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.

By Mbuba Chiagozie Tochukwu
On February 23, 2021
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Kante and Alonso start, Hudson-Odoi benched - predicted Chelsea team vs Atletico Madrid

The Blues are back in Champions League action this evening against the La Liga leaders and here is how we think they could line up

Thomas Tuchel takes his first steps into the Champions League as Chelsea head coach this evening when his side face Atletico Madrid in the last 16.

The Blues were handed one of the tougher draws in the round of 16 as they were paired with the La Liga leaders. Tonight’s game will take place in Bucharest rather than at the Wanda Metropolitano, owing to coronavirus travel restrictions.

The Spanish side have been in Romanian capital a little longer than the Blues, who departed for the continent on Monday afternoon.

One player who didn’t travel was Thiago Silva with the defender not named in the 23-man squad as he has failed to fully recover from a thigh injury sustained against Tottenham Hotspur and has missed the last three games.

Two who did make the trip however were Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz. The duo missed the weekend draw with St Mary’s but have been included for the European tie and flew out with the squad on Monday.

Tuchel has a couple of selection dilemmas on his hands with an almost fully fit squad and the German is looking forward to the tie.

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He said on Monday at his pre-match press conference: "I am totally into Chelsea, totally into this club, and 100% into this team. That is why it does not feel so strange anymore, it feels natural to arrive now with my team in Bucharest and I am very happy to arrive with this group.

"We feel strong. We know we have to be strong and brave and have the courage to play against a strong Atletico but this is the challenge we are looking forward to."

With all that in mind, here is how we think the Blues might lineup in Bucharest this evening: Mendy; James, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso; Kante, Kovacic, Mount; Werner, Giroud.

We have once again gone with the back five for the Blues but with one change from the draw with Southampton on Monday as Andreas Christensen comes back into the side, replacing Kurt Zouma.

In midfield, N’Golo Kante keeps his place in our side at the expense of Jorginho after the Frenchman returned to form with a fine showing at St Mary’s. He is once again partnered in midfield by Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount.

Up front, we have opted for Olivier a Giroud instead of Tammy Abraham, who was seen sporting an ice pack on his troublesome ankle after being hauled off at half time on Saturday.

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Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was subbed off after coming off the bench for only half an hour at the weekend, is among our substitutes once again as Timo Werner gets the nod alongside Giroud.

In defence, Reece James keeps his image at right wing back while Marcos Alonso does likewise on the left against a side who was rumoured to be interested in purchasing him while the Spaniard was frozen out under Frank Lampard.

That once again means Ben Chilwell is among the substitutes in Bucharest.

In goal, Edouard Mendy keeps his place ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga while captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger start as two of the three centre backs alongside the returning Christensen.