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Ivorian Striker Passes Up Chinese Naturalization So He Can Play For His Own National Team

by Eric Olander
Jean Evrard Kouassi is tackled by Shijiazhuang Ever Bright players in the 2020 Chinese Super League season. Photo: Xinhua

After five years of playing in the Chinese Super League, Jean Evrard Kouassi qualified for Chinese residency and the chance to play on China’s national team. But the Ivorian striker decided to pass in the hope of making his own national team back home.

Kouassi has yet to play for the Ivory Coast national team, although he was called up for their most recent African Cup of Nations Qualifiers in November.

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