Bournemouth’s rising star Eli Junior Kroupi has become one of the most talked-about teenage talents in European football, not just for his incredible club form, but for his recent international decision. The highly sought-after forward has officially rejected the opportunity to represent Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, opting instead to wait for a call-up from the French national team.
Martinez Confirms the Decision
This major international development was confirmed by Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez following the announcement of his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. According to the Spanish tactician, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) proactively contacted the Bournemouth striker ahead of the March international break, but the 19-year-old ultimately chose a different path.
“Eli Junior Kroupi wants to play for France, and we fully respect that decision,” Roberto Martinez shared during his press conference.
A Three-Way International Tug-of-War
Kroupi’s international eligibility gave him several options. He was fully eligible to suit up for Portugal through his mother and grandmother. Additionally, he could have chosen to represent Ivory Coast, his father’s homeland. However, having been born and raised in France, the young forward prioritized the opportunity to dedicate his international career to his home country.
He is already a prominent figure in the French youth setup, having earned 5 caps for the France U21 squad. Many consider him a prime candidate to break into Didier Deschamps’ senior team in the near future.
A Historic Breakout Season at Bournemouth
Kroupi’s bold international decision is drawing massive attention largely because of his explosive breakout season in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
Since the start of the 2025/26 campaign, the teenage sensation has netted a remarkable 12 goals in 31 appearances. This stunning return makes him the first under-20 player to reach this specific goalscoring milestone in the Premier League since Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler achieved the feat in 1994.
An £80 Million Price Tag
Unsurprisingly, his stellar performances have quickly placed Kroupi on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs. According to a report by The Sun, Bournemouth currently values their crown jewel at a staggering £80 million and has absolutely no intention of lowering their asking price during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Internal belief at the English club is incredibly high. Staff members reportedly believe Kroupi possesses an even higher ceiling for development than Antoine Semenyo, who recently departed Bournemouth to join Manchester City in January for a massive €72 million fee.
A product of the Lorient academy in France, Kroupi made his pivotal move to Bournemouth last summer. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on the young forward to see if his gamble to wait for France ultimately pays off.
