10 Footballers Who Have Represented Multiple National Teams

 While it’s common for football players to switch clubs, some have also changed their allegiance on the international stage. Many players begin their careers with the goal of representing their nation, but various factors lead some to switch national teams.

Before the 1960s, it was easier for players to switch national teams, but FIFA’s stringent rules now dictate that players with dual nationalities can change allegiance only if they represented their former national side in unofficial matches.

Let’s explore 10 football players who played for multiple national teams.

#1 Alfredo Di Stefano

Alfredo Di Stefano, a legendary figure at Real Madrid, started his international career with Argentina. After a series of complications, including player strikes and issues with the Brazil Football Confederation, Di Stefano played unofficial matches for Colombia. FIFA initially banned him from national football, but after moving to Spain and acquiring citizenship, he made 31 appearances for La Roja.

# 2 Ferenc Puskas

Another Real Madrid legend, Ferenc Puskas, began his international career with Hungary, scoring 84 goals in 85 appearances. After gaining Spanish citizenship, he switched to the Spanish national team, making only four appearances.

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#3 Michel Platini

Michel Platini, known as one of the best midfielders of his era, represented both France and Kuwait. After an illustrious career with France and Juventus, he played for Kuwait in a friendly against the Soviet Union.

#4 Diego Costa

Diego Costa, a notable player, initially played two friendlies for Brazil before switching to Spain. After receiving Spanish citizenship and FIFA’s approval, Costa made 24 appearances and scored 10 goals for La Roja.

#5 Thiago Motta

Thiago Motta, having played for various clubs, represented both Brazil and Italy. He debuted for Brazil in 2003 but later expressed his desire to play for Italy. As a dual citizen, Motta made 30 appearances and scored one goal for the Italian national team.

#6 Nacer Chadli

Nacer Chadli, a dual citizen, initially played for Morocco but later switched to Belgium, making 59 appearances and scoring 8 goals for the Red Devils.

#7 Luis Monti

Luis Monti achieved a unique feat by playing in a World Cup final with both Argentina and Italy. He won 16 caps for Argentina and 18 for Italy.

#8 Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha played two unofficial games for England before expressing his desire to represent Ivory Coast. Since 2017, he has made 17 appearances for the African team.

#9 Declan Rice

Born in London, Declan Rice played three matches for Ireland before choosing to represent England. Since his switch in 2019, he has made 39 appearances, scoring twice.

#10 Jermaine Jones

Jermaine Jones, born in Germany, made three appearances for the German national team but switched to the United States. He went on to make 69 appearances and score 4 goals for the U.S. national football team.