What does it mean to give everything for a country – and still have to prove that you belong? The Swiss national team is one of the most diverse teams in international top-level football. Its best players are children of immigrants: raised between two languages, two cuisines, two anthems, two cultures.
On the pitch, they fight for Switzerland; off the pitch, they have to prove their allegiance. And each of them had to decide at some point: Which country do I play for? No matter how they decided, their loyalty is publicly debated. For some, they are heroes; for others, traitors.
Two nations – One decision
1. Manuel Akanji
The current Inter Milan Swiss player (on loan from Manchester City) and twice Premier League winner, had to choose between Switzerland and Nigeria. Born in Neftenbach, Switzerland, to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother, the centre-back embodies the modern footballer’s dual identity — balancing national allegiance with deep personal connections to his family’s homeland.
2. Breel Embolo
Born in Cameroun and raised in Switzerland since the age of 7, he chose to play for his country of adoption, scoring a dramatic goal in the World Cup against … Cameroun. A goal that symbolozied how tough it is to choose between your two nations.
3. Ivan Rakitic
Now retired, the legendary FC Barcelona midfielder won the Champions League and played a World Cup final … for Croatia. Born and raised in Switzerland, having played for the Swiss Youth teams, Rakitic was heavily criticized for his supposed lack of loyalty and gratefulness.
4. Albian Hajdari
The Hoffenheim player was seen as one of the future talents of the Nati, until he chose Kosovo over Switzerland. A way to honor his parents legacy , a real-heartbreak for the Swiss National team.
5. Gonçalo Fernandes Da Silva
At just 17, promising goalkeeper Gonçalo will soon have to choose between his home country and his parents’ country, Portugal. But how do you decide when you’re deeply rooted in both Portugal and Switzerland? How do you foresee the impact it will have on your career—as well as your personal life?
”The Belonging” will premiere on Sky Show on Wednesday June 3.
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