Laura Rozo
It is true that we don’t choose the place where we are born. Despite this, some athletes have the privilege and the possibility of deciding who they will represent in their disciplines. FIFA’s eligibility rules are clear, however, there are some special cases.
On this occasion, JefeBet presents 5 soccer players who changed nationality and national team.
Most Famous Players Who Switched Their National Teams in Soccer.
5.- Diego Costa (Brazil – Spain)
We saw Diego dressed as a “colchonero”, leading the Atlético Madrid attack, generating controversy and standing strong regardless of the opponent. However, this was not his only club. The 33-year-old Brazilian has played in Portugal, England and his home country.
Costa played for Brazil national team in friendly matches. However, once he became a Spanish citizen, he did not hesitate to represent La Roja. He was even part of the squad that represented the European team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
4.- Wilfried Zaha (England – Ivory Coast)
Zaha is an intense, well-balanced Ivorian striker with a lot of potential. This striker, inspired since he was a boy by players Drogba, chose the Premier League, or rather, the Premier League chose him as one of the lucky ones to play in the best league in the world.
Wilfried, like Odysseus, returned to his homeland, Ivory Coast. Despite how dazzling it must have been to play for England’s youth team, the youngster opted for the African side. With his national team, he has scored, assisted and participated in the African Cup of Nations.
3.- Kevin Prince Boateng (Germany – Ghana)
Kevin Prince is different. Quarrelsome, altered and fast. An attacker like few others: controversial, passionate and determined. This German, of English origin, has played for great teams such as Tottenham and AC Milan.
Boateng began his international career with his native Germany in the Under 21 national team. His fantasies were not enough, as his indiscipline led to his expulsion from the national team. Despite this, in 2010 FIFA approved his application to represent Ghana, the country of his parents, at the World Cup in South Africa. Therefore, the eldest of the Boateng brothers has completed two World Cups.
2.- Thiago Motta (Brazil – Italy)
Thiago Motta is a former player, born in Brazil and naturalized in Italy. As a midfielder, Motta managed to enthrall European fans at clubs such as F. C. Barcelona, Inter Milan and PSG. His track record includes several leagues, super cups, Champions Leagues and even a Club World Cup.
At the national team level, he played for Brazil in the Under 17 and Under 23 categories. But, not being called up to the senior class, he decided to represent Italy. Thiago played one World Cup and two European Championships with the Azzurri.
1.- Alfredo Di Stéfano. (Argentina – Spain)
This list could not end any other way. One of the most iconic footballers in history, Real Madrid’s imminent idol and star striker of the Merengue team: Alfredo Di Stéfano.
The Buenos Aires native, born in 1926, played with other gods and laws, which is why he was able to represent two different senior national teams. First, the Albiceleste, Argentina, a team with which he played six matches. Finally, after his naturalization, he chose La Roja, Spain, to be the witness and protagonist of his great story.
A great curiosity is that Di Stéfano never got to play in any World Cup. However, he is still considered part of the “Big 4” players of the 20th century.
