Benin midfielder Parfait Faton has earned his first call-up to the senior national team at the age of 16, marking a significant milestone in the young player’s development.
The teenager has been selected by coach Gernot Rohr for Benin’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against the Central African Republic on 12 and 16 November 2026.
Faton’s inclusion in the Cheetahs squad is a major recognition of his potential, having developed through football academies and youth teams in Benin, Senegal and France.
The young midfielder is expected to gain valuable experience alongside more established members of the national team, including Junior Olaitan and Tosin Ayegun.
His selection comes after a promising journey through several development programmes, beginning at the N’Dali Centre of Excellence in Benin.
He subsequently moved to Senegal, where he continued his football education at the Diambars Academy, before travelling to France to feature for the youth teams of AAS Sarcelles.
Faton has also reportedly attracted interest from Paris FC, where he is said to have impressed during a trial.
Although he is currently based in Sarcelles and trains regularly with the Parisian club, he has not been able to complete an official move because of FIFA regulations governing international transfers involving minors.
His experience in different football environments has contributed to the development of a versatile playing profile.
Faton can operate as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player or an attacking midfielder. He is also capable of filling in at full-back, giving his coaches several tactical options.
Beyond his club development, the teenager has already taken on leadership responsibilities at international youth level, having captained Benin’s Under-17 side.
His performances at the WAFU B Under-20 tournament in July further brought attention to his abilities and strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s promising young prospects.
Despite his age, Faton’s progression has now earned him an opportunity to train and potentially feature alongside senior international players.
The two matches against the Central African Republic will provide an early test of how he adapts to the demands of senior international football.
