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The Argentine Player Dreaming of Wales

BBC Sport •
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For over 150 years, a slice of Wales has existed in Argentina. In 1865, about 160 Welsh emigrants sailed to Patagonia to establish 'Y Wladfa', a settlement where their language and culture could flourish. Today, more than 50,000 Patagonians claim Welsh ancestry.

Jeremias James is one of those descendants. Born and raised in Trelew, James is part of the fifth generation of his family living in the Chubut province. Despite his deep connection to his heritage, FIFA rules make playing for Wales unlikely, as his biological parents and grandparents were born in Argentina.

Currently playing for Magallanes in Chile, the 25-year-old central defender has overcome significant hurdles, including a childhood battle with leukemia. While he may never represent the Welsh national team, James remains eager to visit the country and explore the roots of his family history.