Why does Alfred Gomis play for Senegal?
Born in Ziguinchor, Senegal · Citizenship: Italy, Senegal
Short answer
Alfred Gomis plays for Senegal because he holds Senegalese nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level.
Birthplace and citizenship
Alfred Gomis was born in Senegal; holds Italy and Senegal citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
He only played youth football for Italy U20 and Italy under-21 Serie B representative team. Youth caps do not tie a player to a country, so he was free to choose Senegal for senior football.
- Italy U20 — under-20 level, 2013
- Italy under-21 Serie B representative team — under-21 level, 2013–2014 (2 matches, 0 goals)
- Senegal — senior level, dates unknown
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 Alfred Gomis play for Senegal?
Alfred Gomis holds Senegalese nationality and chose to represent Senegal at senior level.
Where was Alfred Gomis born?
Alfred Gomis was born in Ziguinchor, Senegal.
What nationality is Alfred Gomis?
Wikidata lists Alfred Gomis as a citizen of Italy and Senegal.