Aymeric Laporte has played for Spain since 2021, after having played 51 times for France's youth teams. Laporte has won 33 games with Spain.

Why did Laporte never play for France?

Laporte joined Athletic Club de Bilbao's youth academy in 2010 and became one of the best centre-backs in LaLiga. However, French coach Didier Deschamps continually overlooked him.

How does Laporte qualify to play for Spain?

Laporte is of Basque descent through his great-grandparents, which allowed him to join Athletic Club. However, his family is French Basque rather than Spanish Basque, meaning he didn't automatically qualify to play for Spain.

Laporte's career with Spain

Laporte has played in four of Spain's five games in Euro 2024 and has started in three of their four games in the 2022 World Cup. He has scored one goal for his «new» country, in the 5-0 thrashing of Slovakia in Euro 2020.

What's next for Laporte and Spain?

Laporte is a key player for the Spanish team and his experience in Euro 2024 and the 2022 World Cup will be crucial for the team's success in the 2026 World Cup.