South Korea select first men’s player of mixed heritage for pre-World Cup friendlies

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo on Monday called up former German youth international Jens Castrop for next month’s friendlies against World Cup co-hosts the United States and Mexico – the first time a foreign-born, mixed-heritage player has been included in the men’s national squad.

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Hong named the Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder in his 26-man squad as the Koreans begin preparations for next year’s World Cup.

The 22-year-old Castrop, who was born to a German father and a South Korean mother, was picked along with captain Son Heung-min – who joined Los Angeles FC earlier this month after a decade in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur – and Paris St Germain’s Champions League winner Lee Kang-in.

Castrop, who was born in Dusseldorf and played for Germany from Under-16 to Under-21 level, asked Fifa to switch his international allegiance to South Korea, and the change was signed off by the sport’s world governing body two weeks ago.

He played for Koln and Nurnberg before joining Mönchengladbach in February, making his debut appearance in the top tier of German football on Sunday as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Hamburg.

“Although Castrop is young, he is a player who has consistently grown while gaining experience in the Bundesliga,” Hong said. “Above all, I highly value the strong will and sense of responsibility he has shown to join our national team.

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