Ezechiel Banzuzi Switches Senior International Allegiance to DR Congo
RB Leipzig midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi has chosen to represent DR Congo at senior international level, ending a youth international career with the Netherlands that included five appearances for the Dutch Under-21 side.
Key takeaways
- Banzuzi, 21, has committed his international future to DR Congo after previously playing for several Netherlands youth teams.
- The midfielder was first contacted by DR Congo in March but initially remained focused on the Netherlands Under-21 programme.
- DR Congo reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup before being eliminated by England.
- Banzuzi made 24 Bundesliga appearances and scored twice in the DFB-Pokal during his first Leipzig season.
- Leipzig face Como in the Champions League on Thursday, September 10, before hosting Hamburg three days later.
World Cup run helps secure Banzuzi decision
The Zwijndrecht-born player has opted for the Leopards following their notable 2026 World Cup campaign in Canada, Mexico and the United States. DR Congo progressed from their group before England ended their tournament in the first knockout round.
That run has helped persuade Banzuzi to join DR Congo for future international windows and qualifying matches. He had been approached by the national-team manager in March, but did not make an immediate commitment, preferring at that stage to continue with Jong Oranje.
Banzuzi’s decision gives DR Congo a young midfielder who has already accumulated senior experience in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. He came through NAC Breda’s academy before moving to OH Leuven, where his development earned him a transfer to Leipzig in the summer of 2025.
Strong start to second Leipzig campaign
Banzuzi signed a contract in Germany running through June 2030 and featured regularly during his first season. He played 24 times in the Bundesliga and scored two goals in the DFB-Pokal.
He has begun the new league campaign in Leipzig’s starting side in both Bundesliga fixtures. The midfielder also scored in the club’s 6-0 cup win against Eintracht Trier on August 22.
Martin Demichelis’ squad now move into a demanding sequence of matches. Leipzig travel to Italy to play Como in their Champions League opener on Thursday, September 10, then return to Bundesliga action at home to Hamburg three days later. Banzuzi will be expected to manage those club demands while preparing for a new chapter with DR Congo.
