming and believing in this for almost a year.' - Dmytro Mykhailenko

Mykhailenko also noted the team’s preparation for tough matches:

• The game won’t be easy.
• The lads did an excellent job-they worked hard, played with confidence, weren’t afraid, and dominated.

Ukraine’s U-19 team has already reached the semifinals of the 2026 European Championship and secured a place in the 2027 World Cup. The third round of the youth European Championship is set for July 5, with Ukraine facing Italy at 6:00 PM Kyiv time.

Plish’s involvement with Ukraine’s U-19 team underscores the role of cultural ties and identity in modern sports. His story highlights how athletics can unite people from diverse backgrounds and foster a sense of shared belonging. For its part, Ukraine’s U-19 squad showcases positive development and strong prospects on the global stage, offering a source of national pride for Ukrainians.

As the Ukrainian U-19 team celebrates their recent success in the European Championship, their journey has been marked by determination and resilience. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the team's potential but also reflects the growing talent pool in Ukrainian football. For a closer look at how they secured their place in the semifinals and their upcoming challenges, check out this article on the U-19 team's Euro semifinal journey.