Goalkeeper Issiaka Touré completed a surprise ascent from the French third tier to the France U21 national team, earning a first call-up on September 18 after securing regular playing time with SC Aubagne Air-Bel, Foot Mercato reported.
Leaving Saint-Étienne for Regular Minutes in Ligue 3
The Franco-Ivorian goalkeeper spent three years with the AS Saint-Étienne reserve squad, primarily competing in National 3 after arriving from Toulouse FC in 2023. Standing at 1.94 meters tall, Touré never broke through to the senior team on a permanent basis. When his contract expired over the summer, the club chose not to offer an extension.
Rather than seeking a backup role at a higher-profile club, Touré accepted a transfer to SC Aubagne Air-Bel in Ligue 3. The sporting decision immediately paid off in terms of playing time. Although his new club struggled near the bottom of the standings with only one victory in their opening seven matches, Touré started every fixture in goal.
A Surprise Call to the France U21 Squad
That consistent exposure caught the attention of national selectors. On September 18, 2026, France U21 coach Gérald Baticle named Touré to his squad for the UEFA Euro U21 2027 qualifiers. It marked the first international recognition of the young goalkeeper’s career.
“A pride, that is the word that comes to mind,” Touré told local newspaper La Provence regarding his selection. “I am enjoying the moment because it has not always been easy. It is my first selection, I have never experienced that.” He also credited Aubagne’s coaching staff for believing in him following his departure from Saint-Étienne, calling their trust incredible.
Stepping Into the Starting Lineup Against Luxembourg
Touré’s involvement in Clairefontaine quickly escalated beyond a simple training camp invitation. Goalkeepers Robin Risser and Guillaume Restes received call-ups to the senior France national team, while Newcastle United’s Ewen Jaouen withdrew from the U21 squad due to a hamstring injury. Those absences opened the door for a competitive debut.
Baticle selected Touré to start against Luxembourg in Orléans, preferring him over Stade Brestois backup Mathieu Patouillet. Touré played the full match in a 3-2 victory for Les Bleuets, conceding two goals, including one from the penalty spot.
Balancing International Duty With a Relegation Battle
The milestone stands in sharp contrast to Touré’s domestic reality. While fellow U21 goalkeepers Jaouen and Patouillet are attached to clubs in the English Premier League and Ligue 1, Touré fights to keep Aubagne clear of relegation in the French third tier. His rapid ascent was also tested domestically when he received the first red card of his career against Rouen, occurring just one day after national team officials announced his selection.
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