Why does Bakary Soumaré play for Mali?
Born in Bamako, Mali · Citizenship: France, Mali, United States
Short answer
Bakary Soumaré plays for Mali because he holds Malian nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2009).
Birthplace and citizenship
Bakary Soumaré was born in Mali; holds France, Mali and United States citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
- Mali — senior level, 2009–2010 (12 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.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Bakary Soumaré play for Mali?
Bakary Soumaré holds Malian nationality and chose to represent Mali at senior level.
Where was Bakary Soumaré born?
Bakary Soumaré was born in Bamako, Mali.
What nationality is Bakary Soumaré?
Wikidata lists Bakary Soumaré as a citizen of France, Mali and United States.