Top 5 Football players who did not play for their home country

Deco played for Portugal Clarence Seedorf - AC Milan v Parma FC
Deco played for Portugal Clarence Seedorf - AC Milan v Parma FC

#3 Patrick Vieira

Euro 2004: France v England
Euro 2004: France v England

Patrick Vieira was born in Senegal but relocated to France along with his family when he was eight. Considered by many to be one of the leading midfielders of his generation, he played his debut match for France in 1997. Overall, Vieira played 107 matches for France with six goals.

He was a star player who won the 2001 Confederations Cup, 2000 European Championship, and 1998 World Cup.

He went back to Senegal for the first time since moving to France, in 2003 when he was 27-year-old.


#2 Miroslav Klose

Brazil v Germany: Semi Final - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
Brazil v Germany: Semi Final - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

The Poland-born striker was part of the German team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Miroslav Klose won the Golden Boot at 2006 World Cup, scoring five goals. He is also the top goalscorer in World Cup history with a tally of 16 goals.

Klose was born in Poland but chosen to represent Germany. Since making his debut in 2001, he played 137 matches and scored 71 goals.

It was reported Poland tried to persuade him into playing for their national team, but he declined the offer.

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