Why does Leocísio Sami play for Guinea-Bissau?

Born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau · Citizenship: Guinea-Bissau, Portugal

Short answer

Leocísio Sami plays for Guinea-Bissau because he holds Bissau-Guinean nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2011).

Birthplace and citizenship

Leocísio Sami was born in Guinea-Bissau; holds Guinea-Bissau and Portugal citizenship.

International career path

His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:

  • Guinea-Bissau — senior level, 2011–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 →

Frequently asked questions

Why does Leocísio Sami play for Guinea-Bissau?

Leocísio Sami holds Bissau-Guinean nationality and chose to represent Guinea-Bissau at senior level.

Where was Leocísio Sami born?

Leocísio Sami was born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

What nationality is Leocísio Sami?

Wikidata lists Leocísio Sami as a citizen of Guinea-Bissau and Portugal.