Mason Greenwood, the talented 22-year-old forward who recently made a permanent move from Manchester United to Marseille earlier this summer, wasted no time in making his presence felt in Ligue 1. In his debut for the French club, now under the management of former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, Greenwood showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting two goals, making an immediate impact on his new team.
Greenwood’s international career has been more complicated. His sole appearance for England’s senior team came in September 2020, during a Nations League match against Iceland. Entering the game as a late substitute, Greenwood’s introduction to international football was overshadowed by controversy. Following the match, both Greenwood and his England teammate Phil Foden were sent home after breaching Covid-19 protocols. This incident marked the beginning of a series of off-field challenges that would hinder Greenwood’s international aspirations.
Since that appearance, Greenwood has not received another call-up to the England squad. His absence from the national team was further compounded by a legal issue in January 2022, when he was arrested on charges that included attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily harm. Although these charges were formally brought against him in October 2022, they were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023. Despite the legal proceedings concluding in his favor, the episode cast a long shadow over Greenwood’s international career and public image.
Despite the setbacks with England, Greenwood’s future in international football may still hold promise, thanks to his Jamaican heritage. According to FIFA regulations, players with fewer than four competitive appearances for one national team before turning 21 are allowed to switch their allegiance to another country they are eligible to represent. This rule opens the door for Greenwood to play for Jamaica, a possibility that is gaining traction.
Adding to this development, Jamaica has recently appointed Steve McClaren, the former Manchester United assistant coach, as their new national team manager. In a recent interview, McClaren hinted at the possibility of bringing Greenwood into the Jamaican squad. He mentioned having had a conversation with Greenwood, stating, “I met Mason and we had a little conversation. I want to go and meet everyone when I get back and find out whether they actually want to come here and play for Jamaica. Again, it’s the commitment. I will be making sure that we have a conversation with all the [eligible] players. We have a list.” This statement suggests McClaren’s proactive approach in seeking out players who can bolster Jamaica’s chances on the international stage.
Reports, specifically from *The Sun*, indicate that Greenwood has made the decision to switch his international allegiance to Jamaica. The same reports suggest that the Jamaican Football Federation has already initiated the formal process by submitting a request to the English Football Association to approve the switch.
Jamaica’s ambitions are clear. The country has not qualified for the FIFA World Cup since their historic appearance in 1998. However, the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in the 2026 edition, set to be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, offers new hope. With more slots available, Jamaica sees an opportunity to make a return to football’s biggest stage. McClaren, who signed a two-year contract to manage the Jamaican national team, will be keen to leverage the expanded format to secure a World Cup berth for the Reggae Boyz.
For Mason Greenwood, the potential switch to Jamaica represents more than just a change of national team. It symbolizes a fresh start, an opportunity to redefine his international career, and a chance to showcase his talents on the world stage once again. This move could reignite his football journey, offering him a platform to contribute significantly to Jamaican football and perhaps write a new chapter in his career—one marked by redemption and success on the international front.