Aymeric Laporte has opened up about his journey to representing the Spanish national team, reflecting on the deep personal ties that shaped his switch of allegiance and his career path following a historic international run. In a candid appearance on the YouTube program “El camino de Mario,” hosted by former footballer Mario Suárez as reported by Marca and AS, the Athletic Club central defender discussed his life in football, his time abroad, and his identity.
The Decision to Represent Spain
Reflecting on his career milestones, which include a World Cup title alongside victories in the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship, Laporte emphasized his naturalized connection to the country. “Winning the World Cup, the Nations League, and the Euro… even if we hadn’t, I would feel the exact same pride. My wife, my family, and my children are from here. I feel identified with Spain,” the defender, born in the French town of Agen, shared on the broadcast.
Laporte detailed how the change of sporting nationality came to fruition on May 11, 2021, following a lengthy administrative process. He noted that an initial attempt had stalled roughly a year and a half prior for various reasons before discussions resumed. With French national team selectors offering no guarantees or playing time, he seized what he viewed as a unique opportunity.
“I was born in Agen and lived there until I was 15 before moving to Bilbao,” Laporte explained. “All my family is French, and patriotism is felt very strongly in France. I loved France as my first country, but when events happen like my situation with France, it invites you to step away from that mindset. Athletic welcomed me, and that is where I progressed the most. The French coach was not counting on me at all, and I made the decision to change.”
Reflections on the World Cup Triumph and Marketing Realities
As covered by AS, Laporte also addressed the broader perceptions surrounding his career and marketing profile within elite football. Having been linked with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona during different stages of his career, the center-back acknowledged the commercial power of Spain’s biggest clubs. “They are the teams with the most marketing in the world of football. Any player they sign goes up a level in terms of marketing. Those are facts and cannot be disputed. Had I gone there, I certainly would have had more marketing,” he noted.
Despite missing out on certain individual accolades—such as being overlooked for tournament best XIs despite strong personal form—Laporte expressed contentment with his achievements. Looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup, he stated plainly that he does not expect to feature in the tournament.
Life and Football in Saudi Arabia
Before his return to Athletic Club, Laporte spent two seasons in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr after departing Manchester City in 2023. Discussing his motivations for the move, he cited limited minutes at City and financial barriers to a direct European transfer. “The only one that could offer it was Al Nassr, and I took the opportunity. They had signed Cristiano, Mané, and I said: ‘Why not try a couple of years?'” he recalled.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of the experience, Laporte did not shy away from the logistical challenges of daily life in Riyadh, pointing to heavy traffic conditions that routinely added hours to daily commutes and family outings. Now back in Lezama with Athletic Club, the defender’s immediate focus remains firmly set on domestic and European ambitions with the Basque side, describing a potential European title with the club as a magical aspiration.
Related reading
