Eli Kroupi chooses France: “I can’t see myself joining a culture I don’t know”

Eligible to represent France, Portugal or Côte d’Ivoire, 19-year-old forward Eli Kroupi wants to continue his international career with France. Born and developed as a player in France, he says he has always played for French youth teams and hopes to join the senior side one day. None of the three national teams called him up for the most recent World Cup, but he remains determined to improve at club level. A visit to Côte d’Ivoire in June 2026 did not change his preference.