Lucas Hernández is the latest case of a player snubbing the Spanish national side to opt for a different country. Years before, five time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi discovered he was eligible to represent 'La Roja,' but his heart was elsewhere...
Rafinha Alcántara
Mazinho, World Cup winner in 1994, is the father of Thiago and Rafinha, both born in Spain. Whilst Thiago is a regular name on the 'La Roja' team sheet, Rafinha chose to follow in his father's footsteps and represent Brazil.
Dani Alves
When Alves was playing for Sevilla, Luis Aragonés was the Spanish national side head coach. Aragonés gave it his all to get the right-back to pull on a red jersey for the World Cup in 2006, but to no avail. Alves is still a key figure in the Brazil squad.
Aymeric Laporte
Born in France, raised in the Basque country. Laporte has played for 'Les Bleus' at every youth level but is yet to earn a senior cap.
Lucas Hernández
Hernández is the latest player involved in a national tug-of-war. Despite Spain trying to lure him in, Didier Deschamps has had the last laugh.
Lionel Messi
Despite Messi being eligible for Spain national duty, he chose to hold out for Argentina.