From Diego Costa to Michel Platini: 4 footballers who played for multiple countries

Many footballers are born in different countries and hold multiple citizenships while playing for a country of their choice where they are the citizens. However, some also tend to make a switch later in their career.

When it comes to footballers, most are known by their nationality. However, they often tend to be born in a different country and hold citizenships of multiple countries.

As for the ones holding multiple citizenships, they choose to represent either of the sides. However, some also tend to switch nations at some point in their career, as we take a look at some of them.

Ferenc Puskas
The Hungarian football legend and striker was born in Budapest and played for the national side between 1945-56, scoring 84 goals in 85 matches. However, after he moved to Real Madrid in 1958, he earned the country's citizenship and decided to represent Spain as well. Nevertheless, he could feature in just four games without a goal.

Michel Platini
The French footballer was one of the most prolific attacking midfielders of the sport, who represented France between 1976-87, scoring 41 goals in 72 games. However, following his retirement, he was given a special request from Kuwait to represent the national side and he accepted the offer to feature in a friendly against the Soviet Union, where he failed to score.

Diego Costa
Costa is one of the famous footballers of the modern-day who is originally a Brazilian. The striker played for Brazil in 2013 in a couple of matches, failing to score. Meanwhile, having played club football in Spain for a long time, he was granted Spanish citizenship in 2013, while he turned out for Spain in 2014, featuring in 24 matches since and scoring ten goals. Brazilians heavily criticised his decision to play for Spain.

Thiago Motta
Another Brazilian in the list as the midfielder did play for Brazil initially in 2003, featuring in just a couple of games. However, having played club football in Italy between 2008-12, he was granted citizenship of the country and turned out for the side in 2019, playing in 30 games and scoring a goal.

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