New Delhi: Marseille star and former Manchester United prospect Mason Greenwood has reportedly completed the necessary paperwork to represent the Jamaica national team. The decision marks a significant shift in Greenwood’s international career after the Football Association (FA) made it clear he would no longer be considered for England following the controversies during his time at Manchester United.
The 23-year-old qualifies to play for Jamaica through his paternal grandparents, took advantage of FIFA’s updated eligibility rules. Under these regulations, players are allowed to switch national allegiances if they have played fewer than four competitive matches for their first national team before turning 21. Greenwood’s solitary appearance for England came in September 2020 when he was introduced as a second-half substitute during a Nations League match against Iceland.
At the time, this appearance would have tied Greenwood to England indefinitely. However, just two weeks later, FIFA amended its rules to provide more flexibility for players in similar situations. As a result, Greenwood’s eligibility to switch was secured, and the three-year waiting period mandated by FIFA elapsed in September 2023. Reports indicate that Greenwood’s paperwork was finalized sixteen months after this waiting period ended, clearing the way for him to represent Jamaica.
Career Rebuild following controversies in England
The decision to switch national allegiances comes in the wake of a tumultuous period in Greenwood’s career. In January 2022, Manchester United suspended Greenwood following his arrest on suspicion of rape. Nine months later, he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Greenwood denied all charges, and the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately dropped the case due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence coming to light.
Despite being cleared legally, Greenwood faced significant reputational damage, leading Manchester United to part ways with him. Greenwood initially joined Spanish side Getafe on a season-long loan to rebuild his career. This summer, he made a permanent move to Marseille, where he has been showing his excellent form once again with 12 goals and three assists in Ligue 1, making him the league’s leading scorer.
The FA, however, remained steadfast in its stance, reportedly informing Greenwood that he would not be considered for England selection again. Concerns over potential negative publicity and public backlash influenced the decision, effectively closing the door on Greenwood’s future with the Three Lions. This reportedly played a huge role in the attacker’s decision to switch his nationality.
12 goals in L1 for Mason Greenwood 🏴#TopScorer pic.twitter.com/kivI4orIsB
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 19, 2025
Greenwood’s switch to Jamaica brings him into the fold of an ambitious national team aiming to make waves on the global stage. The move also reunites him with former Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren who was appointed Jamaica’s head coach earlier this year. McClaren revealed during his unveiling as Jamaica’s manager that he had spoken to Greenwood at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground before both left the club.
Now, the two will collaborate again, with hopes of steering Jamaica to greater success. Jamaica’s national team, known as the Reggae Boys, has been steadily improving in recent years. Greenwood’s addition could bolster their attacking options, potentially making them more competitive in international tournaments such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers.
Latest Premier League star to switch allegiance to Jamaica
Michail Antonio has officially switched international allegiance to Jamaica to play at the 2022 World Cup 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/gRFsRO7bPH
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) March 17, 2021
Mason Greenwood has become the latest former Premier League star to change his nationality to Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz have benefited greatly in recent years from several Premier League players opting to play for Jamaica, particularly those that have played their youth football for England. The addition of these names would help develop the sport in the country and also help in increasing the popularity of the sport in Jamaica.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio and former Hammer Ravel Morrison both have chosen to appear for the Jamaican National Team after playing their youth football for England. Former Everton and Leicester City winger Demarai Gray has also switched his nationality in favour of the Reggae Boyz and so has current Toffees player Mason Holgate. Former Chelsea youth product Kasey Palmer is also playing his football for Jamaica while Ipswich Town star Omari Hutchinson has also represented them although his future is still up in the air.
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