FIFA World Cup 2018: 10 superstars who will not be playing for their country of birth

#6. Samuel Umtiti

Umtiti was born in Cameroon and plays for France

While Koulibaly opted to play for an African nation despite being born in France, Umtiti chose the opposite route.

Umtiti was born in Cameroon and spent two years in the country before moving to France. Cameroon sent the nation’s legend Roger Milla along with members of their football association to convince the player to represent his country of birth but failed to change his mind.

The current Barcelona man played at the U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 level for France and was part of their U-20 FIFA World Cup-winning team in 2013. He received his first call-up to the national team by being named in the Euro 2016 squad.

He made his debut for France in the quarterfinal of the Euro against Iceland in a 5-2 win where he completed all 77 of his passes!

Umtiti is expected to start for France at the World Cup alongside Raphael Varane.