Eli Kroupi chooses France over Ivory Coast
The 20-year-old Bournemouth attacker confirmed his international future lies with the French national team.
19-year-old attacker Eli Kroupi has chosen to represent France internationally, rejecting offers from Ivory Coast and Portugal. Kroupi, who was born in Lorient, France, stated his preference for the French national team due to his upbringing and familiarity with the culture.
Kroupi, whose father played for Ivory Coast, has represented France at various youth levels, from under-16s to the Espoirs. He has scored 13 goals in 35 matches for Bournemouth but has been sidelined for three to four months following foot surgery in July.
The Ivory Coast national team, known as the Elephants, will not have Kroupi available for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gambia on November 12 and 17. Coach Hervé Renard will announce his squad for these matches on November 5.
Why it mattersIvory Coast will not have a promising young attacker, Eli Kroupi, available for their upcoming football matches.