Seko Fofana Announces Retirement from International Football with Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a successful spell with the Elephants.

The 31-year-old confirmed the decision in a post on his personal Instagram account on Monday. He ends his international career with 34 caps and seven goals, having made his senior debut against Morocco back in November 2017. His last major tournament with the national team came at the 2026 World Cup, where Ivory Coast reached the round of 32.

Fofana shared an emotional message with fans, looking back most fondly on winning the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

"Dear Ivorian fans, the time has come for me to turn the page," he wrote. "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."

He also thanked those who supported him throughout his career and expressed excitement for the next generation of Ivorian talent.

"Thank you to my team-mates, the staff, and all of you for the strength and support," Fofana said. "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."

Fofana was born in Paris and represented France at youth level up to under-18, before earning his first senior call-up for Ivory Coast under then-coach Marc Wilmots. His club career has taken him through Manchester City's academy, Fulham, and a stint alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. He is currently on loan at FC Porto from Rennes, having played a key role in Porto's league title win last season.

With Fofana stepping away, Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard will now need to find a new anchor for his midfield heading into a new era. The Elephants begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at home to Ghana on September 24, before travelling to face Somalia five days later. They then round off their upcoming international fixtures with a friendly against Cameroon in Abidjan on October 3.