Football has a way of uniting and dividing families in equal measure. We have seen fathers coaching sons, uncles scouting nephews, and innumerable sets of brothers wreaking havoc together on the pitch.
What is even more interesting and less frequent is when these siblings end up representing different countries.
Here, we will be talking about eight fascinating sets of brothers who found themselves on opposite sides of the pitch, playing for different nations.
- 1. Jerome Boateng (Germany) & Kevin-Prince Boateng (Ghana)
- 2. Granit Xhaka – Switzerland & Taulant Xhaka – Albania
- 3. Paul – France, Florentin & Mathias Pogba – Guinea
- 4. Iñaki Williams – Ghana & Nico Williams – Spain
- 5. Wilson Eduardo – Angola & Joao Mario – Portugal
- 6. Thiago – Spain & Rafinha Alcantara – Brazil
- 7. Steve Mandanda (France), Parfait & Riffi Mandanda (Congo)
- 8. Tim Cahill (Australia) & Chris Cahill (Samoa)
1. Jerome Boateng (Germany) & Kevin-Prince Boateng (Ghana)
The most famous brother story is that of the Boatengs: two brothers, born with a Ghanaian father and different German mothers, had a dual heritage to choose between Germany and Ghana.
With promising careers in front of them, the brothers chose different paths as they rose through the youth of German football.
Jerome decided to stay with Germany and went on to win great honors, including lifting the World Cup in 2014. The younger brother Kevin Prince decided to go with Ghana, hence becoming one of the few high-profile players who gave attention to African football on the global stage.
The 2014 World Cup was pretty memorable as it placed the two brothers against each other in the group stages, marking one of the first times two siblings played on opposing teams in a World Cup.
Their rivalry just added one more peculiarity to the tournament in which the clash symbolized the choices that children of immigrant parents often face: countries and cultures.
2. Granit Xhaka – Switzerland & Taulant Xhaka – Albania
The Xhaka brothers also found themselves representing different countries, a decision deeply rooted in the history and migration of their families.
Granit and Taulant Xhaka were born in Switzerland to parents of Albanian descent originally from Kosovo, a region noted for its complex political and cultural topography, which has influenced their sense of identity.
Granit, an uncompromising force and dynamic midfielder, chose to represent Switzerland and has since been an important part of the Swiss national team.
His elder brother Taulant chose to pay respects to his heritage and he represents Albania, which makes him an important figure in the Albanian national setup.
In a major twist of events, brothers faced each other during the 2016 Euro group stages with Switzerland pitted against Albania.
This was proof of the strength and identity of families from migration backgrounds, let alone when that comes onto the pitch in football, as often very intertwined with national pride and personal identity.
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3. Paul – France, Florentin & Mathias Pogba – Guinea
The name Paul Pogba booms all over the world, especially after he won the World Cup with France in 2018. However, what most people might not know is that he is blessed with two older brothers, Florentin and Mathias, who represent Guinea.
The Pogba family is from Guinea, and both the brothers decided to represent the African nation on the international arena.
Paul’s journey has taken him to some of the largest clubs in Europe, including Manchester United and Juventus, showcasing his skill and creativity as a midfielder.
Florentin and Mathias might not be as well known internationally, but they have enjoyed pretty decent professional careers in their rights.
The fact that they have chosen to represent Guinea at any rate shows that they are proud of their heritage and also represents how the Pogba family balances their pride in both French and African roots.
Their story as brothers echoes in many fans’ minds the richness and diversity of the footballing world, where identities are as varied as the countries in which the players compete.
4. Iñaki Williams – Ghana & Nico Williams – Spain
The Williams brothers are recently doing the rounds in representing two nations.
Born in Bilbao, Spain, to Ghanaian parents, Iñaki and Nico Williams grew up with a great embedding of the culture and football philosophy in Spain.
Iñaki started his career at Athletic Bilbao, quickly rising through to become one of their star players. In 2016, he even had a taste of Spanish international football by gaining a cap for Spain’s senior team.
