"At the 2022 World Cup, South Korea was one of just four nations, along with Brazil, Argentina and Saudi Arabia, not to have a naturalized player in its squad. That is unlikely to be the case in the 2026 World Cup as the East Asian nation selected a foreign-born male player in August for the first time in its history. It is a move that could be more significant off the pitch than on it."
"Castrop's quality is undeniable. The 22-year-old represented Germany at various youth levels the rules state that players can switch countries if they have not played a competitive international game at senior level and made his top tier Bundesliga debut in August for Borussia Monchengladbach. "The majority of Korean fans are positive and the media is open to it too," added Lee. "The story of how much him and his Korean mother have been passionate about getting South Korean nationality has moved the mind of fans.""
South Korea selected foreign-born Jens Castrop in August, the first naturalized player in the senior men's squad. Born and raised in Germany, Castrop represented Germany at youth levels and remains eligible to switch because he has not played a competitive senior international match. He made his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Monchengladbach in August and is set to debut internationally against the United States. China and Japan have previously selected overseas-born players under FIFA rules. Public response in South Korea has been largely positive, with media openness and fans moved by Castrop's and his mother's pursuit of South Korean nationality.
Read at www.dw.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]