Eli Junior Kroupi has capped off a turbulent season for Lorient with an extraordinary personal triumph, finishing as Ligue 2’s leading scorer after netting 22 goals in just 30 appearances.
The 18-year-old Franco-Ivorian striker delivered yet another standout performance on Saturday, scoring twice in a commanding 5-1 victory over Martigues.
With that brace, Kroupi not only solidified his place atop the scoring charts but also etched his name in the history books as the youngest player to finish a season as Ligue 2’s top scorer since 1966.
While Lorient endured a disappointing campaign that saw them relegated from Ligue 1 last season, Kroupi’s prolific form has been a rare and shining light.
His remarkable consistency in front of goal has drawn widespread acclaim and turned heads across Europe, making him one of the most talked-about young talents in French football.
Kroupi’s feat is even more impressive considering the pressure that often comes with both expectation and adversity.
In a team battling to rediscover form and identity in the second division, the teenager emerged as a leader in attack, displaying a maturity and goal-scoring instinct well beyond his years.
The young striker’s lethal finishing and intelligent movement have not gone unnoticed abroad. Premier League side Bournemouth have acted quickly to secure his services, paying €12 million, excluding bonuses, to complete the transfer.
It marks a significant move both for the player and the club, reflecting the growing trend of English sides investing in France’s emerging talents.
Kroupi’s rise has been rapid. Born in 2006, he made his senior debut for Lorient at just 17 and wasted little time in making an impact. As the goals began to flow, so too did comparisons with past prodigies who made their names in Ligue 2 before stepping up to the elite level.
Despite his individual success, Kroupi has maintained a grounded approach, repeatedly emphasising team effort and remaining focused on his development.
Those close to the striker have praised his professionalism and commitment, key traits that have helped him navigate the demands of professional football at such a young age.
Though Lorient’s fate was sealed long before the final matchday, Kroupi’s contribution offered fans a sense of hope and pride.
His performances have ensured that while the club may not be celebrating promotion or survival, they can at least claim to have nurtured one of the league’s brightest stars.
As he prepares for the next chapter of his career in England, Kroupi leaves Ligue 2 with a growing reputation and the weight of high expectations.
His move to Bournemouth will test him in new ways, but if his form in France is any indication, he has the tools to make a significant impact on the Premier League stage.
With 22 goals and a milestone to his name, Eli Junior Kroupi exits French football’s second tier not just as a top scorer, but as a rising force ready for the spotlight.
