Crunch time : The stage is set for a dramatic semi-final showdown as Spain prepare to play France at the World Cup.
But for Aymeric Laporte, who is fully expected to start for Spain, this high-stakes fixture promises to be a uniquely emotional affair as he lines up against his country of birth.
French roots : Laporte was born in Agen, France, and represented the French national team at multiple youth levels, including captaining their Under-21 squad.
Despite his prominent rise, he was consistently overlooked for senior caps by France manager Didier Deschamps.
The Spanish switch : After years of being left on the fringes of the French squad, Laporte officially gained Spanish citizenship in May 2021 to play in Euro 2020.
