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8 Players of African Descent Who Will Feature At Euro 2016

8 Players of African Descent Who Will Feature At Euro 2016

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The 2016 European Championships take place from June 10 to July 10 in France, but Africa is not necessarily taking a backseat at Euro 2016.

There are a number of players of African descent who have chosen to play for European national teams rather than representing their African nations, and some of these will feature at the competition in France.

We profile 8 players and the national teams that they could be representing if they had chosen Africa over Europe.

Source: Eurosport, UEFA, TheIndependent, TheGuardian, Telegraph.

Divock Origi
Divock Origi representing Belgium – express.co.uk

Divock Origi – Belgium vs Kenya

The Liverpool striker has been selected in the Belgian squad that will do battle at Euro 2016 in France. Born in Belgium to a father who previously represented the Kenyan national team, his options were open to play for either of the two national teams. The 21-year-old holds the record for being the youngest player to score at a World Cup in Belgian national team history, when he scored against Russia at 19 years of age.

Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra is as experienced as they come – huffingtonpost.co.uk

Patrice Evra – France vs Senegal

The veteran defender was born in Senegal, but he chose not to represent the Teranga Lions. Evra’s father is Guinean, and his mother from Cape Verde, so the natural born leader could have played for a selection of African teams, but he chose France. He will add his experience to the host nation squad this June, having played for Les Bleus since 2004.

Steve Mandanda
Steve Mandanda will be backup keeper – Goal

Steve Mandanda – France vs Congo

The French international goalkeeper could be playing for Congo, having been born in the capital, Kinshasa, but instead he opted to build his international career with Le Bleus. The 31-year-old Marseille shot-stopper has not often been the first choice for the national team, but his consistency has provided him with a place in the squad for the 2010 World Cup, as well as the European Championships in 2008, 2012 and now Euro 2016.

Luis Nani
Luis Nani has been a great contributor for Portugal – express.co.uk

Luis Nani – Portugal vs Cape Verde

This talented and skilful attacker is Portuguese international who could be turning out for the Cape Verde national team, had he not chosen to represent his adopted country. Born in Praia, Cape Verde, and having scored 17 goals for the Portuguese throughout his 94 appearances for the side since 2006, one wonders what the 29-year-old could have produced for his native land.

Angelo Ogbonna
Ogbonna may represent the Azzurri in June – thehardtackle.com

Angelo Ogbonna – Italy vs Nigeria

The defender was born in Cassino, Italy, to Nigerian parents and could therefore choose whether to play international football for either the Azzurri or the Super Eagles. He chose to defend goal for the country of his birth, and Nigeria lost out on a very talented 28-year-old with a bright future ahead of him. He has a chance of featuring in the final Italian squad for Euro 2016.

Jerome Boateng
Jerome Boateng is an established German international – zeenews.india.com

Jerome Boateng – Germany vs Ghana

The half-brother of Kevin-Prince Boateng chose to represent the German national team rather than the Black Stars of Ghana, as his sibling did. Born in Berlin, both Jerome and Kevin played for Germany at youth level, and excelled, but the younger of the two remained loyal to his German birth while his former AC Milan midfielder brother represented Ghana at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. A talented defender with the ability to play on the wing, Jerome Boateng was an important element in the 2014 World Cup winning German national team.

Blaise Matuidi
French international of Angolan descent, Blaise Matuidi – basketsession.com

Blaise Matuidi – France vs Angola

France international Matuidi had the choice of representing Angola if he preferred, due to the fact that his father was born in Angola before meeting his French mother. The strong midfielder is adept at breaking up opposing attacks for Les Bleus, deciding that the country of his birth deserved his service above that of his father’s routes. He will be present at Euro 2016.

Sami Khedira
Sami Khedira – dailystar.co.uk

Sami Khedira – Germany vs Tunisia

Eligible to have played for Tunisia before his decision to instead represent Germany, Khedira has developed a successful international career, winning the 2014 World Cup alongside his Mannschaft team-mates. He will be amongst the players representing the Germans at the 2016 European Championships in France next month.