The trend of African players choosing to represent European countries at the international level may be dying out.Four years ago, Morocco became the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals, while the latest edition of the prestigious tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico showed that national teams from the "mother continent" can more than hold their own against far stronger opponents.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal, DR Congo, Cabo Verde, Egypt… They are all testament to the rise of African football.Until recently, players opted for CAF-affiliated teams only when they had no other choice – when it became clear that European powerhouses had no place for them.Ayyoub Bouaddi set a precedent when he chose Morocco over France, despite being born there and having represented Les Bleus' youth categories.However, the 18-year-old is no longer an isolated case.According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, talented Netherlands-born midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi has decided to switch his allegiance and represent DR Congo!🚨🇨🇩 Ezechiel Banzuzi was at the Congolese embassy in Brussels today to obtain his Congolese passport.I can confirm this through a family member who met and spoke with him there. They also took a picture together.Another step towards seeing Banzuzi in the Leopards shirt. 🐆👀 pic.twitter.com/yn1LU2zoRZ— Djogo (@DjogoFimbu243) September 7, 2026 Despite being born in Zwijndrecht and playing for the Oranje's youth teams, the 21-year-old wanted to honour his Congolese roots. Back in March, he reportedly received a call-up from the Leopards, but turned it down.Now, things have apparently changed, and the RB Leipzig player will eagerly await his chance to don the Leopards' shirt.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936501##
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