Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi has finalized his decision regarding his international future, confirming his desire to represent the senior France national team despite having multiple options at the international level.
The young forward spoke to DAZN about his decision, which comes as a continuation of his career with French youth national teams as he awaits an opportunity to step up to the senior squad.
“I was born in France, I started playing football here, and I have always played for its youth national teams,” Kroupi said. He added: “The French national team is my goal.”
The 20-year-old possesses Ivorian roots through his father, former international player Eli Kroupi, and Portuguese heritage through his mother, which allowed him to choose between three national teams.
The possibility of representing Portugal was not merely a theoretical option; Roberto Martínez revealed prior to the 2026 World Cup that attempts were made to recruit the Bournemouth striker, but the player informed the Portuguese side of his preference to continue his journey with France.
Born in Lorient, Kroupi progressed through the ranks of his hometown club before moving to Bournemouth in February 2025, remaining on loan at his French club until the end of that season before completing his move to England the following summer.
He quickly caught the eye in his first Premier League season, scoring 13 goals in 33 matches during the 2025–2026 campaign, despite starting in only 21 fixtures, making him one of the standout young forwards in the competition.
However, a foot injury sustained during pre-season required surgery, delaying his start to the current campaign. Having recently returned to team training, regaining full fitness and featuring for Bournemouth stands as his immediate first step toward achieving his ambition with Les Bleus.
