Eli Junior Kroupi rejects Portugal despite Roberto Martinez push as Bournemouth star chooses France before World Cup

Portugal tried to convince Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi to join their national team before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the young striker decided to stay with France. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez confirmed that his staff spoke with the 19-year-old before the March training camp. However, once Kroupi made his decision clear, Portugal stopped pushing for the move. Martinez openly explained the situation while discussing Portugal’s plans for the upcoming World Cup cycle. He said the federation wanted to stay ahead in tracking talented dual-nationality players who could represent the country.

According to Martinez, Kroupi respected the talks but told Portugal he wanted to continue with France, where he has already played at youth level. The decision is important because Kroupi is now one of the most talked-about young forwards in Europe. Portugal were considering him while preparing a 27-man provisional squad ahead of their opening World Cup match against DR Congo on June 17. But despite Portugal’s strong interest, the teenager chose to continue the path he already started with France.

Eli Junior Kroupi chooses France while Bournemouth make long-term plans clear

Eli Junior Kroupi had more than one international option available to him. He could represent Ivory Coast through his father and Portugal through his mother and grandmother. Still, France remained his preferred choice. The forward has already scored 15 goals across different French youth teams, which helped strengthen his connection with the national setup.

Speaking about the matter, Roberto Martinez said, “Yes, there was interest, we stayed ahead of the news. Before the March training camp we had contact - it is important to follow players who can represent the Portugal national team and those who want to represent - Junior wanted to play for France and we respected it, it is a case that we left closed.”

At club level, Bournemouth also see Kroupi as a major part of their future. The Premier League side signed him in a permanent €15 million deal, and sporting director Tiago Pinto recently made the club’s position very clear. Pinto said Bournemouth would not sell the teenager even for €100 million.

That confidence comes after Kroupi impressed during the season. The young striker scored 12 goals in 31 Premier League appearances and added two more in domestic cup matches. His quick rise has already caught attention across Europe, and his latest international decision only added more focus on his future.

For now, though, Eli Junior Kroupi’s message is simple. Portugal wanted him, but France remains the team he believes in most.