Why does Augusto Matine play for Mozambique?
Born in Maputo, Mozambique · Citizenship: Portugal
Short answer
Augusto Matine plays for Mozambique because he holds Mozambican nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level.
Birthplace and citizenship
Augusto Matine was born in Mozambique.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
He played senior football for Portugal before switching. Since FIFA's 2020 rule change, a player who won no more than three senior caps (all before turning 21, none at a World Cup or continental finals) can change association once, after a three-year wait.
- Portugal — senior level, 1970–1973 (9 matches, 0 goals)
- Mozambique — 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 Augusto Matine play for Mozambique?
Augusto Matine holds Mozambican nationality and chose to represent Mozambique at senior level.
Where was Augusto Matine born?
Augusto Matine was born in Maputo, Mozambique.
What nationality is Augusto Matine?
Wikidata lists Augusto Matine as a citizen of Portugal.