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Eli Junior Kroupi earns Ballon d'Or Young Talent award nomination

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 6:36 AM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Eli Junior Kroupi earns Ballon d'Or Young Talent award nomination

Summary

Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Men's Young Talent of the Year award. Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington praised the 20-year-old for his performance last season, during which he recorded 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions. Partington described Kroupi as a creative player who adds necessary unpredictability to the Bournemouth attack. Kroupi is currently unavailable for selection as he recovers from a broken foot. Partington noted that while the nomination serves as validation for the club’s recruitment, Kroupi's return to fitness remains the primary focus for the team.

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Status Watch

•Eli Junior Kroupi received a nomination for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Men's Young Talent award.
•The 20-year-old forward scored 13 goals in 35 appearances last season.
•Kroupi is currently sidelined with a broken foot.
•Joe Partington stated that Kroupi provides a creative offensive presence Bournemouth currently lacks.

Latest Updates

6:36 AMYahoo Sports — 'Kroupi a bums off seats kind of player' - Partington

What they're saying

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Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington believes Eli Junior Kroupi has received "rightful recognition" after being nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Men's Young Talent of the Year award. The 20-year-old, who is currently recovering from a broken foot, scored 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions last season. "It is just mad, isn't it?" Partington said on BBC Radio Solent's Cherries Unpicked podcast.
— Yahoo Sports

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