Why does Josimar Lima play for Cape Verde?
Born in São Vicente, Cape Verde · Citizenship: Cape Verde
Short answer
Josimar Lima plays for Cape Verde because he holds Cape Verdean nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2010).
Birthplace and citizenship
Josimar Lima was born in Cape Verde; holds Cape Verde citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
He only played youth football for Netherlands U19. Youth caps do not tie a player to a country, so he was free to choose Cape Verde for senior football.
- Cape Verde — senior level, 2010–present
- Netherlands U19 — under-19 level, dates unknown (5 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 Josimar Lima play for Cape Verde?
Josimar Lima holds Cape Verdean nationality and chose to represent Cape Verde at senior level.
Where was Josimar Lima born?
Josimar Lima was born in São Vicente, Cape Verde.
What nationality is Josimar Lima?
Wikidata lists Josimar Lima as a citizen of Cape Verde.