Seoul: Jens Castrop, a 22-year-old midfielder with dual German and South Korean citizenship, has made history as the first foreign-born player of mixed heritage to be called up to the South Korean men's senior national football team. Coach Hong Myung-bo included Castrop in a 26-man roster for the team's upcoming friendlies against the United States and Mexico this September.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the call-up marks a significant moment for the Taeguk Warriors as they regroup for the first time since the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship in July. The team has already secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier this year.
Born in Dusseldorf in 2003 to a German father and Korean mother, Castrop previously represented Germany at various youth levels. Although he had been considered a potential addition to Korea's midfield, injuries prevented him from joining the team in the first half of the year. His recent inclusion follows an official switch of international allegiance from the German Football Association to the Korea Football Association after he made a full recovery.
Castrop began his professional career with FC Koln and gained recognition in the 2. Bundesliga with FC Nurnberg. Recently, he signed with Borussia Monchengladbach and made both his club and Bundesliga debuts earlier this month.
South Korea is set to depart for the U.S. on September 1. They will face the hosts on September 7 in Harrison, New Jersey, before taking on Mexico on September 10 in Nashville, Tennessee.