Jordan Lefort, a solid central defender for Angers SCO, is about to experience a historic moment at the age of 32. Thanks to Mauritanian nationality obtained through his wife, who is originally from the country, he will step onto the pitch at La Bombonera for the first time on March 27, facing Argentina national football team in a friendly match. Called up by the Mauritanian national coach, the Paris-born player is living an unexpected dream in the middle of his Ligue 1 career.
Born in 1993 in Champigny-sur-Marne, Jordan Lefort worked his way up through French football with determination. Trained at Paris FC, he played in the lower divisions before establishing himself in Ligue 1 this season with 27 appearances for Angers. His winding career took him to Switzerland with BSC Young Boys between 2020 and 2022, before returning to France with Paris FC and later joining Angers. But it is his family connection that changed everything. Married to a Mauritanian woman, he followed the same administrative process as his children to obtain a passport from the West African country.
An international dream at La Bombonera
“I have a wife who is Mauritanian, her entire family is too. We got passports for my children, they were naturalized. We went through the same process for me, and it worked,” Lefort said after the 5–1 defeat against Lens, in an interview with Foot Mercato and Ligue 1+. As soon as his passport was validated, he became eligible and was selected for this prestigious clash against the Argentine world champions. “I can’t wait to discover the national team, my teammates, the staff, the overall atmosphere, and to become an international player,” he added, as excited as a child.
This decision is significant for Lefort, who had never represented a national team before. At 32, in the prime of his career, he brings defensive experience to an ambitious Mauritanian side. The match in Buenos Aires, a mythical venue, promises a unique showdown: the Albiceleste, led by stars like Lionel Messi, against a Mauritanian team boosted by this unexpected reinforcement. For Angers, already struggling in the league, this international break could also help the player recharge.
Beyond the prestige, this naturalization reflects the migration dynamics of modern football. Lefort is not the first to opt for a second nationality through marriage, but making his debut at La Bombonera commands respect. It remains to be seen whether this baptism of fire will mark the beginning of a successful international journey. On March 27, all eyes will be on this Frenchman turned Mauritanian, ready to challenge the giants.