Why does Yves Bissouma play for Mali?
Born in Bamako, Mali · Citizenship: Ivory Coast, Mali
Short answer
Yves Bissouma plays for Mali because he holds Malian nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2016).
Birthplace and citizenship
Yves Bissouma was born in Mali; holds Ivory Coast and Mali citizenship.
International career path
His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:
- Mali — senior level, 2016–present (50 matches, 5 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 Yves Bissouma play for Mali?
Yves Bissouma holds Malian nationality and chose to represent Mali at senior level.
Where was Yves Bissouma born?
Yves Bissouma was born in Bamako, Mali.
What nationality is Yves Bissouma?
Wikidata lists Yves Bissouma as a citizen of Ivory Coast and Mali.