Mason Greenwood has reportedly taken the necessary steps to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica. At 23 years old, Greenwood qualifies to represent Jamaica through his paternal grandparents, and recent changes to FIFA’s eligibility rules have made the move possible.
The new regulations allow players under the age of 21 who have made fewer than four competitive appearances to change their national team, provided they meet specific criteria.
Greenwood’s sole competitive appearance for England occurred in September 2020 during a Nations League match against Iceland, where he came on as a substitute. Although such an appearance would have previously barred him from switching, FIFA’s rule changes—introduced just two weeks after his England debut—created an avenue for him to make the transition.
The mandatory three-year waiting period expired in September 2023, enabling Greenwood to officially pursue his desire to represent Jamaica. Reports indicate he has now committed to this decision. The Football Association (FA) had already announced that Greenwood would not be considered for future England squads, making the switch a natural progression.
Greenwood’s career has been anything but smooth, having faced significant challenges. In January 2022, he was suspended by Manchester United following his arrest on accusations of rape. He was subsequently charged with attempted rape, coercive control, and assault—charges he denied. These charges were eventually dropped, but the fallout significantly impacted his career trajectory.
After a loan stint with Spanish club Getafe, Greenwood parted ways with Manchester United, joining Marseille in the summer transfer window. His decision to represent Jamaica marks a critical moment in his career, signaling a fresh start after a turbulent period.
Notably, Jamaica’s head coach, Steve McClaren, who previously served as an assistant manager at Manchester United during Greenwood’s time there, is believed to have been in contact with the player before their respective exits from the club. This connection could pave the way for a reunion between Greenwood and McClaren, as both seek to elevate the Jamaica national team to new heights.
Greenwood’s decision to switch allegiance symbolizes a new chapter, allowing him to move forward after being excluded from England’s plans and leaving Manchester United. Representing Jamaica offers Greenwood a chance to rebuild his career and showcase his talent on the international stage.
McClaren’s role as head coach could facilitate Greenwood’s integration into the team, while his addition strengthens Jamaica’s attacking lineup as they prepare for regional and global competitions. This move represents a fresh start for Greenwood, providing an opportunity to redefine his career and contribute to the success of the Jamaica nationalteam.