Jens Castrop Makes History with South Korea Call-Up

Castrop joins Son Heung-min in Korean squad

Jens Castrop becomes the first foreign-born, mixed-heritage player to join South Korea's men's national team, ahead of friendlies against the US and Mexico.

Jens Castrop, a 22-year-old midfielder with dual German and South Korean citizenship, has made history by becoming the first foreign-born player of mixed heritage to be called up to the South Korean men's senior national football team...

Castrop, born to a German father and South Korean mother, joins an impressive squad featuring captain Son Heung-min and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in for upcoming friendlies against the United States and Mexico.

South Korea's Squad Highlights:

Captain Son Heung-min: Recent addition to Los Angeles FC after a decade in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur

Lee Kang-in: Paris Saint-Germain midfielder and Champions League winner, previously involved in a controversy with Son Heung-min during the Asian Cup

Jens Castrop: Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder, born in Düsseldorf, Germany, and former German youth international

Castrop's inclusion marks a significant moment for mixed-heritage players in South Korean men's football, and coach Hong Myung-bo believes he can make a valuable contribution to the team. The squad is preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

South Korea Makes History with Jens Castrop Call-Up

South Korea's national football team has made a groundbreaking move by calling up Jens Castrop, a 22-year-old midfielder with a German father and Korean mother, for the upcoming friendlies against the United States and Mexico. Castrop becomes the first foreign-born, mixed-heritage player to be included in the men's national squad.

After switching allegiance from Germany, Gladbach's Jens Castrop becomes the first foreign-born player ever to be called up to the Korean national team 🇰🇷👏 pic.twitter.com/eu8lkL9ON8

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) August 25, 2025

Castrop's Background and Potential Impact

Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, Castrop has previously represented Germany at youth levels, including the Under-21 team. He recently made his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Mönchengladbach as a substitute in a goalless draw with Hamburg. Coach Hong Myung-bo praised Castrop's development and character, highlighting his strong will and sense of responsibility. Hong believes Castrop's tough and rugged playing style will bring fresh energy to the squad.

Uncertainty Over Military Service

One question mark surrounding Castrop's inclusion is his military service status. As a dual citizen, it's unclear whether he'll need to complete the mandatory military service required of South Korean men. The issue has yet to be resolved between the Korean Football Association and the government.

Jens Castrop, a 22-year-old midfielder born in Düsseldorf to a German father and South Korean mother, has been called up to the South Korean national team for upcoming friendlies against the United States and Mexico. This marks a historic moment for South Korean football, as Castrop becomes the first mixed-heritage player to be included in the men's national squad. Previously, he represented Germany at youth levels, from Under-16 to Under-21, before switching his international allegiance to South Korea, which the FIFA approved on August 12, 2025.

Castrop's Football Career

Early Career: Castrop began his youth career at Fortuna Düsseldorf before moving to 1. FC Köln's academy, where he played for the U15 and U17 teams.

Professional Career: He played for Köln's reserve team and later joined 1. FC Nürnberg on a loan deal in January 2022, which became a permanent transfer in June 2023 for €900,000. Castrop recently signed a four-season contract with Borussia Mönchengladbach in February 2025 for €4.5 million.

Upcoming Friendlies and World Cup Preparations

The friendlies against the United States on September 6 and Mexico on September 9 will serve as crucial preparation for South Korea's 2026 World Cup campaign. The team, led by captain Son Heung-min, who recently joined Los Angeles FC, will aim to build momentum ahead of the global tournament. South Korea has qualified for the World Cup for the 11th consecutive time and will be looking to make a deep run in the competition.

South Korea's Move to Include Overseas-Born Players

While selecting overseas-born players has become common in countries like China and Japan, it's still rare in South Korea. However, striker Casey Phair paved the way by becoming the first mixed-heritage player to represent South Korea at the senior level in the 2023 Women's World Cup. Coach Hong Myung-bo believes Castrop's inclusion could bring fresh energy to the team, although he acknowledges the complexities surrounding military service and dual citizenship.