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Argentine-born Jeremias James hopes for Wales international football opportunity

Chile-based Argentine defender Jeremias James, whose family has Welsh roots stretching back five generations in Patagonia, has expressed a desire to play for Wales.

  • Jeremias James was born and raised in Trelew, Argentina, a city founded by Welsh settlers.
  • His family's Welsh ancestry in Patagonia dates back to the arrival of William James from the United States.
  • Current FIFA rules on international eligibility would likely prevent James from representing Wales.

Jeremias James, a 25-year-old defender currently playing for Magallanes in Chile, has spoken of his ambition to represent Wales internationally, despite being born and raised in Argentina. James is part of the fifth generation of his family born in Trelew, a city in Argentina's Chubut province founded by Welsh settlers in 1886.

His family's connection to Wales began with William James, who travelled to Patagonia on a ship from the United States. The first member of his family born in Argentina was David Stephen James, his great-great-grandfather.

James told BBC Sport Wales that he has always been aware of his Welsh connection and would like to visit Wales to learn more about his roots. However, current FIFA rules typically require a player's biological parents or grandparents to have been born in the country they wish to represent, making it unlikely he could play for Wales.

James, a left-footed central defender, has been a regular for Magallanes this season as they aim for promotion in Chile. He made his debut for San Lorenzo in Argentina's Primera Division in 2022 and has since had loan spells with other Argentine clubs.

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