Why does Daniel Gbaguidi play for Benin?
Born in Cotonou, Benin · Citizenship: Benin
Short answer
Daniel Gbaguidi plays for Benin because he holds Beninese nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2008).
Birthplace and citizenship
Daniel Gbaguidi was born in Benin; holds Benin citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
He only played youth football for France U15, France U16, France U17 and France U21. Youth caps do not tie a player to a country, so he was free to choose Benin for senior football.
- France U15 — under-15 level, 2003–2004 (8 matches, 0 goals)
- France U16 — under-16 level, 2004–2005 (6 matches, 0 goals)
- France U17 — under-17 level, 2005–2006 (1 match, 0 goals)
- France U21 — under-21 level, 2007–2008 (2 matches, 0 goals)
- Benin — senior level, 2008 (2 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 Daniel Gbaguidi play for Benin?
Daniel Gbaguidi holds Beninese nationality and chose to represent Benin at senior level.
Where was Daniel Gbaguidi born?
Daniel Gbaguidi was born in Cotonou, Benin.
What nationality is Daniel Gbaguidi?
Wikidata lists Daniel Gbaguidi as a citizen of Benin.