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. in may 2014, it was reported that zelalem's father, zelalem wolydes, held u.s. permanent residency and intended to apply for u.s. citizenship. if wolydes gained u.s. citizenship before his son turned 18, then under the child citizenship act of 2000, gedion would also acquire u.s. 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.