12 African football stars that would be playing for European countries at the 2018 Russia World Cup

shakirudeen taiwo

November 29, 2017 3:37 PM

These players have African parents, but decided to pitch their playing careers with an European country.

Just like every international tournament, some of the European countries willing fielding players with African descent in the upcoming Russia 2018 World Cup. These players are noted to a permanent member of the countries’ football team.

For the next year’s tournament, the number of such players was estimated at 16 with a place in the first team of these countries. France, Portugal and Belgium will have the biggest African contingents in their squads.

Here are the list of these players and the country that will be representing at the Russia 2018 World Cup.

1. Paul Pogba – France

Paul Pogba is of Guinean origin, but he will wear the jersey of Les Bleus (the Blues) at the 2018 World Cup.

It is interesting to know that Pogba’s two brother - Florentin and Mathias, are players in the national team of Guinea.

2. Nani - Portugal

His real name is Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, but he is popular known as Nani. He also has a Cape Verdean origin.

3. Blaise Matuidi - France

Blaise Matuidi is of Angolan origin, but he will be wearing the Blue jersey at the 2018 Russia World Cup.

4. William Carvalho - Portugal

He is also of Angolan origin.

5. NGolo Konte - France

Konte was born to a Malian parent. The country approached him 2015, but declined the offer to play for Mali.

6. Danielo Pereira - Portugal

Danielo was a Guinean like Paul Pogba, but currently plays for the Portuguese national football team.

7. Samuel Umtiti - France

Samuel Umtiti was born a Camerounian parent.

8. Pereira Eliseu - Portugal

Pereira Eliseu is also Cape Verde origin.

9. Romelu Lukaku - Belgium

Romelu Lukaku was born to parent from the war torn DR Congo.

10. Jerome Boateng - Germany

Jerome Boateng is born to a Ghanaian parent. More so, his brother plays for the Black Stars.

11. Danny Welback - England

Danny Welback is also a Ghanian.

12. Christian Benteke - Belgium

Bentete is also of DR Congo origin like Romelu Lukaka. They both also play for Belgium.

shakirudeen taiwo

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12 African football stars that would be playing for European countries at the 2018 Russia World Cup