Dutch media: Leipzig midfielder Banzuzi decides to represent DR Congo at international level

According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, 21-year-old RB Leipzig midfielder Ezekiel Banzuzi has officially decided to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team in the future, giving up the development path with the Netherlands youth teams.

Banzuzi was born in the Netherlands, and his parents have roots in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He had previously represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, making five appearances for the Netherlands U21 team. As early as March this year, DR Congo sent him a call-up, but the player declined at the time, choosing to focus on the Netherlands youth teams. After six months of consideration, he ultimately chose his parents' homeland.

At club level, Banzuzi came through the NAC Breda academy, moved through OH Leuven, and then joined Leipzig in the Bundesliga. He started both of the first two Bundesliga matches of the new season; in the German Cup against Trier, he scored one goal and provided one assist to help his team win 6-0, showing good form.

The report stated that after Josy Mokio switched from Belgium to DR Congo, the Netherlands have lost another highly promising young player. DR Congo have just participated in the 2026 World Cup, where they were eliminated by England in the round of 16, and the team hopes to bring in Banzuzi to strengthen their midfield.