Why Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi is choosing France over Ivory Coast

Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has explained why he wants to represent France rather than Ivory Coast, pointing to his upbringing, football development and unfamiliarity with Ivorian culture as the main reasons behind his international preference.

The 20-year-old, who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s promising young forwards, has made his ambition clear despite his family ties to the West African nation.

“I have always played for France’s youth teams. I was born in France, I started playing football in France. I cannot see myself going to a culture I do not know. The France national team is my goal,” Kroupi told DAZN.

His comments highlight the influence of personal background and football development on international allegiance, with the Bournemouth attacker favouring the country where he was born, raised and began his career.

French upbringing shapes Kroupi’s decision

Kroupi’s preference for France is rooted in his lifelong connection to the country, where he developed as a footballer and progressed through the national team’s youth ranks.

Having represented France at youth level, the forward views a senior call-up as the natural next step in his international career.

His familiarity with French culture and football has strengthened that ambition, while his admission that he cannot see himself moving to a culture he does not know suggests that his decision extends beyond sporting considerations.

Despite his Ivorian heritage, Kroupi appears more comfortable pursuing his international future in the country that has shaped his personal and professional development.

Asked whether he expected to earn a call-up to France’s senior team, the youngster responded: “I have no idea!”

However, he remains focused on making the impression required to attract the attention of the national team selectors.

Father’s Ivorian roots offer alternative

Kroupi’s decision comes despite his family’s connection to Ivory Coast through his father, Eli Kroupi, who was born in Sassandra in the Gbokle region.

His father moved to France at a young age and established his professional football career there, earning two appearances for Ivory Coast between 2001 and 2005.

The family connection could have provided the younger Kroupi with a route into the Ivorian national team, but his own experiences have shaped a different ambition.

Rather than follow his father’s international path, the Bournemouth forward has prioritised France, where he has spent his entire youth international career.

His preference will be a setback for Ivory Coast, who could have added a highly rated attacking prospect to their options, but Kroupi’s comments suggest that familiarity and identity have played a central role in his thinking.

Premier League performances strengthen France ambition

Kroupi’s desire to represent France comes as his club career continues to attract attention.

The former Lorient striker scored 13 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last season, establishing himself as one of Bournemouth’s exciting young attacking talents.

His performances reportedly prompted the club to value him at more than £85 million (€100 million) during the last transfer window.

Although an injury has delayed his involvement at the start of the current campaign, he is reportedly close to returning to action.

Kroupi has also been mentioned among the contenders for the 2026 Golden Boy award, alongside fellow young prospects Yan Diomande and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

A return to fitness would give him the opportunity to build on his club form and strengthen his case for a place in France’s senior squad.