Why does Alain Traoré play for Burkina Faso?
Born in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso · Citizenship: Burkina Faso, France
Short answer
Alain Traoré plays for Burkina Faso because he holds Burkinabé nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2006).
Birthplace and citizenship
Alain Traoré was born in Burkina Faso; holds Burkina Faso and France citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
- Burkina Faso U17 — under-17 level, 2005
- Burkina Faso — senior level, 2006–present
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.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Alain Traoré play for Burkina Faso?
Alain Traoré holds Burkinabé nationality and chose to represent Burkina Faso at senior level.
Where was Alain Traoré born?
Alain Traoré was born in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
What nationality is Alain Traoré?
Wikidata lists Alain Traoré as a citizen of Burkina Faso and France.