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Why does Ansu Fati play for Spain? Eligibility rules explained

Ansu Fati has emerged as a starring talent for both Barcelona and Spain at just 17 years of age, and naturally, word has already spread about how he could eventually succeed the talismanic Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.

After breaking through to the Barcelona first team at just 16, he has already caught attention at international level with Spain.

But how come the winger is eligible to don the colours of La Roja? Goal takes a look.

Why is Ansu Fati eligible to play for Spain?

Fati is eligible to play for Spain due to having Spanish citizenship, after his family moved to the country from his native Guinea-Bissau when he was six.