Roberto Martinez says Portugal approached Eli Junior Kroupi but he chose France

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·20. Mai 2026

Roberto Martinez says Portugal approached Eli Junior Kroupi but he chose France

According to L'ÉEquipe, Roberto Martinez said Portugal approached Eli Junior Kroupi before the March camp, but the 19-year-old chose to represent France.

Martinez explained that while Portugal engage with eligible players, the player’s own preference is decisive, and in this case Kroupi wished to play for France. He spoke on Tuesday at a press conference after naming his World Cup squad scheduled for 11 June to 19 July.

OneFootball Videos

Kroupi is eligible for Portugal through his mother and grandmother. He could also represent France, where he was born, and Côte d'Ivoire through his father.

The striker came through at Lorient and moved to Bournemouth last summer. In his first season in England he emerged as one of the Premier League’s revelations, scoring 12 goals in 31 matches.

He has represented France at youth level and has 5 caps for the Under-21s.

Source: L'Équipe