• About Malta
  About Malta Quality of Life Discovering Malta and Gozo Festas of Malta and Gozo FAQ about Malta
• Latest News
• Moving to Malta
  Moving to Malta Non-Dom Malta Malta Skills Card Domicile and Residence Residency British Nationals Student Visa Process Maildrop and Mailforwarding
• Company Formation
  Register Malta Comapny Register Shipping Company Yacht Registration Single Member Company SMC vs Partnership Office Solutions Relocating your Business Setup a Company IGaming Company
• Formation Fees
  SMC - Partnership Costs Company Setup Fees
• Tax and Regulations
  Tax Consolidation Non-Domiciled Companies Tax Incentives SMCs Tax Benefits of Partnerships 5% Corporate Tax Rate Self Employed in Malta Foreign Direct Investment Cryptocurrency

February 09 2025 08:34:35 by PCLMedia
 
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and his son, James, have recently been granted Maltese citizenship.

Carragher, who spent his entire 17-year professional career at Liverpool in the English Premier League, received citizenship due to his Maltese ancestry. His grandfather, Paul Vassallo, was originally from Qormi, Malta, and later moved to Bootle, UK, after marrying an Englishwoman. Carragher’s mother, Paula Vassallo, was also born in Malta, making him eligible for citizenship by registration.

Government sources confirmed that Carragher met the necessary criteria, which requires direct descent from a Maltese-born individual and a parent also born in Malta.

At the same time, his son James Carragher, a professional footballer, also obtained Maltese citizenship. The 22-year-old centre-back plays for English Football League One side Wigan Athletic. James made his debut for the club in August and recently scored his first professional goal against Bristol Rovers. Sky Sports humorously noted that this achievement put him only three goals behind his father’s career tally.

James Carragher Could Represent Malta on the International Stage

With his new citizenship, James Carragher is now eligible to play for the Malta national team. Malta Football Association (MFA) president Bjorn Vassallo confirmed that discussions had already begun with the family.

“We’ve been in talks with James and Jamie for several months now. James is open to the idea, but discussions are still ongoing,” Vassallo stated, emphasizing the MFA’s goal of strengthening its squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in March. He also pointed out that Malta has previously welcomed players through citizenship registrations, aligning with international football trends.

Jamie Carragher’s illustrious career with Liverpool saw him make 737 appearances, making him the club’s second-most-capped player. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s legendary 2005 Champions League victory against AC Milan, a match famously dubbed the “Miracle of Istanbul.” Serving as vice-captain for a decade under Steven Gerrard, he also represented England in multiple international tournaments, including two FIFA World Cups.

Since retiring in 2013, Carragher has become a well-respected football pundit, regularly appearing on Sky Sports alongside former Manchester United player Gary Neville.

Carragher’s Connection to Malta

Beyond football, Carragher has shown his affinity for Malta on several occasions. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he, along with Neville and Ryan Giggs, released a public message urging Maltese citizens to stay safe. In a video message, Carragher shared his personal connection to the country, stating, “I’ve got a bit of Maltese blood in me, actually. Stay safe and hope you’re all doing well.”

Additionally, Carragher contributes regularly as a columnist for *The Telegraph* and is actively involved in charity work through his 23 Foundation, which supports young people in the Liverpool area.

With James Carragher potentially joining the Malta national team, the family’s Maltese connection may soon extend to the international football stage.
 

back | top