Eli Junior Kroupi

Eli Junior Éric Anatole Rainha Kroupi, born on 23 June 2006 in Lorient, France, is a rising star in the world of football, currently showcasing his talents as a forward for Premier League club Bournemouth. The son of former Ivory Coast international Éli Kroupi, he has already made a name for himself at a young age, breaking records and earning accolades that highlight his potential to become one of the top forwards in the game.

Kroupi's journey in professional football began with his local club, Lorient, where he joined the academy and quickly ascended through the ranks. He made his professional debut on 3 June 2023, becoming the youngest player in Lorient's history at just 16 years and 345 days old, surpassing the previous record held by Mattéo Guendouzi. His first appearance came during a Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg, where he played a pivotal role in his team's 2–1 victory. Kroupi's impact was immediate; on 23 September 2023, he scored his first Ligue 1 goal in a thrilling 5–3 defeat against Nantes, making him the youngest scorer in the club's history, a record previously held by André Ayew.

Throughout his time at Lorient, Kroupi demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess, finishing as the Ligue 2 top goalscorer in the 2024-25 season, while also being named the UNFP Ligue 2 Player of the Year. His contributions helped lead Lorient to a Ligue 2 title, further cementing his status as a key player for the club. In addition to his club success, Kroupi has represented France at various youth levels, scoring an impressive nine goals in nine appearances for the U16 and U17 teams since 2021.

In 2025, Kroupi made a significant move to Bournemouth, where he continues to develop his skills in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Known for his pace and clinical finishing, he has all the ingredients to thrive at the highest level. With a bright future ahead, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as Kroupi seeks to leave an indelible mark on the footballing landscape.