Why does Fatoumata Baldé play for Guinea?
Born in Kamsar, Guinea · Citizenship: France, Guinea, Senegal
Short answer
Fatoumata Baldé plays for Guinea because she holds Guinean nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2012).
Birthplace and citizenship
Fatoumata Baldé was born in Guinea; holds France, Guinea and Senegal citizenship.
International career path
Her international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
She only played youth football for Senegal (women). Youth caps do not tie a player to a country, so she was free to choose Guinea for senior football.
- Guinea (women) — senior women's level, 2012–present
- Senegal (women) — senior women's 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 Fatoumata Baldé play for Guinea?
Fatoumata Baldé holds Guinean nationality and chose to represent Guinea at senior level.
Where was Fatoumata Baldé born?
Fatoumata Baldé was born in Kamsar, Guinea.
What nationality is Fatoumata Baldé?
Wikidata lists Fatoumata Baldé as a citizen of France, Guinea and Senegal.