The Argentine who wishes he could play for Wales
Proud of his Welsh roots, Chile-based Argentine defender Jeremias James hopes for a rule change to help his international ambitions.
The Welsh community in Argentina dates back over 150 years, with about 160 settlers arriving in Patagonia in 1865 to create a Welsh settlement named Y Wladfa. Today, the Welsh language is still spoken in the region, and over 50,000 Patagonians claim Welsh ancestry. One such descendant is James, born and raised in Trelew, a city founded by Welsh settlers in 1886.
James is part of a Welsh family for five generations, with his great-great-grandfather, David Stephen James, being the first member born in Argentina. James suffered from leukemia at the age of nine, which led to him moving to Buenos Aires for treatment. After his recovery, he played for youth teams in Chubut and was eventually scouted by San Lorenzo's academy, joining the Argentine football club.
James currently plays for Primera B side Magallanes in Chile after a successful loan spell. Despite his Welsh heritage, FIFA rules prevent James from representing Wales, as players must have a parent or grandparent born in their chosen country. However, James is eager to learn more about his Welsh roots and would love to visit Wales one day.
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