Arthur Zagré, a left-back with a rich footballing history, has made a life-changing decision by switching his international allegiance to Burkina Faso. The 24-year-old, who grew up in the Paris Saint-Germain academy and represented France at youth levels, now aims to don the national colors of his ancestors’ homeland.
With 23 caps and 2 goals for France’s U18 and U19 teams, Zagré’s journey has taken him from PSG’s youth ranks to Ligue 1, where he made his debut during the 2019-2020 season under Thomas Tuchel. His career continued with a move to AS Monaco, followed by loan spells at Dijon, Utrecht, and Excelsior Rotterdam, where he has been a standout performer this season. This season alone, he contributed 3 goals and 2 assists in the Eredivisie, proving his versatility as a left-back or defensive midfielder.
Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, near Paris, Zagré’s decision to represent Burkina Faso aligns with his heritage. According to reports from Sport365, his switch is expected to be formalized ahead of the national team’s June friendly fixtures against Belarus and Russia. Under the guidance of head coach Amir Abdou, the Burkina Faso squad—nicknamed the Étalons—stands to gain a valuable addition to their defensive ranks.
a promising career trajectory
Zagré’s footballing journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. After breaking into professional football with PSG, his career took a series of strategic moves that shaped his experience. His stint in Ligue 1 with Monaco was short-lived, but his subsequent loans honed his skills in competitive environments. Excelsior Rotterdam became his latest proving ground, where he has flourished as a reliable left-back with a powerful left foot.
At just 1.68 meters tall, Zagré defies expectations with his technical prowess and tactical awareness. His contract with Excelsior Rotterdam is set to expire in June, making this the perfect juncture for him to embark on a new chapter with Burkina Faso. Fans of the Étalons can look forward to seeing him in action during the upcoming international fixtures, where his experience and versatility could prove pivotal.
