Chris Atherton Changes International Allegiance
Chris Atherton has changed his international football allegiance from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill described Atherton's decision as "disappointing, but we have to accept it."
Atherton's Early Career and Move to Chelsea
Atherton made history in September 2022 by becoming the youngest senior footballer in the United Kingdom at 13 years and 329 days old, when he appeared for Glenavon in the Northern Ireland League Cup.
The 17-year-old transferred from Glenavon, where he had been since age four, to Chelsea's academy in July 2025 and signed a professional contract with Chelsea in October of the same year.
International Representation and Change of Allegiance
Atherton represented Northern Ireland at Under-16 and Under-17 levels. He also served as a youth ambassador during the announcement in Nyon of the UK and Ireland's successful bid to host Euro 2028 in October 2023. However, he has now switched his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland.
O'Neill's Comments on the Switch
Speaking during his squad announcement for the World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy, O'Neill stated:
"Every player has the right to make that choice."
He added:
"He's a young player that had been initially in the Republic of Ireland set-up. He came back to be part of our set-up and I think Chris played maybe 17 times for representative teams for us. But every player has the right to make that choice, and obviously he's made that choice."
Other Players' Allegiance Changes
O'Neill also referenced Omari Kellyman, who is on loan at Cardiff City from Chelsea and switched from Northern Ireland to England in 2023.
Northern Ireland has also gained players through changes of allegiance, with Jamie Donley and Ronan Hale switching from England and the Republic of Ireland respectively within the past year.
O'Neill emphasized:
"We can't handcuff them to a decision that they made initially. They have the right to make that choice once in their career, and Chris has decided to make that choice."
