Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has made a blistering start to life at Anfield, yet his rise has been overshadowed by a stunning snub on the international stage. Despite his electrifying form in England, the 23-year-old striker finds himself without a national team to represent ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ekitike, who joined Liverpool this summer in a record-breaking €95 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, has already made his mark in English football. He scored on his Community Shield debut and followed it up with goals in each of his first two Premier League matches, immediately endearing himself to Liverpool supporters. Signed for up to £79 million, the forward has become the Reds’ breakout star of the new season.
However, his international ambitions have hit a roadblock. Having represented France at youth level, Ekitike was hopeful of making his senior debut, but Didier Deschamps left him out of the squad for September’s crucial fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland. The omission came despite his undeniable club form, leaving many to question whether the French coach has other long-term plans for his attack.
The striker then turned his attention to Cameroon, the nation of his descent. Yet, even that pathway has been closed for now. Cameroon’s head coach has dismissed any prospect of calling up the striker, suggesting Ekitike’s decision to wait for France showed a lack of commitment. The coach stressed that his team needs players who prioritize the national cause over personal ambition, implying that Ekitike’s timing felt opportunistic.
This firm stance means the Liverpool star finds himself in limbo, effectively locked out of both international setups despite his rapid rise. It is a bitter pill to swallow for a player whose confidence is at an all-time high.
For now, the young forward will have to channel his energy into club football. Liverpool face Arsenal in a crucial Premier League clash, and Ekitike is expected to play a central role as he continues his early-season scoring streak. While the rejection from France and Cameroon stings, his performances in England may soon make his exclusion impossible to justify.
Ekitike’s story highlights the fine balance between ambition and loyalty in international football. For the moment, the striker remains a man without a country yet one of the brightest new stars in the Premier League.
