Ljašenko: Latvian passport was secured independently by Cirkins four years ago
Footballer Dennis Cirkins, born in Ireland, had already obtained his Latvian passport independently four years ago, according to the president of the Latvian Football Federation, Vadims Ljašenko.
Vadims Ljašenko, the president of the Latvian Football Federation (LFF), has revealed that talented footballer Dennis Cirkins, who was born in Ireland to a family from Daugavpils, successfully secured his Latvian passport independently four years prior. This development highlights the increasing relevance of dual nationality for athletes in the global sports arena.
Cirkins, who is currently a defender for Premier League club Sunderland, is set to join the Latvian national team as they prepare for the upcoming UEFA Nations League playoffs against Gibraltar. The matches will take place on March 26 and March 31, with the winner qualifying for League C and the loser entering League D. Cirkins' inclusion in the team marks a significant moment as he was previously part of England's youth squads.
The 21-year-old Cirkins, who moved to London with his family at the age of three, has been an integral part of Sunderland for five seasons since joining from Tottenham Hotspur's academy in 2021. His participation in the national team reflects a growing trend among players with dual nationalities, showcasing the connections between local and international football.