Éli Kroupi

Élie Kroupi

Personal information
Full name	Éli Verges Napoles Kroupi Zahi
Date of birth	(1979-10-18) 18 October 1979
Place of birth	Sassandra, Ivory Coast
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s)	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	Arezzo	6	(2)
2007–2008	Levadiakos	8	(0)
2008–2009	Nîmes	7	(1)
2010	Al Urooba
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Éli Verges Napoles Kroupi Zahi (born 18 October 1979), simply known as Élie Kroupi, is a former Ivorian footballer who played as a forward. He played for, among others, Rennes, Valence, Lorient, Angers and Al-Wahda FC.

Career

Kroupi was born in Sassandra, Ivory Coast.

Whilst at Lorient, Kroupi played in the 2002 Coupe de France Final, in which they beat SC Bastia.

He spent the 2006–07 season on loan at United Arab Emirates side Al-Wahda FC. On July 2007, it was announced that Kroupi would not return to AS Nancy, after the club decided to cancel his contract. Then, Kroupi signed with Greek club Levadiakos F.C. in 2008. After 8 appearances for Levadiakos, he returned to France. This time, he signed with Nîmes Olympique in Ligue 2. On 18 March 2010, Al Urooba signed the Ivorian striker from Nîmes.

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.

Personal life

Kroupi holds a French passport. His cousin is Cleveland City Stars player Arsène Oka.