Premier League star receives first international call-up since officially confirming allegiance

Bournemouth forward Kroupi Jr called up to France squad for Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey, replacing injured Marcus Thuram.

Bournemouth's Kroupi Jr has received his first senior call-up to the France national team for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey. The 20-year-old will replace injured Marcus Thuram in the squad, selected ahead of Everton striker Thierno Barry following his recent return from a foot injury that required summer surgery.

The call-up comes just two weeks after Kroupi Jr officially confirmed his international allegiance to France. Born in France and a regular for the French youth teams from U16 to U21 level, he turned down the opportunity to represent Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.

"I was born in France, I started playing football in France. I can't see myself moving to a culture I don't know! The French national team is the goal," he told DAZN.

With injuries to both Thuram and Ousmane Dembele, Kroupi Jr could be handed his senior debut in the coming week, though he faces long-term competition from Kylian Mbappé and other established forwards. The Bournemouth forward has made four appearances this season but is yet to complete 90 minutes as he continues his recovery.