Why does Riad Shawki play for Egypt?

· Citizenship: Egypt, Ottoman Empire

Short answer

Riad Shawki plays for Egypt because he holds Egyptian nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 1920).

Birthplace and citizenship

holds Egypt and Ottoman Empire citizenship.

International career path

His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:

  • Egypt — senior level, 1920–1924

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 Riad Shawki play for Egypt?

Riad Shawki holds Egyptian nationality and chose to represent Egypt at senior level.

What nationality is Riad Shawki?

Wikidata lists Riad Shawki as a citizen of Egypt and Ottoman Empire.