AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana: ‘I am making a step in my career at an Italian giant but no-one sees me!’ | OneFootball

Youssouf Fofana (27) has bemoaned a lack of recognition for his performances since joining AC Milan in an interview with L’Équipe. 

Fofana joined AC Milan for a €26m fee back in the summer of 2024. He has gone on to make 79 appearances for the Italian side, many of which have recently come in a slightly more advanced midfield role. He has two goals and 13 assists in that time. 

However, since joining AC Milan, Fofana has dropped out of the picture at international level. He has made 25 appearances for Les Bleus, but his last appearance for Didier Deschamps’ side dates back to October 2024.

With just one international break before the World Cup, the chances of Fofana boarding the plane to North America look slim. The Frenchman has now complained about a lack of recognition and consideration. “I don’t have any return on investment. I am making a step in my career at an Italian giant and no one sees me! Last season, there were a few months where I wasn’t seen in France (due to a broadcasting rights issue that meant that league games were not broadcast at all). I am collateral damage,” said Fofana.

Despite that, AS Roma’s Manu Koné has become a key figure for Deschamps’ side, whilst Juventus’ Khéphren Thuram has also had gametime in midfield. Fofana believes that a change in his role has also worked against him.

“I agreed to change my role for Milan, but that has cost me the World Cup. When you are told that you will play higher up, at the start, you are happy. In the end, I learnt that it wasn’t necessarily what I wanted. I do it for the team, for sure […] today, in the media, I am not included in the debate (for the World Cup). It’s a shame,” he said. 

Despite that, Fofana added that he “didn’t want to be fatalistic” and added that he still has hope of going to the World Cup, even if competition for places is fierce. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle