Arthur Zagré, a left-back with roots in Burkina Faso, has made the bold decision to switch his international allegiance from France to the Burkina Faso national team. At 24, the versatile defender, who previously donned the French youth team jersey, is set to represent the Étalons in upcoming fixtures, aligning with his ancestral heritage.
Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris, Zagré honed his skills in the youth academy of Paris Saint-Germain before making his Ligue 1 debut in the 2019-2020 season. His promising start caught the eye of AS Monaco, where he was subsequently loaned to Dijon, Utrecht, and Excelsior Rotterdam. The latter club became his permanent home in the Eredivisie, where he has delivered solid performances—scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists this season.
Under the guidance of head coach Amir Abdou since March, the Burkina Faso national team is poised to benefit from Zagré’s technical prowess and defensive acumen. The player is expected to make his debut in June’s international friendlies against Belarus and Russia, adding depth and experience to the squad.
a versatile talent with deep roots
Zagré’s football journey is marked by adaptability. Primarily a left-back, he can also slot into a higher defensive position or even play as a defensive midfielder. Standing at just 1m68, his agility and powerful left-foot strikes make him a dynamic asset on the pitch. Now, as he prepares to don the Burkina Faso jersey, he brings not only skill but a personal connection to the nation.
With his contract at Excelsior Rotterdam expiring in June, this move offers him both a fresh challenge and a chance to showcase his talent on the international stage. Fans of the Étalons will be eager to see how this former French youth international integrates into the team as they aim for success in future competitions.
