Highly regarded central defender Nathan Zézé has confirmed his intention to represent the Ivory Coast at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 20-year-old, who has quickly established himself as a key player for FC Nantes, has agreed to join the Elephants for the prestigious tournament, signaling a major step in his international career.
Zézé, who stands at an imposing 1.90 meters, has become an indispensable figure at Nantes, attracting attention not only from within France but also from top clubs in the Premier League.
According to reports from football journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Zézé’s performances have generated significant interest from English clubs, though his future remains at Nantes for the time being.
The defender, under contract with the French side until 2028, has made it clear that he is not seeking a move this summer, with the club emphasizing stability and Zézé aiming to maintain his crucial role in the team.
The young centre-back’s decision to commit to the Ivory Coast national team comes as no surprise given his heritage. Born in Nantes to Ivorian parents, Zézé was always eligible to play for the Elephants, despite representing France at youth level.
Having represented France’s U17, U19, and U21 teams, Zézé made his most recent appearance with the French U21 side at the European U21 Championship in June 2023, where he played in a match against Poland.
However, after much deliberation, he has now opted to switch allegiances to the Ivory Coast, a decision that further strengthens the squad of the reigning African champions.
Zézé’s rise through the ranks at Nantes has been swift. Despite his youth, he has already accumulated 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season, starting in 17 of those matches.
His performances in the heart of the defence have been lauded for their composure, aerial ability, and tactical awareness.
In addition to his solid defensive displays, Zézé marked an important milestone in December when he scored his first professional goal in a 4-0 victory against JA Drancy in the Coupe de France.
This goal highlighted his growing confidence, although his progress was temporarily halted by an ankle injury that kept him sidelined from mid-January to early April.
With his solid form for Nantes and his confirmed commitment to the Ivory Coast, Zézé is poised to be a central figure in the Elephants’ defence as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament, which will see the continent’s best teams compete for continental glory, is a critical moment in Zézé’s career, offering him the chance to showcase his talents on the international stage.
As he looks ahead to the AFCON, Zézé’s next challenge will be to maintain his form and continue to develop as one of Ligue 1’s brightest young talents.
His decision to represent the Ivory Coast marks the beginning of what could be a long and successful international career, with fans of both Nantes and the Elephants eager to see how he will perform in the coming years.
With the 2025 AFCON fast approaching, Zézé’s integration into the Ivory Coast squad adds further strength to a team already brimming with talent, and his presence will undoubtedly be an asset as the team aims to defend its title.
The future looks promising for the young defender, who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting prospects in African football.
