Why does Ladule Lako LoSarah play for South Sudan?
Born in Davis, United States · Citizenship: United States
Short answer
Ladule Lako LoSarah represents South Sudan even though he was born in United States. 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 South Sudan at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2013).
Birthplace and citizenship
Ladule Lako LoSarah was born in Davis, United States.
Being born in United States normally gives a player the right to represent United States too, if he holds that nationality. Representing South Sudan 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 Ladule Lako LoSarah, so we do not guess.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
- South Sudan — 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 Ladule Lako LoSarah play for South Sudan?
Ladule Lako LoSarah holds South Sudanese nationality and chose to represent South Sudan at senior level despite being born in United States.
Where was Ladule Lako LoSarah born?
Ladule Lako LoSarah was born in Davis, United States.
What nationality is Ladule Lako LoSarah?
Wikidata lists Ladule Lako LoSarah as a citizen of United States.
Could Ladule Lako LoSarah have played for United States?
Probably, if he holds United States 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.