AFCON Winner Seko Fofana Ends Ivory Coast Career After 34 Caps
Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana has retired from international football after a senior career that brought 34 appearances, seven goals and the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations title.
The 31-year-old confirmed his decision on Instagram on Monday, ending an Ivory Coast career that began against Morocco in November 2017. His final major tournament was the 2026 World Cup, where the Elephants reached the round of 32.
An international career capped by continental success
- Fofana was born in Paris and represented France in youth international football through to under-18 level.
- He received his first Ivory Coast senior call-up under Marc Wilmots and made his debut against Morocco in November 2017.
- Across his international career, he scored seven times in 34 matches for the Elephants.
- His defining achievement came when Ivory Coast won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
- Fofana’s final major competition appearance came at the 2026 World Cup, with Ivory Coast progressing to the last 32.
- He announced his international retirement on Monday, saying he would continue to support the national team from outside the squad.
Fofana thanks Ivory Coast supporters
In his farewell message, Fofana said it was time to “turn the page” after representing his country with pride and gratitude. He described winning Africa’s leading international trophy as the fulfilment of a childhood ambition, adding that the success would remain an enduring memory for Ivorians.
He thanked his former team-mates, coaching staff and supporters for their backing, and expressed confidence in the players set to take over. Fofana said he would remain the Elephants’ foremost supporter and pointed to the depth of talent available to the next generation.
Club career and Ivory Coast’s next fixtures
Fofana’s club career has included time in Manchester City’s academy, Fulham and Al-Nassr, where he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. He is currently at FC Porto on loan from Rennes and helped the Portuguese club win the league title last season.
Herve Renard must now plan without an experienced central-midfield figure as Ivory Coast begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying programme.
- Ivory Coast host Ghana on September 24 in their opening qualifier.
- The Elephants travel to Somalia five days later.
- They then face Cameroon in an October 3 friendly in Abidjan.
