Mason Greenwood has taken a significant step in his football career by shifting his international allegiance from England to Jamaica. This decision follows a challenging period for the player, marked by his suspension from Manchester United three years ago due to serious charges, including attempted rape and assault. Although the charges were later dropped, the fallout led to his exit from the club and a subsequent move to Marseille.
After making his senior debut for England in 2020, Greenwood faced obstacles that hindered his chances of representing the Three Lions again. The Football Association made it clear that he would not be considered for future selections, effectively ending his aspirations of earning more caps. With the negative attention surrounding his situation, those in charge at Wembley recognized the potential risks of including him in the national squad.
Greenwood, who has Jamaican heritage through his father, began the official process of switching to represent Jamaica in August 2024. This move was made possible under FIFA regulations, as he had only participated in one competitive match for England before turning 21. The Jamaican Football Federation was enthusiastic about his decision, with head coach Steve McClaren—previously an assistant at Manchester United—expressing optimism about Greenwood’s impact on the team. McClaren stated, “Mason is an exceptional talent, and his ability to score and adapt will be crucial in our quest for World Cup qualification.”
Having left Manchester United, Greenwood signed a five-year contract with Olympique de Marseille in July 2024. He quickly made his mark by scoring twice and assisting twice in his debut against Brest, establishing himself as an essential player for the Ligue 1 club.
As Greenwood prepares to join the Jamaican national team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Marseille has agreed to release him for official matches but will not allow participation in friendlies in March. Greenwood expressed his commitment to the Jamaican cause, saying, “It’s a tremendous honor for me and my family to represent Jamaica. I am dedicated to helping the team find success on the international front.”
