Why Toulouse-born Aymeric Laporte plays for Spain instead of France

Aymeric Laporte is one win away from lifting the World Cup with Spain, but his international career hasn’t always been with La Roja.

The 32-year-old defender has started every single game at the tournament in North America, starring for his nation.

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He has played almost every minute, being a key part of a defence that has remarkably only conceded one goal so far.

On Sunday, Laporte can become a world champion with victory over Argentina, which would add to his Euro 2024 crown.

But he would not have been able to pull off that double if he hadn’t opted to switch nationalities a few years ago.

The centre-back made 51 appearances at youth level for France, who Spain knocked out of the World Cup in the semi-final.

Why does Aymeric Laporte play for Spain?

Despite his experience playing for the France under-17s and under-21s, Laporte never made his senior debut. 

He was called up by Didier Deschamps twice but didn’t play a minute, and after his last inclusion in 2019, he was overlooked.

Frustrated with his limited chances, the defender – then playing for Manchester City – said: “Of course, I don’t think it’s because of a sporting issue, you’d have to ask him [Deschamps] personally.

“I don’t have anything personal against him, but if someone has a problem it’s him and not me.

“I could be a world champion, but these are the decisions of the coach, who is not calling me for, I think, personal reasons, and I have to respect him.”

In March 2021, Laporte was then approached by Spain to make the switch from France.

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He was born in the French Basque Country and was eligible to play for La Roja after he was granted a Spanish passport.

Then-Spain boss Luis Enrique convinced Laporte to make the switch and two months after the initial approach, he was granted Spanish nationality.

Since switching, he has received some backlash, but the decision seems to have paid off as he nears World Cup glory.

He already has two international honours to his name with Spain too, having won the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024.

Spain vs Argentina: talkSPORT coverage

The World Cup final will take place on Sunday, July 19 at 8pm BST.

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