On loan from FC Nantes to Panathinaikos this summer, Alban-Marc Lafont has become a hot subject in the football world. The 26-year-old goalkeeper officially committed to represent Ivory Coast’s national team on September 3, 2025, marking a decisive shift in his international career. A strong choice for a player who was only called up once by Didier Deschamps’ French squad back in September 2022.
For Lafont, this switch represents a golden opportunity. By joining the Elephants, he opens the door to two major tournaments: the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. For Ivory Coast, the arrival of a goalkeeper trained in Ligue 1, with years of top-flight experience, adds depth and reliability to a crucial position.
At Panathinaikos, Lafont is steadily asserting himself as a key starter in the Greek Super League. His precise distribution, quick reflexes, and strong presence in the box have already impressed the Athens faithful. This loan move, secured with Nantes, gives him valuable European visibility, boosting both his club performance and his international credentials with Ivory Coast.
For Alban-Marc Lafont, the path ahead has become clear: take on a leader’s role in an Ivory Coast squad aiming for greatness. With a golden generation led by stars such as Sébastien Haller and Franck Kessié, the French-Ivorian goalkeeper now looks toward prestigious stages, knowing that wearing the Elephants’ jersey is both an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine globally.