Eli Junior Kroupi

Lorient

A product of the FC Lorient Academy, Kroupi started playing with the reserve team in the Championnat National 2 in the end of the 2021–22 season. He signed his first professional contract with the club on the summer 2022. While proving to be a regular goalscorer with the reserve, he made his first appearance with the professional squad in April 2023, for the Ligue 1 game against Marseille. Kroupi made his professional debut for Lorient on the 3 June 2023 during a home Ligue 1 against Strasbourg, to be the youngest player in his club's history breaking previous record of Mattéo Guendouzi, when he replaced Romain Faivre at the 83rd minute and his team won the match 2–1. Despite this being the last round of the 2022–23 French top flight, Kroupi became at the age of 16 years and 345 days, the third youngest player to enter the field that season, only behind Warren Zaïre-Emery and Leny Yoro. On 23 September 2023, he scored his first Ligue 1 goal for Lorient in a 5–3 away defeat against Nantes, to be the youngest scorer in club's history, breaking previous record of André Ayew. A month later, on 8 October, after scoring twice in a 3–3 away draw against Lyon, he became the youngest player to score a brace in Ligue 1 since Bernard Zénier in 1974, at 17 years old and 107 days. On 11 October 2023, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide. In the 2024–25 season, he finished as the top scorer in Ligue 2 with 22…

Kroupi is eligible to play for France, Ivory Coast and Portugal. Kroupi is a youth international for France, first receiving a call with the under-16 in October 2021. He soon became a prolific goalscorer with France youth teams, with the U16, and even more with the U17, scoring 9 goals in his first 9 appearances with the latter. In May 2023, Kroupi was selected by Jean-Luc Vannuchi for the European Under-17 Championship, as France were the reigning champions. He was however forced to withdraw due to injury, while his team would eventually go on to reach the final of the competition. In May 2026, Kroupi rejected an approach from coach Roberto Martínez of the Portugal national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating his desire to represent France at senior level.

Kroupi is a versatile attacking player who operates mainly as a left-sided forward or centre-forward. He is known for his intelligent movement, close control and ability to link play between midfield and attack. Rather than staying wide, Kroupi often moves into central areas and half-spaces to receive the ball, combine with teammates and create shooting opportunities. His dribbling relies on agility, quick changes of direction and technical ability, allowing him to escape pressure in tight areas. As a goalscorer, Kroupi is effective both inside the box and from distance, particularly when cutting inside from the left onto his stronger right foot. His movement, composure and attacking instincts have been key characteristics of his playing style.

Born in Lorient, Morbihan, Kroupi is the son of former Ivory Coast footballer Éli Kroupi. His mother is of Portuguese descent.