Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana has officially retired from international football, ending a successful spell with the Elephants after nearly nine years at senior level, Trybal News reports.
The 31 year old announced his decision on Monday through a post on his personal Instagram account. He leaves the national team with 34 caps and seven goals.
Fofana made his senior debut for Ivory Coast against Morocco in November 2017. Since then, he has played a key role for the Elephants across several major international competitions.
His final major tournament appearance came at the 2026 World Cup. Ivory Coast reached the round of 32 after successfully qualifying for the tournament.
However, the biggest moment of Fofana’s international career came at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. The midfielder helped Ivory Coast win the title on home soil.
For Fofana, lifting the continental trophy fulfilled a dream he had carried since childhood. He reflected on that achievement while announcing his retirement from international football.
Via his official Instagram account, Fofana wrote: “Dear Ivorian fans, the time has come for me to turn the page. It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I had the privilege of fighting for my country. Winning the continent’s greatest trophy was a childhood dream come true for me, and these memories will be forever etched in the hearts of millions of Ivorians.
“Thank you to my team-mates, the staff, and all of you for the strength and support. I will always remain the Elephants’ number one supporter, and I cannot wait to see this new generation write its own history. There is no shortage of talent in our nation.”
Seko Fofana Leaves Behind Strong Club Career
Born in Paris, Fofana represented France at youth level up to the under 18s. However, he later chose to play for Ivory Coast at senior level.
His first senior call up came under former coach Marc Wilmots. Fofana then established himself as an important option in the Elephants’ midfield.
His club career has also taken him across several major leagues. He spent time in Manchester City’s academy before moving into senior football with Fulham.
The midfielder later played in other top European competitions and also featured alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
Fofana currently plays for Portuguese giants FC Porto on loan from French club Rennes. He also played an important role as Porto secured the domestic league title last season.
His international retirement now leaves coach Herve Renard with a major midfield decision ahead of the next stage of Ivory Coast’s development.
The Elephants begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at home against Ghana on September 24. Five days later, they travel to face Somalia.
Ivory Coast will then round off their upcoming international schedule with a high profile friendly against Cameroon in Abidjan on October 3.
Fofana will no longer be part of that campaign, but his contribution to the Elephants will remain closely linked with their historic 2024 AFCON triumph.
