Leny Yoro switches international allegiance to Ivory Coast

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has reportedly switched his international allegiance from France to Ivory Coast and is set to represent the Elephants during the upcoming international break.

The 20-year-old centre-back had previously featured for France at youth level, representing Les Bleus from the Under-17 category through to the Under-21 and Under-23 teams.

However, he has not made a senior appearance for France, leaving him eligible to play for Ivory Coast under FIFA international eligibility rules.

Yoro was born in France to an Ivorian-descent father, Alain Yoro, and a French mother, Flore Baugnies.

His father, a former footballer, played for Lille’s reserve side.

The former Lille defender’s decision would see him follow his paternal roots and become available for Ivory Coast ahead of the September international window, where he could link up with Manchester United teammate Amad Diallo in the Elephants’ squad.

Yoro joined Manchester United from Lille in 2024 and is regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young central defenders.