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 emigrant community in Argentina dates back more than 150 years, with about 160 Welsh settlers arriving in Patagonia in 1865 to establish a new settlement called Y Wladfa. Located in Chubut province, the town of Trelew - named after Welsh founder Lewis Jones - is home to over 50,000 Welsh descendants. James, a 25-year-old Argentine defender, is part of this heritage, having been born and raised in Trelew.
After battling leukemia as a child, he recovered and began his football career, playing for youth teams before joining San Lorenzo's academy. He made his debut for Argentina's top division in 2022 and has since gone on to play for Barracas Central, Deportivo Riestra, Alvarado, and currently, Chilean side Magallanes. Despite his Welsh heritage, international football eligibility rules prevent James from representing Wales, as his biological family didn't originate from the country.
Nevertheless, James expresses a deep connection to Wales and hopes to visit the country to learn more about his roots.
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