German-born Castrop named in South Korea squad

Sign up now: Get STs newsletters delivered to your inbox

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Group B - South Korea v Kuwait - Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea - June 10, 2025 South Korea coach Myung Bo Hong during the match REUTERS/Kim Soo-Hyeon/File Photo

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has called up former German youth international Jens Castrop for next months friendlies against the United States and Mexico, the first time a mixed heritage player has been included in the mens national squad.

Hong named the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder in his 26-man squad on Monday as the Koreans begin preparations for next years World Cup, their 11th consecutive appearance in the global tournament.

The 22-year-old Castrop, who has born to a German father and South Korean mother, has been picked along with captain Son Heung-min and Paris St Germains 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 this month.

He played for Koln and Nurnberg before joining Monchengladbach in February.

While selecting overseas-born players has become commonplace in China and Japan, in South Korea it is rare at all levels of the sport.

Striker Casey Phair became the first mixed heritage player to be selected for South Korea at senior level in 2023 when she represented played in the Womens World Cup. REUTERS