Why does Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos play for Benin?
Born in São Paulo, Brazil · Citizenship: Benin, Brazil
Short answer
Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos represents Benin even though he was born in Brazil. FIFA rules allow a player to represent any country whose nationality he holds, provided he has a family or residency connection to it; he committed to Benin at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2025).
Birthplace and citizenship
Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos was born in São Paulo, Brazil; holds Benin and Brazil citizenship.
Being born in Brazil normally gives a player the right to represent Brazil too, if he holds that nationality. Representing Benin instead usually means a parent or grandparent was born there, or that the player lived there long enough to qualify through residency. Public records do not state which connection applied to Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos, so we do not guess.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
- Benin — senior level, 2025–present
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 Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos play for Benin?
Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos holds Beninese nationality and chose to represent Benin at senior level despite being born in Brazil.
Where was Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos born?
Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos was born in São Paulo, Brazil.
What nationality is Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos?
Wikidata lists Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos as a citizen of Benin and Brazil.
Could Felipe Silva Correa dos Santos have played for Brazil?
Probably, if he holds Brazil nationality, as players born in a country are eligible for it. Once a player has played a competitive senior match for one country, switching is only possible under narrow FIFA exceptions.