The Burkina Faso Football Federation has announced the death of former international Ben Aziz Zagré at the age of 27 following an illness.
In a statement released by the federation, officials expressed deep sorrow at the passing of the player, describing him as a committed and patriotic footballer who proudly represented Burkina Faso throughout his career.
The federation said the country had lost a talented young player “taken from the affection of his loved ones in the prime of his life”.
Zagré had represented Burkina Faso at multiple levels, progressing through youth national teams before reaching the senior national side, where he earned recognition for his dedication and attachment to the national colours.
Federation pays tribute to former international
In its official message, the Burkina Faso Football Federation praised the defender’s contribution to the development and reputation of football in the country.
The statement highlighted the respect he earned among teammates, coaches and supporters during his career.
The federation said: “Le Burkina Faso perd un jeune talent arraché à l’affection des siens à la fleur de l’âge. Ben Aziz Zagré a dignement porté les couleurs nationales, depuis les sélections de jeunes jusqu’à l’équipe nationale A, faisant preuve d’engagement, de patriotisme et d’un amour profond pour le maillot des Etalons.”
Officials also acknowledged the impact he had on Burkinabé football through both his performances and professionalism.
The statement added: “Par son dévouement et son parcours exemplaire, il a contribué au rayonnement du football burkinabè et laissé le souvenir d’un joueur respecté, apprécié de ses coéquipiers, de ses encadreurs et des supporters.”
Condolences offered to family and football community
The federation extended condolences to Zagré’s family, friends, former teammates and the wider football community in Burkina Faso.
It described the player’s death as a painful loss for the national game and paid tribute to his memory.
The statement said: “En cette douloureuse épreuve, la Fédération burkinabè de Football présente ses sincères condoléances à sa famille biologique, à ses proches, à ses anciens coéquipiers ainsi qu’à l’ensemble de la famille du football burkinabè.”
The federation also offered prayers for the late footballer, concluding its tribute with an emotional farewell message.
“La FBF s’incline devant la mémoire de ce fils du Burkina Faso parti trop tôt, et prie pour le repos éternel de son âme.
“Repose en paix, Ben Aziz Zagre.
“Que la terre libre de nos ancêtres te soit légère !”
Career remembered with respect
Although his life was cut short at 27, Zagré’s journey through Burkina Faso’s national teams ensured he remained recognised as one of the players who represented the Etalons with commitment and pride.
The defender’s progression from youth selections to the senior national team reflected the promise he showed from an early stage of his career.
His death has prompted an outpouring of emotion among supporters and figures connected to Burkinabé football, with many remembering both his dedication on the pitch and his standing within the football community.
The loss of a player at such a young age has also renewed reflection on the fragility of sporting careers and the strong personal bonds that exist within national team environments.
For Burkina Faso football, the passing of Ben Aziz Zagré represents not only the loss of a former international player, but also the loss of a young man widely respected by those who played and worked alongside him.
As tributes continue to emerge, the memory of the former Etalons player is expected to remain an enduring part of Burkinabé football history.
