Why does Aliu Djaló play for Guinea-Bissau?
Born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau · Citizenship: Guinea-Bissau
Short answer
Aliu Djaló plays for Guinea-Bissau because he holds Bissau-Guinean nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level.
Birthplace and citizenship
Aliu Djaló was born in Guinea-Bissau; holds Guinea-Bissau citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
He only played youth football for Portugal U17, Portugal U18 and Portugal U21. Youth caps do not tie a player to a country, so he was free to choose Guinea-Bissau for senior football.
- Portugal U18 — under-18 level, 2007 (8 matches, 0 goals)
- Portugal U17 — under-17 level, 2007–2008 (3 matches, 0 goals)
- Portugal U21 — under-21 level, dates unknown
- Guinea-Bissau — 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 Aliu Djaló play for Guinea-Bissau?
Aliu Djaló holds Bissau-Guinean nationality and chose to represent Guinea-Bissau at senior level.
Where was Aliu Djaló born?
Aliu Djaló was born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
What nationality is Aliu Djaló?
Wikidata lists Aliu Djaló as a citizen of Guinea-Bissau.