Côte d'Ivoire or Italy? Issa Doumbia makes his international future clear

28.08.26 FT Primeira Liga Portugal

Rio Ave

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Sporting CP

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Eligible for both Côte d'Ivoire and Italy, Issa Doumbia has made a decisive call about his international career. The central midfielder for Sporting CP will don the colors of the Squadra Azzurra rather than those of the Elephants.

Closely monitored by the Ivorian Football Federation, the 22-year-old has turned his back on his country of origin, opting instead to represent his adopted homeland.

Who is Issa Doumbia?

Born in Treviglio, Lombardy, Issa Doumbia came up through the academies of AlbinoLeffe and Ciserano. He signed his first professional contract with UC AlbinoLeffe before joining Venezia in 2024, where he earned promotion to Serie A.

After 24 appearances at the top level in Italy, he caught the eye of Sporting CP scouts and signed with the Portuguese club this summer.

Wearing the Lisbon side’s jersey, he has already featured in three Liga Portugal matches—against Estrela Amadora (2-2), Vitoria Guimaraes (3-2), and Alverca (3-1)—starting each game.

Debut set for September

According to journalist Nico Schira, the Italy U21 international is expected to receive his first senior call-up as early as the September camp under new head coach Roberto Mancini, ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Italy will face Belgium on September 25, 2026, Turkey on September 28, France on October 2, and Turkey again three days later. It's a packed schedule.

By choosing Italy over Côte d'Ivoire, Doumbia is taking a bold gamble early in his career. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one. Meanwhile, Côte d'Ivoire will have to focus on other dual nationals to bolster their squad ahead of AFCON 2027.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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