Leny Yoro and Ange-Yoan Bonny set to be eligible for Côte d’Ivoire

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and Inter Milan striker Ange-Yoan Bonny have recently been linked with a possible move to represent the Côte d’Ivoire national team, sparking widespread discussion among football fans and media.

However, while the names of both players are often mentioned together, their situations are very different, and claims that they have already agreed to play for the Elephants are not accurate.

Leny Yoro is a French-born centre-back who currently plays for Manchester United in the English Premier League.

He joined the club from Lille OSC in July 2024 on a long-term contract running until 2029, in a deal reportedly worth around €62 million including add-ons.

Yoro made his professional debut for Lille at just 16 years old and quickly gained recognition as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.

At international level, Yoro has represented France at several youth categories, from U17 to U23.

While he has Ivorian heritage through his father, and is therefore technically eligible to represent Côte d’Ivoire at senior level under FIFA rules, there are currently no confirmed talks or negotiations between him and the Ivorian Football Federation.

As of now, there is no credible evidence that Yoro has agreed — or is close to agreeing — to switch his international allegiance from France to Côte d’Ivoire.

The situation is different for Ange-Yoan Bonny, a French-born striker of Ivorian descent who plays for Inter Milan in Italy’s Serie A after joining the club from Parma in 2025.

Bonny is considered a rising attacking talent, known for his strength, pace, and technical ability, and has represented France at youth level, but not the senior national team.

Côte d’Ivoire head coach Émerse Faé has publicly confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Bonny and his representatives about the possibility of him choosing to play for the Elephants.

The Ivorian federation is actively trying to convince him to commit to the national team, but no final decision or official agreement has been announced.

Côte d’Ivoire, reigning of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champions, are preparing for major competitions such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adding young players with top-level European experience like Bonny — and potentially Yoro in the future — would significantly strengthen the squad.