The Argentine footballer who dreams of playing for Wales
Argentine footballer Jeremias James, descended from Welsh settlers in Patagonia, dreams of one day playing for Wales, though current FIFA rules make it impossible.
For more than 150 years, a Welsh community has existed in Argentina's Patagonia region, founded after around 160 emigrants sailed from Wales in 1865 to establish a settlement known as 'Y Wladfa'. Today more than 50,000 Patagonians can claim Welsh ancestry, and the language is still actively spoken there.
One of them is footballer Jeremias James, born and raised in Trelew, a city in Chubut province founded in 1886 by Welsh settlers and named in honour of its founder, Lewis Jones. Five generations of James's family have been born in Trelew, and the land originally granted to Welsh settlers still belongs to his family today.
A difficult childhood
At age nine, James was diagnosed with leukemia and moved to Buenos Aires for around a year or two of treatment. After recovering, he returned to Trelew and continued playing in youth teams, which led to him being scouted by the academy of San Lorenzo, one of Argentina's biggest clubs.
He made his debut for San Lorenzo in Argentina's Primera Division in 2022, before spending loan spells at several other Argentine clubs. The 25-year-old defender now plays permanently for Chilean second-tier side Magallanes.
Wales remains out of reach
Despite his strong Welsh roots, FIFA eligibility rules require a player's biological parents or grandparents to have been born in the country they wish to represent, meaning James cannot currently play for Wales.
James said he has always been aware of his connection to Wales and dreams of visiting the country one day to learn more about his roots. He added that playing for Wales, whether for the national team or a club, would be something truly special for him if the opportunity ever arose.
