Why does Alou Traoré play for Mali?

Born in Bamako, Mali · Citizenship: Armenia, Mali

Short answer

Alou Traoré plays for Mali because he holds Malian nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 1994).

Birthplace and citizenship

Alou Traoré was born in Mali; holds Armenia and Mali citizenship.

International career path

His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:

  • Mali — senior level, 1994–2000 (34 matches, 0 goals)

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 Alou Traoré play for Mali?

Alou Traoré holds Malian nationality and chose to represent Mali at senior level.

Where was Alou Traoré born?

Alou Traoré was born in Bamako, Mali.

What nationality is Alou Traoré?

Wikidata lists Alou Traoré as a citizen of Armenia and Mali.