The World Cup semifinal between France and Spain is set to feature players whose national allegiances are as tangled as their family histories. Aymeric Laporte, born in France to French parents, now represents Spain after a controversial switch. The Hernandez brothers, Lucas and Theo, born in Marseille to a French mother and Spanish father, grew up in Madrid but chose to play for France.
Laporte, a centre-back for Athletic Club and formerly Manchester City, played 51 times for France’s youth teams but was repeatedly overlooked by senior coach Didier Deschamps. Frustrated, he obtained Spanish citizenship through his Basque ancestry and long-term residency, debuting for La Roja in 2021. “I made a decision and I’m very happy I made it,” Laporte told Radio Marca. He faced significant criticism but noted that many of his former France youth teammates now play for other nations.
The Hernandez brothers’ story is equally complex. Their father, Jean-François Hernandez, moved to Spain to play football, and the family settled in Madrid. Lucas and Theo grew up in the Spanish capital, joining the academy of Rayo Majadahonda. Lucas played alongside Spain captain Rodri there. After their father left in 2004, the brothers’ paths diverged. Spain tried to persuade Lucas to play for La Roja, but bureaucratic issues and his mother’s encouragement led him to France. He debuted in 2018 and won the World Cup that year. Theo, less courted by Spain, joined the French squad in 2021.
Now, Laporte and the Hernandez brothers face each other as opponents in a high-stakes World Cup semifinal. Laporte has started all six games for Spain in the 2026 tournament, with the defense conceding only one goal. The match promises to be a clash of identities and loyalties.
