Kader Meite: Al Hilal forward explains choice to represent Ivory Coast

Al Hilal forward Mohamed Kader Meïte has discussed the choice of representing the Ivory Coast at the international level.

The 18-year-old, who was born in Creteil France, featured for the European nation at the youth level up to the U-21.

Patrick Zabi et Levy Nene ont parfaitement intégré Kader Meïté chez les U23. 🤣🕺🏾 pic.twitter.com/SO9U8rJur5

— Séléphanto Football 🇨🇮 (@Selephanto) March 27, 2026

Having now switched to play for the country of his origin, the former Rennes forward opened up on how he fought his way to catch the eyes of the Ivory Coast U-23 technical staff.

Kader Meite switched to Ivory Coast in 2026

“Ever since I was little, I’ve had this personality—I know what I want to do, and I stand by it.

“I didn’t want to wait and see what might happen with the France team before joining Côte d’Ivoire.

“I want to represent my parents’ country, my roots, and make my family proud.

“I made this choice without having had the slightest contact with the Ivorian federation—I just called them to let them know my decision.

“I have no guarantee of being called up to the senior team, and I didn’t seek one.

“I made this choice before the World Cup; it has nothing to do with the competition,” he told L’équipe.

Kader Meite switched to Ivory Coast in 2026 and has been invited to represent the west African nation in a set of U-23 friendlies in March.

Meïte is a youth product of the French clubs CA Paris 14, Paris Alesia FC, US Villejuif, Montrouge FC 92 and Rennes.

He signed a three-and-à-half year contract with Hilal in February 2026 where he has made two appearances so far.

Ivory Coast U-23 will square off with Morocco U-23 in a friendly on Sunday March 29 before taking on Tunisia a day later.