Adama Coulibaly

Why does Adama Coulibaly play for Mali?

Born in Bamako, Mali · Citizenship: France, Mali

Short answer

Adama Coulibaly plays for Mali because he holds Malian nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2001).

Birthplace and citizenship

Adama Coulibaly was born in Mali; holds France and Mali citizenship.

International career path

His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:

  • Mali — senior level, 2001–2014 (70 matches, 1 goal)

The rules in brief

A player can represent a country if they hold its nationality and have a genuine link to it: birth on its territory, a parent or grandparent born there, or several years of residency. Youth matches do not tie a player to a country. Since 2020, FIFA also lets a player switch once after a small number of senior appearances (no more than three, all before turning 21, none at a World Cup or continental finals) after a three-year wait.

Read our full guide to FIFA eligibility rules →

Frequently asked questions

Why does Adama Coulibaly play for Mali?

Adama Coulibaly holds Malian nationality and chose to represent Mali at senior level.

Where was Adama Coulibaly born?

Adama Coulibaly was born in Bamako, Mali.

What nationality is Adama Coulibaly?

Wikidata lists Adama Coulibaly as a citizen of France and Mali.