Mason Greenwood, previously transferred by Manchester United to Marseille for approximately £27 million during the summer transfer window, has officially changed his international allegiance from England to Jamaica. The move comes after the forward spent the previous season on loan with Getafe.
The 23-year-old qualifies to represent Jamaica due to his paternal grandparents’ heritage. FIFA regulations permit such a change as Greenwood only made a single competitive appearance for England. That appearance came under Gareth Southgate when Greenwood debuted as a second-half substitute during a UEFA Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020.
At the time, FIFA’s rules prohibited players from switching national teams after a competitive debut. However, within weeks of Greenwood’s England cap, FIFA’s annual congress passed a rule allowing players under 21 with fewer than four competitive matches to change their national team, provided they met the three-year waiting period. Greenwood became eligible for the switch in September 2023, and reports suggest he has now finalized the necessary paperwork to represent Jamaica.
This development follows England’s Football Association reportedly informing Greenwood that he would no longer be considered for future selection. The player’s career faced turmoil after Manchester United suspended him in January 2022 following allegations of rape. While charges, including attempted rape and controlling behavior, were brought against him, they were later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Greenwood consistently denied the allegations.
Following his suspension, Greenwood joined Getafe on loan for the 2022-23 season before permanently departing Manchester United to sign with Marseille this summer. His decision to represent Jamaica aligns with the appointment of Steve McClaren, a former Manchester United assistant coach, as head coach of the Jamaican national team.
McClaren revealed during his unveiling that he had spoken with Greenwood before both left Manchester United. This shared connection lays the foundation for a potential reunion on the international stage, with hopes for success under McClaren’s leadership.
