It’s Official: Désiré Doué Rejects Côte d’Ivoire to Play for France

Rising star Désiré Doué's officially chosen to represent France at senior level ending months of speculation about his international future.

The young midfielder, formerly of Stade Rennais and now at PSG, had long been courted by Côte d’Ivoire who hoped to reunite him with his older brother Guéla Doué already part of the Elephants' squad. But in the end Désiré opted for Les Bleus.

Côte d’Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé confirmed the news during recent interview on the After Afrique podcast:

“We had been speaking with him and his family for nearly 2 years. His heart was torn between France and Côte d’Ivoire. But he’s now made his decision and we respect it”

Doué recently made his senior debut for France, coming off the bench in UEFA Nations League quarter final against Croatia. He impressed by scoring crucial penalty in the shootout, helping France reach the semi finals.

"We Only Want Players Who Choose with Their Hearts"

Coach Faé made it clear there’s no bitterness:

“For us, it's simple: playing for the national team must come from the heart. Guéla made his choice quickly we felt his sincerity right away”.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.