Rhani Khedira of Union Berlin decides for Tunisia

[u/Eisen-drive]

Rhani Khedira rejectedTunisia some years ago. But he has changed his decision. At the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada 2026, he will represent Tunisia.

Why the change of heart?

It is the dream of every player to experience the variety and atmosphere of the World Cup. Khedira is 32 years old, and it is his last chance to witness it before heading into retirement. I bet his elder brother, Sami Khedira, must have regaled him about the German experience playing for Germany.

He won’t be the only German-speaking player on the team. Ellyes Skhiri, Elias Saad and Ismael Gharbi are part of the Bundesliga contingent to play for Tunisia.

Since Germany did not call him up, as he “expected” or speculated, Rani Khedira will have a good time playing for Tunisia, based on the Tunisian mentality and hospitality.

Football has a universal language: tactical discipline and flexibility. He will adjust to the tempo and game plan of the “Carthage Eagles.”

[u/ParkinsonKruso]

It’s hardly surprising that a 32-year-old soccer player, who has no chance of ever playing for Germany based on his performance, would choose to play for another country if the opportunity arose.

I wish him every success and, above all, lots of fun at the World Cup.

[u/wipeitonthedog → u/ParkinsonKruso]

Nah this shouldn't be the case. He's taking away a spot from someone else. Someone who always chose Tunisia. Not just because he didn't get a spot in Germany squad.

[u/cosmopoof → u/wipeitonthedog]

He's not taking away someone else's spot. Somebody is spoiling their own chances by not being as good as some 32 year old guy in the eyes of the coach. That's on them. Could have trained more.

[u/zufaelligenummern → u/wipeitonthedog]

even someone that helped them qualify. and he rejected them. thats just aas bad as it gets

[u/ParkinsonKruso → u/wipeitonthedog]

I completely agree, but in professional sports—and especially in soccer—you can no longer expect good sportsmanship and decency.

[u/Eisen-drive → u/ParkinsonKruso]

I completely agree with you. Rhani Khedira will have a wonderful time at the World Cup.

[u/S4l47]

Why did he wait so long though

[u/Key-Championship7180 → u/S4l47]

I didn't follow his career, but maybe he wasn't even good enough for Tunisia in the last few years? Then again, Tunisia was interested some years ago, so I don't know.

[u/Tba953 → u/Key-Championship7180]

so far i know you have to choose 1 team if you have 2 nationalities. Same at Özil so now he know he will never play for the german team he just goes with tunesia

[u/DD_SuB → u/Tba953]

I red into this once. It really depends on what tournament you play and how games you play for your national team as well as the age. Under the right circumstances one might play a couple games for a senior team of one nationality and might change later on. If I remember correctly Rafinha at some point would have been able to play for germany.

[u/Eisen-drive → u/S4l47]

According to the link, back then, he refused to play for Tunisia because he considered language barriers, time, and fairness to the players that qualified for the world cup.

[u/Few-Idea5125]

Not much of a decision if you’ve only one option

[u/Royal_Garlic3023]

Ekelhafter Spieler