Top 10 Africa-born players at World Cup in Qatar with foreign teams

There are close to 20 players with African roots who are playing for foreign countries at the World Cup in Qatar.

The story of how former Ballon D’or winner George Weah fought for his son, Timothy Weah to get US citizenship so he can play for them has left some baffled. 

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Weah, who used to star for big European sides including AC Milan is currently the state president of Liberia. 

But his son, Timothy Weah is starring for Yanks in Qatar where he scored in their first game which set them up for qualification for the knockout stages.

Some feel that this move deprived Liberia of a great talent. But looking at it realistically, Thomas was unlikely to ever play at the World Cup with Liberia.

The North African country has never qualified for the World Cup in their history and seldom make the continental showpiece, the Africa Cup of Nations.

But what is more interesting is that the people of Liberia still celebrate Timothy and were reported to have held big celebrations when he scored last week. 

And Timothy is not the only one. South Africa also have a player at the World Cup despite not qualifying for the tournament. 

There are many players with African roots who have preferred to play for the wealthier and better organised foreign countries.

Here we look at the 18 who are in Qatar with various countries 

1. Youssoufa Moukoko: He was born in Yaounde in Cameroon but has since taken  up German citizenship and is with the Germans in Qatar. The 18-year-old came through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund.
2. Breel Embolo: The 25-year-old was also born in Cameroon but now plays for Switzerland. He scored the winner against Cameroon in Switzerland’s opening game.
3. Amadou Onana: The 21-year-old was born in Senegal and plies his trade Everton in England but he is with Belgium in Qatar.
4. Ansu Fati: He was born in Guinea Bissau but grew up in Spain and now plays for FC Barcelona. The 20-year-old is with Spain in Qatar.
5. Eduardo Camavinga: The 20-year-old is with defending champions France at the World Cup. He plies his trade at Real Madrid in Spain and was born in Cabinda, Angola to Congolese parents.
6. Timothy Weah: He was born in New York 22 years ago but his father is Liberian legend and president George Weah. His mother is Jamaican. He is with the US in Qatar.
7. Thomas Deng: He was born in Nairobi Kenya but is now with Australia;s Socceroos at the World Cup. He is 25.
8. Keanu Baccus: The 24-year-old midfielder was born in Durban, South Africa but his parents moved to Australia. His brother Kearyn Baccus was with Kaizer Chiefs for a few years and left at the end of last season.
9. Ismail Kone: The 20-year-old was born in Abidjan in Ivory Coast but is now with Canada at the World Cup.
10. Mohammed Muntari: The 28-year-old was born in Kumasi, Ghana but is now a full citizen of Qatar.