Footballer players are sometimes accused of making career decisions with the sole intention of boosting their bank accounts.

The decision with respect to international representation is a little different though.

Overall, there are 14 players with African roots in France’s squad for Russia 2018. They draw heritage from nine different African countries, namely Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal, DR Congo, Mali, Angola, Togo, Morocco and Algeria.

1. Presnel Kimpembe – Congo

Kimpembe was born in France, but his father is Congolese.

2. Samuel Umtiti

Born in Cameroon and Roger Milla even tried to get him to play for Cameroon.

3. Paul Pogba

Born in France to two Guinean parents.

4. Kylian Mbappé

Born in France to a Cameroonian father and Algerian mother. 5. Ousmane Dembélé

Born in France. His mother is French, but of Mauritanian and Senegalese descent, while his father is from Mali.

6. Corentin Tolisso

Born in France, but has connections to Togo through his parents. In 2016, Togo manager Claude Le Roy tried to get him to play for the African side, but Tolisso declined.

7. N’Golo Kanté

Born in France, both his parents are from Mali. Kanté was approached by Mali ahead of the 2015 African Cup of Nations having not played for France in any of their age group teams. But he said no. 8. Blaise Matuidi

Born in France to an Angolan father and Congolese mother.

9. Steven Nzonzi

Born in France with Congolese parental heritage. He declined playing for Congo twice. His father did, however, once ask if he was eligible to play for England back in 2016. He wasn’t, though having already represented France at age group level.

10. Steve Mandanda

Born in the DRC and moved to France when he was a teenager. 11. Adil Rami

Born on the French island of Corsica to Moroccan parents.

12. Nabil Fekir

Born in France to Algerian Parents. He was named in Algeria’s squad for friendlies against Oman and Qatar in March 2015. However, he withdrew to take part in the French squad for friendlies against Brazil and Denmark.

13. Djibril Sidibé

He has links to Mali, but was born in France.

14. Benjamin Mendy
Born in France to Senegalese parents. He decided to represent France and made his senior debut in March 2017.