Jean Michaël Seri retires from Ivory Coast after 66 international appearances

Jean Michaël Seri has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an 11-year career with Ivory Coast during which he earned 66 caps, scored four goals and represented the Elephants at five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who plays for Slovenian club Maribor, confirmed his decision on Thursday, 16 July, ending more than a decade of service with the national team.

In a message shared on social media, Seri reflected on his journey with Ivory Coast, describing the opportunity to wear the national team’s colours as both a privilege and a duty.

Representing Ivory Coast had been “an honor” and “a responsibility”, he said, while also expressing gratitude to his teammates, the coaching staff, the Ivorian Football Federation and the supporters who accompanied him throughout his international career.

Seri leaves the national team having featured in five editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, including Ivory Coast’s successful 2023 campaign, as well as one FIFA World Cup.

His final appearance for the Elephants came against Curaçao on 25 June 2026. The match marked his 66th cap and also remains his only appearance at the World Cup.

The announcement closes an international chapter that began 11 years ago and saw Seri become a regular figure in Ivory Coast’s major tournaments from 2017 onwards.

Over the course of his international career, he established himself as an experienced member of the squad and contributed to several of the country’s continental campaigns.

Away from international football, Seri has represented clubs across Europe. His professional career included spells with Paços Ferreira in Portugal before joining OGC Nice, where he played between 2015 and 2018.

He later moved to Fulham and also featured for Galatasaray and Hull City before joining Slovenian side Maribor.

Following his announcement, the Ivorian Football Federation paid tribute to the midfielder for his years of service to the national team.

The federation praised Seri’s commitment, professionalism and dedication throughout his time with the Elephants.

It also highlighted his vision on the pitch and the experience he brought to the squad, describing both as important contributions to the team’s performances in several international competitions.

Seri’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in his international career, closing a period that included major tournament appearances, continental success and more than a decade representing Ivory Coast on the international stage.