12 soccer players who you probably didn't know switched their nationality to play for a different country

Gonzalo Higuain.Getty/David Ramos

• Many soccer players have chosen to switch their nationalities in in order to represent a different country.
• A childhood move, ancestry, or wanting more game time are amongst the most common reasons players choose to do so.
• Insider has listed 12 examples, some of which will come as a surprise, for you below.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

"Wherever I lay my hat, that's my home," said Marvin Gaye in 1962.

Though the soul legend is extremely unlikely to have have written the song with soccer players in mind, many have adopted the sentiment when it comes to choosing which international team to represent.

Whether it's because of a childhood move, ancestry, or simply a desire for more game time, all 12 of the following players have chosen to swap their nationalities in order to represent a different country.