Seko Fofana, the midfielder who played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s victory at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), announced his retirement from international football on Monday at the age of 31.

Fofana, currently on loan at Portuguese club Porto from French side Rennes, made the decision public through an Instagram post. Reflecting on his career, he expressed pride and gratitude for having represented Ivory Coast. “The time has come for me to turn the page,” he wrote, highlighting the significance of winning the continent’s premier football trophy on home soil against Nigeria. He described the achievement as a childhood dream and emphasized that the memories of that triumph will remain vivid for millions of Ivorians.

Born in Paris, Fofana initially represented France at youth levels but later chose to play for the Ivory Coast, the homeland of his parents. Over a nine-year international career, he earned 34 caps and scored seven goals. He has been a prominent figure in the Ivorian midfield, often partnering with fellow key players Franck Kessie and Jean Michael Seri.

Fofana’s club career has included stints with Udinese in Italy, Lens in France, and a period in Saudi Arabia before his current loan move to Porto. At the international level, he also featured in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, participating in two matches before Ivory Coast was eliminated in the round of 32 by Norway.

In his farewell message, Fofana expressed continued support for the national team, known as the Elephants, and encouraged the emerging generation of players to build their own legacy. “I will always remain the number one fan of the Elephants and I look forward to seeing this new generation write their own story. We have no shortage of talent here,” he stated.