10 Players Who Switched National Teams | OneFootball

Switching national teams is a controversial and unique aspect of international soccer. Some players take advantage of FIFA’s eligibility rules, while others make the change due to personal connections or better opportunities. Since we’re in the middle of the International Break, here’s a list of ten notable players who made a switch.

Dean Huijsen

(Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

From: NetherlandsTo: SpainReason: Although born in Amsterdam to Dutch parents, Dean and his family moved to Spain when he was five years old. In 2024 he became a Spanish citizen, and despite playing for the Dutch youth sides made the switch. In Thursday’s UEFA Nation’s League quarterfinals in Rotterdam (pictured above), Dean was booed by the crowd every time he touched the ball.

Diego Costa

(Source)

From: BrazilTo: SpainReason: After making two friendly appearances for Brazil, Costa switched to Spain in 2013. He was already a naturalized Spanish citizen and personally preferred the Spanish soccer system. He went on to play in major tournaments like the 2014 and 2018 World Cups for Spain.

Declan Rice

(Source)

From: Republic of IrelandTo: EnglandReason: Rice represented Ireland in youth teams and even played three senior friendlies. However, in 2019, he committed to England, citing his upbringing and career prospects. He became a pivotal player for the Three Lions.

Wilfried Zaha

(Source)

From: EnglandTo: Ivory CoastReason: Born in Ivory Coast but raised in England, Zaha played for the English senior team in friendlies. Frustrated by limited opportunities, he switched to Ivory Coast in 2016 and has since become a key player for his country.

Jermaine Jones

Cropped from the original

(Source)

From: GermanyTo: United StatesReason: Born to an American father and a German mother, Jones initially represented Germany at the youth and senior levels. In 2010, he switched to the United States, becoming a vital player in the 2014 World Cup campaign.

Aymeric Laporte

From: FranceTo: SpainReason: Despite being a highly-rated center-back, Laporte never earned a senior cap for France. In 2021, he switched to Spain, leveraging his Basque heritage, and played for Spain in Euro 2020.

Kevin-Prince Boateng

Cropped from the original

(Source)

From: GermanyTo: GhanaReason: Boateng represented Germany at youth levels but switched to Ghana in 2010, citing his Ghanaian heritage. He featured in the World Cup the same year, helping Ghana reach the quarterfinals.

Kalidou Koulibaly

(Source)

From: France (Youth)To: SenegalReason: Despite playing for France’s U20 team, Koulibaly switched to Senegal in 2015. As captain, he led Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022.

Jack Grealish

Cropped from the original

(Source)

From: Republic of IrelandTo: EnglandReason: Grealish played for Ireland’s youth teams but switched to England in 2015, aligning with his birthplace and professional ambitions. He became a fan favorite for England in tournaments like Euro 2020.

Mario Fernandes

(Source)

From: BrazilTo: RussiaReason: The Brazilian-born defender switched to Russia after obtaining citizenship in 2016. He represented Russia in the 2018 World Cup, scoring a crucial goal in the quarterfinals.