The striker who supported Israel against everyone announced: "I will continue to represent Ireland"

Finn Azaz, the striker who could have represented the Israeli national team through his mother, has officially announced that he will continue to play for the Republic of Ireland. The decision comes after a tense period that included two matches against Israel in the Nations League, during which he delivered emotional speeches to his teammates presenting the Israeli side.

Finn Azaz, the striker who could have represented the Israeli national team through his Israeli mother, has officially announced that he will continue to play for the Republic of Ireland. The decision comes after a tense period that included two charged matches against Israel in the Nations League. Azaz, whose mother is Israeli and whose grandmother served as an officer in the IDF, reportedly delivered an emotional speech to his teammates presenting the Israeli side in the debate surrounding the match. His coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, said the period was 'mentally difficult' for the player. Azaz, born in England and representing Ireland through his father, has made 16 appearances since his debut in 2024. At Southampton, he has 14 goals and 15 assists in 60 appearances.