Last updated June 15, 2020 by Javier Argudo
Throughout history there have been several foreign players who have naturalized to wear the shirt of Spain. We review some of the most significant cases.
KUBALA
Hungarian footballer was one of the best players of his era. He nationalized Spanish and defended the national team jersey in 19 scoring occasions 11 goals.
PUSKAS
Another Hungarian the Spanish elastic holstered. After leading the best Hungarian history, He decided to try his luck with Spain in World 1962 with which he played 4 games when they already had 34 year old.
DI STEFANO
In case of Alfredo Di Stéfano It is quite striking. Argentina also dress the albiceleste their country of birth was also international with Colombia and Spain. curiously, It is one of the big stars who never played a World Cup.
DONATO
The paper of Donato It was important for national team ahead of Euro 1996. Brazilian midfielder was used by Javier Clemente in 12 games he also collaborated with 3 goals both in qualifying and in the European own.
Catanha
Spain needed a leading scorer and certainly Catanha it was. Brazilian nationalized Spanish but only played 3 games without a goal with Selection.
PIZZI
Another striker who was called up was Juan Antonio Pizzi. Argentina thrashed on the CD Tenerife and made the jump to the FC Barcelona where he also had good times. This served to be international with Spain with acceptable performance as he scored 8 goals in 22 matches.
MARCOS SENNA
Surely the best performing player nationalized offered the Selection. Brazil Marcos Senna It was a key element in the success of Spain in the European Championship 2008. The player who exercised anchor in the middle of the field on a team full of stars and footballers touch. 28 caps and a goal.
DIEGO COSTA
The Brazilian forward is the latest 'signing' of the Spanish selection to join the national team. Diego Costa It was the front of the team in the World 2014 Y 2018 although in both events 'La Roja' had a very discreet role with him at the point of attack.
These are some of the examples of nationalized players who have played with Spain throughout history. Of course, There are many other names like José Eulogio Gárate, Ruben Cano, Pernía (Argentina), Pier Luigi Cherubino (Italy), Thomas Christiansen (Denmark), Eulogio Martínez (Paraguay), etc.
Special mention for Ruben Cano who scored a historic goal in Yugoslavia qualified for the national team for the World Cup in Argentina 1978 in the famous 'Battle of Belgrade'.
