u/Monochome_Panda — reddlx

One of the most captivating narratives of this World Cup centres on Aymeric Laporte. Having been capped at youth level for France and the former captain of the country’s U21 side — now considered one of the country's most talented young defenders. He was consistently one of the best central defenders in Europe for several years at Athletic Bilbao and then Manchester City. The center back has won multiple Premier League titles with City as well as the 2022-23 Champions League, yet was never selected for a call-up to the French senior side under Didier Deschamps. Tired of waiting and being overlooked despite impressive form at club level, Laporte made what was arguably the biggest decision of his international career.

In 2021, he was awarded Spanish citizenship and switched his allegiance to represent Spain.

The move changed everything for the defender, who established himself as a leader in the Spanish back line

winning the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the UEFA Euro 2024, and now leads La Roja as one of the key figures reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

Career High One of the most captivating narratives of this World Cup centres on Aymeric Laporte. Having been capped at youth level for France and the former captain of the country’s U21 side — now considered one of the country's most talented young defenders. He was consistently one of the best central defenders in Europe for several years at Athletic Bilbao and then Manchester City. The center back has won multiple Premier League titles with City as well as the 2022-23 Champions League, yet was never selected for a call-up to the French senior side under Didier Deschamps. Tired of waiting and being overlooked despite impressive form at club level, Laporte made what was arguably the biggest decision of his international career.

In 2021, he was awarded Spanish citizenship and switched his allegiance to represent Spain.

The move changed everything for the defender, who established himself as a leader in the Spanish back line

winning the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the UEFA Euro 2024, and now leads La Roja as one of the key figures reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.

Career Highlights

🏟️ Club appearances: 496+ competitive matches

⚽ Club goals: 31+

🇫🇷 France U21 captain (19 appearances, 1 goal)

🇪🇸 Spain senior team: 52 caps, 2 goals

🏆 UEFA Nations League: 2023

🏆 UEFA Euro: 2024

🏆 Multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City

🏆 UEFA Champions League: 2022–23

🌍 FIFA World Cup Finalist: 2026 lights