Éli Kroupi
Ivorian footballer (born 1979)
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Zahi Verges Napoles "Éli" Kroupi (born 18 October 1979) is an Ivorian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He played for, among others, Rennes, Lorient, Angers, Nancy and Nîmes in France, Greek club Levadiakos as well as United Arab Emirates sides Al-Wahda and Al Urooba.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Zahi Verges Napoles Kroupi | ||
| Date of birth | 18 October 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Kadrokpa, Sassandra, Ivory Coast | ||
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||
| Position | Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1997–1998 | Rennes | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1997–1998 | Rennes | 2 | (0) |
| 1998–2000 | Valence | 22 | (3) |
| 2000–2004 | Lorient | 93 | (29) |
| 2004 | Angers | 4 | (0) |
| 2004–2006 | Nancy | 43 | (23) |
| 2007 | → Al-Wahda (loan) | ||
| 2007–2008 | Arezzo | 6 | (2) |
| 2008 | Levadiakos | 8 | (0) |
| 2008–2009 | Nîmes | 7 | (1) |
| 2010 | Al Urooba | ||
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Career
Kroupi was born in Kadrokpa, Sassandra, Ivory Coast.
Whilst at Lorient, Kroupi played in the 2002 Coupe de France Final, in which they beat Bastia.[1]
He spent the 2006–07 season on loan at United Arab Emirates side Al-Wahda. In July 2007, it was announced that Kroupi would not return to Nancy, after the club decided to cancel his contract. Then, Kroupi signed with Greek club Levadiakos in 2008. After 8 appearances for Levadiakos, he returned to France. This time, he signed with Nîmes in Ligue 2.[2] On 18 March 2010, Al Urooba signed the Ivorian striker from Nîmes.[3]
Playing style
Kroupi is known for his speed, his ability to shoot accurately with both feet, and his supreme scoring ability. He was also one of the top scorers in Ligue 1 during the 2005–06 season.[4]
Personal life
Kroupi holds Ivorian and French nationalities.[5] His cousin is former New England Revolution player Arsène Oka.[6] His son Eli Junior Kroupi is a professional footballer who also played for Lorient before moving to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.[7]