Kroupi, 20, sets two records before his first call

Eli Junior Kroupi, freshly called up to the France team by Zinédine Zidane, already holds two historic records.

Club career and records

The former Lorient player has inscribed his name in the record books of two different leagues. He joined Lorient’s academy at the age of 7, signed his first professional contract at 15 and made his first‑team debut at 16. This early start allowed him to become the youngest scorer in the history of the Breton club in Ligue 1.

After Lorient’s relegation, the striker scored 22 goals in the 2024‑2025 season. He was the top scorer in Ligue 2 and voted the best player of the Championship, contributing heavily to the Merlus’ immediate bounce‑back.

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Bournemouth then decided to sign him permanently for the Premier League. In his first English season, Kroupi netted 13 goals in 33 appearances.

No player under 20 had ever recorded so many achievements in his debut season in the English top flight. The previous record belonged to Robbie Fowler, who scored 12 goals. The Frenchman especially stood out against Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.

A fracture of the fifth metatarsal, operated on 29 July, abruptly halted his rise. Kroupi has still not started a match this season, but his return quickly convinced Zidane: on his second appearance he delivered a decisive pass against Leeds. Called up after Marcus Thuram’s withdrawal, the striker therefore arrives at the Bleus with little rhythm, but two records that testify to an absolutely extraordinary potential.