FIFA Approves Yohan Bony's Nationality Change to Represent Ivory Coast

FIFA's Decision on Yohan Bony

In a significant move for both the player and Ivorian football, FIFA has officially approved the nationality switch of Angélique Yohan Bony, the talented striker currently with Inter Milan. The approval enables Bony to represent the Ivory Coast national team instead of France, where he previously played in youth categories.

Background on Bony's Career

At just 23 years old, Yohan Bony has already made a substantial impact in the Serie A. Over the current season, he has played 44 matches for Inter Milan, scoring 7 goals and helping his team secure the Italian league title. His performance at the club level has drawn attention, particularly after joining Inter from Parma for €23 million this season.

Born in France to Ivorian parents in 2003, Bony has not yet made an appearance for the senior French national team, having only represented the younger squads. His move to the Ivory Coast national team comes as a major opportunity, especially with the looming 2026 World Cup.

World Cup Opportunity

Bony now has the chance to compete in the upcoming World Cup, where the Ivory Coast is placed in Group B alongside formidable teams like Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao. His potential participation marks a pivotal moment for both Bony and the Ivory Coast, who aim to make a strong showing in international football.

Previous Engagements with the Ivory Coast Team

Bony was recently included in the preliminary squad for a friendly match against South Korea scheduled for March 2026. Although he did not participate in that encounter, the interest shown by the Ivory Coast coaching staff highlights his rising profile within the national setup.

With his nationality change now formalized, Bony can focus on contributing his skills and scoring ability to the Ivorian squad. Fans of the Elephants will be eager to see how he fits into the team as they prepare for the challenge of the World Cup.