Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi chooses France over Ivory Coast

Eli Junior Kroupi has indicated he intends to represent France rather than Ivory Coast at senior international level, despite his family links to the West African country.

The 20-year-old Bournemouth forward, valued at €116m by his club during the last transfer window, made his preference clear in an interview with DAZN. Kroupi scored 13 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season and is currently nearing a return to action after being injured since the start of the new campaign.

“I have always played for France at youth level. I was born in France and started playing football in France,” he said.

“I cannot see myself going to a culture I do not know. The France team is the objective.”

Asked whether he expected to receive a call-up to the senior side, Kroupi replied jokingly: “I have no idea at all!”

Kroupi’s international record so far points firmly towards France. Born and developed as a player in the country, he has represented Les Bleus throughout the youth categories.

His progress has also put him alongside Yan Diomande and Ayyoub Bouaddi in the race for the 2026 Golden Boy award.

Kroupi’s father, Eli Kroupi, was born in Sassandra, in Ivory Coast’s Gbokle region. He moved to France at a young age and spent his entire professional career there as a forward with Lorient, making only two appearances for Ivory Coast between 2001 and 2005.

The younger Kroupi’s decision may disappoint some Ivory Coast supporters, who would have seen his attacking ability as a major addition to the national team. His stated ambition is now to persuade Zinedine Zidane to give him an opportunity with France.

Kroupi’s position reflects both his sporting development and personal background. However, his international future is not yet legally closed: until he plays an official competitive match for France’s senior team, he would not necessarily be permanently committed to the country.

Kroupi joined Bournemouth after developing at Lorient and enjoyed a breakthrough Premier League campaign last season, but his current injury has delayed his first appearances of the new season.