Why does Henri Saivet play for Senegal?
Born in Dakar, Senegal · Citizenship: France, Senegal
Short answer
Henri Saivet plays for Senegal because he holds Senegalese nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2013).
Birthplace and citizenship
Henri Saivet was born in Senegal; holds France and Senegal citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
He only played youth football for France U16, France U17, France U18 and France U21. Youth caps do not tie a player to a country, so he was free to choose Senegal for senior football.
- France U16 — under-16 level, 2005–2006 (15 matches, 8 goals)
- France U17 — under-17 level, 2006–2007 (21 matches, 9 goals)
- France U18 — under-18 level, 2007–2008 (4 matches, 1 goal)
- France U21 — under-21 level, 2010–2012 (12 matches, 4 goals)
- Senegal — senior level, 2013–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 Henri Saivet play for Senegal?
Henri Saivet holds Senegalese nationality and chose to represent Senegal at senior level.
Where was Henri Saivet born?
Henri Saivet was born in Dakar, Senegal.
What nationality is Henri Saivet?
Wikidata lists Henri Saivet as a citizen of France and Senegal.