Slovakia's first big football moment came at the 2010 World Cup. The team got through the group stage by beating Italy - the defending world champions - in a famous 3-2 match. The whole country celebrated late into the night. Slovaks still talk about that game today.
Slovakia has also qualified for several European Championships (the Euros). At Euro 2016 the team made it to the knockout rounds, and at Euro 2024 they pulled off another giant surprise by beating Belgium in their opening match. Slovak fans are loud, loyal, and known for filling stadiums with bright blue, red and white.
Marek Hamšík is the most famous Slovak footballer. He played for years as the captain of Italian club Napoli and is Slovakia's all-time top scorer. He is recognisable for a very tall hairstyle that he wore for years - a 'mohawk' on top of a shaved head. Children all over Slovakia tried to copy it.
Most Slovak children play football in school, in a local club, or just on a patch of grass with friends. Big cities have professional clubs - the most successful is Slovan Bratislava, who play in red and white jerseys. Their stadium fills with fans when a big match is on.