"Representing the flag, not personal interests," says Burkina Faso coach about Alban Lafont

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·28 Agustus 2025

"Representing the flag, not personal interests," says Burkina Faso coach about Alban Lafont

Alban Lafont has turned his back on Burkina Faso and opted to join the Ivory Coast national team. The Burkina Faso coach addressed the Nantes goalkeeper's decision during a press conference held on August 28.

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Born in Ouagadougou to a French father and a Burkinabé mother, Alban Lafont was considered French-Burkinabé until August 27, 2025. Against all expectations, he was called up on August 27 to the Ivory Coast national squad by coach Emerse Faé.

Earlier, Burkina Faso had tried to convince the 25-year-old goalkeeper, and negotiations had progressed significantly. He had even made a public appearance in the "Stallions" national team goalkeeper jersey, and at times updated his Instagram bio to include the flag of the Land of Upright People.

During the August 28 press conference to announce the squad list for the September international break, Brama Traoré, the Burkina Faso coach, was asked about the situation. He began by praising the goalkeeper, currently on loan at Panathinaikos in Greece, saying: "I think Alban Lafont is a good goalkeeper. We always want excellent goalkeepers and we had previously reached out to him."Then, Brama Traoré was clear and resolute:

What the management wants is for every player who joins the team to be here to represent the flag, not for personal interests. I wish him all the best. We cannot force anyone to do what they don't want. We will find the right balance and a goalkeeper to compete with Koffi.