However, that presence in the Spanish national squad was not that secure, so when Ghana came calling to represent them, he answered the call of his heritage. By the time the 2022 World Cup came, Iñaki was proudly donning the Ghanaian colors.
Meanwhile, his younger brother Nico was a rising star in his own right, continuing to represent Spain.
Dynamical and physically powerful, Nico can almost play anywhere on the flank and burst into the Spanish senior team in 2022, just as Iñaki had been linking up with Ghana.
Nico showcased several highlights at the World Cup which helped him nail a spot in the team, later playing an important role in the winning of the 2024 European Championships by Spain.
The brothers both have voiced mutual support for each other’s paths, and their stories are brilliant examples of just how multi-faceted and deeply personal issues of identity and belonging can be.
5. Wilson Eduardo – Angola & Joao Mario – Portugal
Coming next on the list are the Eduardo brothers, who took different paths against the common Angolan heritage.
First generation from his family, Wilson Eduardo started his football in Portugal and was also capped through the various youth ranks. However, as his career grew older, his roots managed to trace him to Angola.
On a full senior call-up in 2013, he initially declined to feature for Angola but later accepted to make his full bow with Angola in 2019. He scored on his debut.
His younger brother, Joao Mario, enjoyed a sterling career with the Portugal national team, featuring in an instrumental manner in Portugal’s victorious Euro 2016 squad.
A midfielder with Benfica, Joao Mario is calm and strategic football, having risen to a great importance status in the Portuguese midfield.
The decisions by the two brothers to represent different countries bring into sharp perspective the dilemma of national identity, especially for players born of immigrant parents. Each of their journeys is uniquely his own, yet hinged on this common bond: love of football.
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6. Thiago – Spain & Rafinha Alcantara – Brazil
Born to a former Brazilian international in Mazinho, Thiago and Rafinha Alcantara had football running through their veins right from birth.
However, despite both having started their lives together, the brothers eventually took divergent paths in international football.
The older of the two siblings, Thiago has represented Spain, playing for the country in many major tournaments. His grace, vision, and playmaking skills have made him one of the best midfielders of his generation.
While Rafinha opted to represent Brazil, most of his international appearances have been limited. He is an extremely versatile player, and the choice was a nod to his father’s legacy and a Brazilian side to their family.
Both brothers received training in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, with somewhat similar skill sets, though both decisions reflect a personal connection each has with their heritage.
7. Steve Mandanda (France), Parfait & Riffi Mandanda (Congo)
The Mandanda family is unusual in the respect that three of the brothers turned professional goalkeepers, a feat in itself.
The eldest sibling, Steve has represented the French national team and for a long period is, or has been, a consistent presence in goal for Olympique Marseille.
Prone to great reflexes and leadership too, Steve has won a few Ligue 1 titles and was part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad.
Meanwhile, Parfait Mandanda opted for the Democratic Republic of Congo, thus paying his respects to his family’s roots. Precisely what he did in the Congolese football world, where he became an influential figure with much value as a goalkeeper for the national team.
Other than him, there is another goalie named Riffi Mandanda, who also played professional football but decided not to move out of Europe.
With the Mandandas, football talent is in their blood, and their international choices reflect allegiance as deep as their roots, with a good dose of love for the beautiful game.
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8. Tim Cahill (Australia) & Chris Cahill (Samoa)
In Australia, no name is more synonymous with the many contributions he made to the Australian national team and an excellent career at Everton in the English Premier League.
Chris Cahill, brother of Tim, decided to represent Samoa and represent their mother’s heritage. The brother of the more famous Tim Cahill, Chris brought international attention to Samoan soccer and remains one of the most appreciated players in the game.
Tim’s career with being in the World Cups representing Australia several times brought him much respect and regard as one of Australia’s finest footballers.
Tim was a fan favorite with his aggressive style, high aerial balls, and skills in scoring goals.
Chris chose Samoa, which reminded one that football is not about the major leagues and tournaments; rather, small countries do a lot to build this game often with less talented players.
