Why does Frédéric Bulot play for Gabon?

Birthplace and citizenship

Frédéric Bulot was born in Gabon; holds France and Gabon citizenship.

International career path

His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:

He only played youth football for France U16, France U17, France U18, France U19 and France U21. Youth caps do not tie a player to a country, so he was free to choose Gabon for senior football.

• France U16 — under-16 level, 2005–2006 (12 matches, 0 goals)
• France U17 — under-17 level, 2006–2007 (12 matches, 2 goals)
• France U18 — under-18 level, 2007–2008 (5 matches, 0 goals)
• France U19 — under-19 level, 2008–2009 (17 matches, 0 goals)
• France U17 — under-17 level, 2008–2009 (12 matches, 2 goals)
• France U18 — under-18 level, 2009–2010 (5 matches, 0 goals)
• France U19 — under-19 level, 2010–2011 (17 matches, 1 goal)
• France U21 — under-21 level, 2010–2012 (9 matches, 3 goals)
• Gabon — senior level, 2014–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.

Read our full guide to FIFA eligibility rules →