Seko Fofana ends Ivory Coast international career

Ivory Coast will no longer have Seko Fofana available for international duty after the midfielder announced his retirement from the national team on Monday. The decision brings an end to a career with the Elephants that included their landmark Africa Cup of Nations success in 2023.

Fofana, 31, made the announcement on Instagram. He leaves the national side with 34 appearances and seven goals. The former Lens player is currently on loan from Rennes to Porto, where he continues his club career.

His defining achievement with Ivory Coast was the 2023 AFCON title on home soil, which marked his first continental trophy with the national team. Fofana played a major part in that campaign and leaves after helping deliver the country’s most significant recent international success.

In announcing his decision, Fofana said he was closing a chapter after representing his country with pride and gratitude. He thanked his teammates, the coaching staff and supporters, while making clear that he would continue to follow the Elephants closely. He also expressed confidence in the talent available to the next generation of Ivorian players.