Arthur Montcho says representing Benin at senior level remains his ultimate ambition, as the 21-year-old defender continues his development in France.
The left-footed centre-back, who currently plays for Raon-l’Étape, has outlined his desire to one day wear the jersey of the Benin national team, known as the Cheetahs.
Despite still being early in his career, Montcho believes his steady progress could eventually earn him international recognition.
“Joining the Benin national team is an important goal for me. Wearing that jersey would be a great source of pride, and I work every day to be able to reach that level.”
Montcho’s journey reflects a growing trend of dual-nationality players aiming to connect with their African roots through international football.
Born and trained in France, he began his development at FC Lunéville, where he learned the fundamentals of the game before stepping into senior football.
He has since gained experience across several clubs, including Pagny-sur-Moselle and Lunéville, before settling at Raon-l’Étape.
The club, which competed in National 3 last season, has provided him with a platform to refine his defensive abilities and adapt to the physical demands of senior competition.
Reflecting on his recent seasons, Montcho highlighted the importance of gradual improvement.
He noted that the 2024/25 campaign helped him strengthen key areas of his game, particularly defensive positioning, ball distribution, and reading of play.
However, his progress has not been without setbacks. A recent knee injury prevented him from taking part in a French Cup match against Paris FC, a moment he describes as one of the most difficult in his career.
“The most difficult moment of my journey was recently with a knee injury that prevented me from playing a French Cup match against Paris FC, an important moment that I would have liked to experience on the field.”
Despite that disappointment, Montcho has also enjoyed success. One of his standout memories remains winning the Grand Est Cup at youth level with Lunéville, an achievement he considers a reward for collective effort and teamwork.
As he continues to develop, Montcho’s ambitions extend beyond club football.
His determination to represent Benin highlights the importance of national identity for many young players in the diaspora. With consistent performances, he could position himself as a future option for the national team setup.
He also offered advice to aspiring footballers, emphasising discipline and resilience as key ingredients for success.
“I would advise young players to always believe in themselves, to remain disciplined, to work hard and never give up despite the obstacles.”
For Benin, the emergence of players like Montcho offers potential depth for the future.
While he has yet to break into the senior national team, his ambition and steady progression suggest he could be one to watch in the coming years.
