Kouadio Yann: European club reacts to Malawian switch

European outfit Europa Point FC have sent a special message to their Ivorian-born striker Kouadio Yann Marie-Bernard Kouakou following his major career decision.

The Gibraltar-based forward emerged as the surprise inclusion in Malawi’s squad to take on Lesotho in a double-header on Saturday and Monday in South Africa.

Without a chance of representing his country of birth, Ivory Coast, motherland Zimbabwe and country of residence France, Kouadio Yann has opted to play for Malawi where his father was born.

🔵 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱𝓓𝓪𝔂 ⚪️

#EuropaPointFC pic.twitter.com/zCPjzCzv6A

— Europa Point F.C. (@EuropaPointFC) October 24, 2025

This big career switch has caught the attention of his club Europa Point FC who are proud that their player earned a national team call-up, which is a big vote of confidence in one’s ability.

Therefore, the Gibraltar National League giants have released a statement congratulating Kouadio Yann for earning the Flames’ squad inclusion.

“We’re proud to announce that our very own Kouadio Yann Marie-Bernard Kouakou has been called up to represent the Malawi Men’s Senior National Team for their upcoming international friendlies against Lesotho, taking place in Bloemfontein, South Africa, this November International Break!” the statement reads.

“Everyone at Europa Point FC wishes Yann the very best as he proudly represents his country on the international stage. #EuropaPointFC #InternationalDuty #Malawi #Lesotho #ProudMoment #FIFAWindow #EPFCFamily.”

The towering forward was born to a Zimbabwean mother in Ivory Coast but grew up in France where he holds the country’s passport.

After a stint in France with Red Star FC’s reserve team, Yan Kouakou joined Lzs Starowice in Poland. Yann Kouakou possesses an attractive range of skills, making him a promising prospect in the world of football.

Kouadio Yann’s time with PSG youth teams

Yann Kouakou came through the youth team ranks of Paris Saint-Germain, playing for the under-13, under-14, and under-15 teams. His performances caught the eye of the Spanish club Sociedad Deportiva Huesca, who eventually signed him.

Yann Kouakou has since shed light on his surprise switch to represent the Flames. He told the Football Association of Malawi media that he has strong connection with the Flames as his father was born in Malawi.

“I am very excited to join the squad. My father was born in Malawi and everything is about Malawi but we had some difficulties. Now we stayed in contact with the federation then I was called,” he said.

Kouakou also gave a hint about his style of play, saying he was more of a number nine than a number 10.

“I was a midfielder since I played in Paris youth academies, but when I became professional, I became a striker. Not a kind of a striker to stay in the box, but to try to play,” he added.

The selection of the Gibraltar-based forward is part of the Football Association of Malawi’s strategy to integrate players with Malawi roots into the Flames.