Seko Fofana: Herve Renard keeps Cote d’Ivoire return door open after retirement

Cote d’Ivoire manager Herve Renard has left open the possibility of Seko Fofana reversing his decision to retire from international football, despite the midfielder announcing he would no longer play for the Elephants.

Fofana, 31, confirmed his retirement less than a week before the next international break begins on 21 September. The midfielder made the announcement on social media and will now focus exclusively on his club career.

Fofana earned 34 caps for Cote d’Ivoire and scored seven goals. According to journalist Malick Traore, he informed Idriss Diallo, president of the Federation Ivoirienne de Football (FIF), of his decision before it was passed on to Renard.

Speaking on the Canal+ programme Talents d’Afrique, the French manager was asked about the midfielder’s announcement. Renard indicated that he had not tried to change Fofana’s mind, saying: “Je n’ai pas tente de le retenir, mais…” – “I did not try to convince him to stay, but…” – while making clear that the possibility of a return remained open.

Fofana’s involvement with the national team had been intermittent since his international debut in 2017. However, he became a regular member of the squad from the eve of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, staged in Cote d’Ivoire, and played a key role in the Elephants’ triumph eight years after their second title.

He was repeatedly selected and held an established place within the team, but his position had weakened in recent months following the emergence of younger players, including Christ Inao Oulai.

At the 2026 World Cup, Fofana was expected to feature as a substitute behind the Fiorentina player. He would play in Cote d’Ivoire’s first two group matches, against Ecuador and Germany, before remaining on the bench for the rest of the tournament.

His retirement means he will be one of the notable absentees from the first squad selected by Renard, which is due to be announced on Wednesday.

That squad will prepare for Cote d’Ivoire’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Ghana and Somalia on 24 and 29 September respectively. The Elephants will then face Cameroon in a friendly on 3 October.

Fofana’s decision brings an end, for now, to an international career that included 34 appearances and seven goals, although Renard’s comments suggest the midfielder could still return if he changes his mind.