Many of our favorite footballers do not represent their main country of origin for reasons best known to them. We were only able to pick out FIFTEEN of them but we know there are still many of your favorite footballers who do not represent their main Country of origin at International level. You can also add your piece of work on the comment section about your favorite footballer not representing their Country of origin at international level.
Article Credit : Mbuba Chiagozie (@chioflagos.ng)
Design : Mbuba Chiagozie (@chioflagos.ng)
Editor Credits : Micheal Paul (@x_onuche)
Manasseh Paul (@manax_pe)
Editor In Chief : Mbuba Chiagozie (@chioflagos.ng)
Main Article Credit : Oh My Goal
Lets Get To It :1.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Cape Verde) – His Mother wanted an abortion.
His Father was an alcohol freak. He lived in poverty suffering from a heart problem
but that didn’t stop him from being who he is today. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Family
roots can be traced to a small island in Africa named Cape Verde. His great grandmother
on his Father’s side, Isabelle Rosa was from Cape Verde. She left Cape Verde when
she was 16 to settle in madeira where she gave birth to Ronaldo’s Grand Father after
which all contribute to the birth of a true footballing icon and the rest they say
is history.
2. Kylian Mbappe (Algeria, Cameroon) – The Paris Saint Germain striker and
World Cup Winner who has stunned the entire world with his amazing footballing abilities
actually belongs to 3 Nationalities – Cameroon, Algeria And France. His Father was
born in Cameroon while his Mother was born In Algeria but we All know his achievements
with the France National Team.
3. Paulo Dybala (Poland) – The Juventus Talisman has a
Polish heritage. His maternal grandfather lived in a small village called “KRASNIOW”.
During the Second world war, his grandfather was sent to a concentration camp in
Argentina where he eventually grew up. The Striker dreams of visiting his ancestral
beautiful land and dreams to meet with his Cousins from his Father’s side to learn
about his beautiful heritage.
1.
Trent Alexander Arnold (USA) – This Player’s story is completely
complicated. From his Grandmother having an affair with former Manchester
United Coach And Club Legend, Sir Alex Ferguson in Glasgow after which they broke
up. After they broke up, Trent’s Grandmother travelled to reside in the United
States and got married. She then had a daughter named Dianne and Dianne being from
both Scotland and America, gave birth to Trent Alexander Arnold. Imagine if he was
Sir Alex’s Grandson?
1.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia) – Zlatan is a real fruit of an
incredible cultural mix. His Father is from Bosnia And Herzegovina while his
Mother is from Croatia. Both of his Parents moved to Sweden, got married and gave
birth to the Beast, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His parents divorced when Zlatan was only
two years old but surely, these didn’t stop him from being a world class player
as he is today.
1.
Antoine Griezmann (Germany, Portugal) – Putting France aside,
Antoine Griezmann is connected to two other countries like Kylian Mbappe;
Germany And Portugal. His Father Alla has German origins while his Mother,
Isabelle Lopez is the daughter of Amaro who played in Portugal. He migrated to
France in 1957. So, In Full Context, Important thanks to Griezmann’s Maternal
Grandfather that made France to win the World Cup.
1. David Silva (Japan) – David Silva left his mark on
Manchester City and The Spanish National Team but all that would have been
different if he decided to play for Japan Because Eva, his mother has Japanese
Origins. He may still be opportune to play for the Japanese National Team if he
is eligible to do so.
1.
Ross Barkley (Ofanga) (Nigeria) – Ross Barkley’s Father is
a Nigerian, Peter Ofanga. Peter Abandoned His Family Nearly A Year after the
birth of Barkley. A sad story which didn’t give Ross Barkley any sign of
playing for the Super Eagles. He also doesn’t wear his Father’s Name “Ofanga”
at the back of his shirt.
1.
Christian Pulisic (Croatia) - Christian Pulisic grew up in
the United States and he even plays for the USA National Team but before going
to America, his family came from Croatia. Christian’s Grandfather emigrated to
America to study. He got a degree in Agricultural designing from New York
University. His son played football before becoming a coach and his grandson is
now playing for the USA National Team.
1.
Marco Asensio (Netherlands) – Marco Asensio
Willemsen isn’t just Spanish, but yes he is called Willemsen because his mother
was originally from the Netherlands. Since Marco tragically lost his Mother in
2011, he has always kept in touch with his Second Country. As it happens, he
was named Marco in tribute to Dutch Legend, Marco Van Basten. Ruud Van
Nisterooy even tried to lure the player to join the Dutch National Team but
Marco chose Spain instead. Not a bad choice made after all.
1.
Dele Alli (Nigerian) – Dele Alli Is the son of a
Nigerian Father who abandoned Alli and his Mother when he was just a week old.
1.
Virgil Van Dijk (Suriname) – Liverpool’s Dutch
giant was born in Breda. His Father left their family when Virgil was 12. So,
with the help of his mother the lad fought to get to where he is today. His
Mother hails from Suriname. This Country was part of the Dutch Empire in the
early 1900s before gaining independence in 1975. Dutch players and legends like
Wijnaldum, David, Gullit, Seedorf and many others. Many Dutch with Suriname’s
Origin have all become famous Footballers.
1.
Edinson Cavani (Italy) – “El Matador” is very
attached to Italy. Firstly, because his Grandparents are originally from
Sicily. One day, they both boarded a boat heading to Uruguay. That’s why he had
to leave his Country. Edinson chose Palermo where he took his first steps in
Europe before becoming a Napoli and Paris Saint Germain Legend. The striker has
scored more than 300 goals in Italy and in France.
1.
Deco (Brazil, Japan) – Before he became a
Portuguese Footballing Legend, you have to know one thing ; Deco Anderson Luis
De Souza is Brazilian. His Portuguese came from his Father but what is even
more surprising is that his Brazilian Mother has Japanese Origins. The player
struck into making a Name for himself but when he was at Porto under Jose
Mourinho, he made his breakthrough.
Laurent
Koscielny (Poland) – The former Arsenal defender also has a very rich family
history. “My Grandfather was Polish. He emigrated to France and unfortunately
over time, our family gradually lost its Polish Roots.” – Laurent Koscielny,
RMC, 2010. He couldn’t play for his ancestral country alongside Robert
Lewandowski. But Koscielny preferred to have a career with the French team. He
wasn’t able to take part of the 2018 World Cup because of a serious injury. He
was so disappointed that he even admitted that he wanted to see the Blues lose
but his love for his Grandfather’s country will never disappear. Cultural Exchanges happens all around the world. Regardless of our Culture or Origins or Religion, we are all Part of one world. What is important is sharing the same values and passion that drive us. Football is one of them.
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