Why does Manuel de Jesus Lopes play for Mozambique?
Born in Mozambique, Mozambique · Citizenship: Bulgaria, Portugal
Short answer
Manuel de Jesus Lopes plays for Mozambique because he holds Mozambican nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2008).
Birthplace and citizenship
Manuel de Jesus Lopes was born in Mozambique; holds Bulgaria and Portugal citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
- Mozambique — senior level, 2008 (2 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 Manuel de Jesus Lopes play for Mozambique?
Manuel de Jesus Lopes holds Mozambican nationality and chose to represent Mozambique at senior level.
Where was Manuel de Jesus Lopes born?
Manuel de Jesus Lopes was born in Mozambique.
What nationality is Manuel de Jesus Lopes?
Wikidata lists Manuel de Jesus Lopes as a citizen of Bulgaria and Portugal.