Trading Dutch youth caps for his ancestral roots, the RB Leipzig midfielder embraces his "Mwana Mboka" identity as he joins Sébastien Desabre’s squad for a new international chapter.
Ezechiel Banzuzi is set to begin a new chapter in his international career after receiving his first senior call-up from DR Congo.
The RB Leipzig midfielder has decided to represent the country his family comes from, ending his involvement with the Netherlands at youth level. Banzuzi announced the decision on social media with two words: "Mwana Mboka" meaning "child of the country".
For the 21-year-old, the decision is rooted in his family and a connection to DR Congo that has remained important despite being born and raised in the Netherlands.
Banzuzi had already made his decision before the 2026 World Cup.
He discussed it extensively with his family, who were also keen for him to represent Congo and supported him throughout the process. The Leopards' performance at the tournament only strengthened his belief in the decision.
DR Congo reached the knockout stages before narrowly losing 2-1 to England in the round of 32. Banzuzi was impressed by the team's run and saw the tournament as further evidence of the potential within the squad.
However, the World Cup was not what convinced him to make the switch. His mind was already made up.
A New International Chapter
Banzuzi had already taken his first steps with DR Congo earlier this year when he received a call-up to the country's U23 team in March. At the time, he continued to represent the Netherlands U21s.
That has now changed with his first senior selection.
Banzuzi has spoken with DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre and is preparing to join the senior squad. His first appearance would mark a significant moment for a player whose international career began with the Netherlands but will now continue with the country of his family.
The decision has also been welcomed by his teammates at Leipzig. Castello Lukeba, Ridle Baku, Brajan Gruda, and Benjamin Henrichs all reacted to his announcement on Instagram, while former teammate Xavi Simons also sent his congratulations.
For Banzuzi, though, the decision goes beyond football.
The phrase "Mwana Mboka" captures the meaning behind his choice and his desire to maintain a connection with his family's homeland.
"It means that you come from that country and you don't forget where you come from. That means a lot to me."
Now that connection will become part of his senior international career.
Banzuzi is heading into his first days with the Leopards with a clear idea of what he wants to contribute. He has already spoken to Desabre and is looking forward to working with a squad that has recently gained valuable experience on the world stage.
"I was really happy to receive my first senior call-up. Now I want to bring my experience to the team and help however I can."
For Banzuzi, the journey from Dutch youth international to DR Congo senior international is now complete. The next part of the story begins with his first appearance for the Leopards.
