Ismaelo Ganiou eyes France over Burkina Faso

Ismaelo Ganiou has confirmed his intention to prioritise representing France national football team over Burkina Faso, signalling a shift in his international ambitions.

The RC Lens right-back, who has become a regular starter in Ligue 1, had previously hoped to play for the Burkina Faso national football team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, he was told at the time that he was too young for selection.

Reflecting on his decision, Ganiou told La Voix du Nord: “The French national team, in general, even before Burkina Faso, has always been a goal since my youth levels.

I grew up here. I played in a training center where I saw many of my teammates being selected, U16, U17. And I never had that opportunity.”

Ganiou made a single appearance for Burkina Faso in June 2025, coming on for 28 minutes against Zimbabwe national football team after being an unused substitute against Tunisia national football team.

He emphasised that while he respects Burkina Faso, he has no plans to pursue further involvement with the Stallions: “I was selected once for a friendly match, but I didn’t follow up with the AFCON, nor even for qualifying matches before, I wasn’t called up.”

Looking ahead, the Franco-Burkinabe defender hopes to earn a call-up to the France U21 squad for matches against Luxembourg national football team and Sweden national football team on 26 and 30 March.

“It’s something that has always motivated me; I’ve always told myself that I’d love to be able to go. I’m continuing to put everything in place.

I hope it will be possible soon. In any case, it appeals to me; I wouldn’t call it a dream because it’s not the ultimate goal, but I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” he added.

Ganiou’s decision underscores his ambition to represent the country of his upbringing, aiming to progress through France’s youth system while continuing to develop at club level with Lens.

His next step will be to secure a spot in the U21 squad, a key milestone in his international career aspirations.