Born in England, but more 'criollo' than dulce de leche: Who are the 'British' babies of the Argentine national team?
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Several Argentine national team players have children born in England, the country they will face in the World Cup semifinals.
- Players like Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez and Enzo Fernández have sons and daughters born in England due to their careers there.
- The children's dual upbringing creates unique family dynamics as they navigate national allegiances during the match.
As Argentina prepares to face England in a crucial World Cup semifinal, a unique familial connection links players on both sides. Several key members of Argentina's squad have children who were born in England, the very nation they must now overcome to reach the final.
Goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, a long-time fixture in British football, has two children born in England. His son, Santino, was born in 2018, followed by his daughter, Ava, in June 2021. Ava's birth coincided with the Copa América, famously prompting Lionel Messi to remark that Martínez couldn't hold his daughter because he was focused on the national team.
He who doesn't jump is English.
Midfielder Enzo Fernández also has children with English ties. His son, Benjamín, was born in England in late 2023, shortly after the family moved to London. Fernández's partner, Valentina Cervantes, often shares glimpses of Benjamín adopting English customs. She humorously recounted how the family navigates the popular chant, "He who doesn't jump is English," explaining that they don't let Benjamín jump because he was born there.
Cervantes noted that while England is the rival on the field, it has also become a significant part of their family life since Fernández joined the Premier League. Another player, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, has a daughter, Alaia, who was born in England in September 2025, during his time in the country.
It's where I live.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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