Lamine Diatta

Why does Lamine Diatta play for Senegal?

Born in Dakar, Senegal · Citizenship: France, Senegal

Short answer

Lamine Diatta plays for Senegal because he holds Senegalese nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2000).

Birthplace and citizenship

Lamine Diatta was born in Senegal; holds France and Senegal citizenship.

International career path

His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:

  • Senegal — senior level, 2000–2008 (71 matches, 4 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.

Read our full guide to FIFA eligibility rules →

Frequently asked questions

Why does Lamine Diatta play for Senegal?

Lamine Diatta holds Senegalese nationality and chose to represent Senegal at senior level.

Where was Lamine Diatta born?

Lamine Diatta was born in Dakar, Senegal.

What nationality is Lamine Diatta?

Wikidata lists Lamine Diatta as a citizen of France and Senegal.