Youssouf Fofana questions France absence as midfielder voices frustration over international exile

Youssouf Fofana has expressed frustration at his continued absence from the France national team, saying he is struggling to understand why his performances have not led to a recall.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who plays for AC Milan, has not been selected for Les Bleus since October 2024.

Despite maintaining consistent form at club level, he says he feels overlooked and unable to see the rewards of his efforts.

Speaking to L’Équipe, Fofana openly questioned his situation and suggested his progress has not been recognised.

“I’m not seeing a return on my investment. I’m taking a step forward in my career by joining a big Italian club, and nobody sees me.”

The midfielder pointed to a perceived lack of visibility as one of the reasons behind his exclusion, referring in particular to his time at AS Monaco.

“Last season, there were several months when I wasn’t seen in France (due to a TV rights issue). I’m collateral damage.”

His comments reflect a broader sense of frustration, with Fofana indicating that expectations surrounding his career progression have not been matched by recognition on the international stage.

“When they tell you at the beginning that you’re going to play at a higher level, you’re happy. In the end, I learned that it wasn’t necessarily what I wanted. I’m doing it for the team, of course… Today, in the media, I’m not involved in the discussions about the World Cup. That’s a shame.”

Fofana’s remarks underline the challenges faced by players seeking to re-establish themselves in the national setup, particularly in a highly competitive squad.

While he continues to perform at club level, his absence from international selection remains a source of concern for the midfielder.

At 27, he still holds hope of returning to the France squad, though he is aware that opportunities to do so may become increasingly limited with time.

For now, his focus remains on maintaining his performances, even as questions persist over his place with Les Bleus.

🚨 Youssouf Fofana 🇫🇷 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗧𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗘́𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗦 𝗡𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗦 𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗦 𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗖 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗡 avant la CdM 🤐❌ (l’état d’esprit est irréprochable )

« Aujourd’hui, pour les médias, je ne suis pas dans les débats (pour la Coupe du… pic.twitter.com/XfzwkZydog

— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) March 17, 2026