RB Leipzig midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi has committed his international future to DR Congo, with Junior Kadile, Noah Mbamba and Jorthy Mokio also pursuing eligibility to represent the Leopards.
Banzuzi, 21, formally announced his decision after previously representing the Netherlands at every youth level through to the Under-21s.
The midfielder confirmed the switch on Instagram by posting a montage of himself wearing a DR Congo shirt and pointing to the badge of the Congolese Football Association. His caption read “Mwana Mboka +243”, meaning “the child of the country”.
Banzuzi had earlier been seen at the Congolese embassy in Belgium as he worked through the process of obtaining his Congolese passport.
His final appearance for the Netherlands Under-21s came in March, when he started their European Under-21 Championship qualifying victory over Norway and provided an assist. He was an unused substitute in the subsequent friendly against Belgium.
Born in Zwijndrecht, Banzuzi came through the NAC Breda academy before moving to Leuven and subsequently joining RB Leipzig in July 2025.
He made 28 appearances in his first season with the German club, including four starts, while scoring twice and providing one assist.
Banzuzi has started the current campaign strongly, featuring in all three of Leipzig’s matches so far and registering one goal and one assist. He could make his Champions League debut when Leipzig travel to Como on Thursday.
His switch could make him available for Sebastien Desabre’s next squad as DR Congo begin preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Three more players pursuing DR Congo eligibility
Kadile, Mbamba and Mokio are also working towards representing the Leopards.
According to Leopardsfoot, the three players have visited the Congolese embassy in Brussels to begin the process of obtaining their passports.
Kadile, 23, previously represented France at Under-16 and Under-17 level. The forward came through Rennes before spells with Famalicao, Laval and Almere City. He joined Servette and has since moved to Lens on loan until the end of the season.
He recorded 13 appearances, six goals and 10 assists for Servette before the move to France.
Mbamba, meanwhile, is seeking to end his international association with Belgium. The 21-year-old midfielder has represented Belgium at Under-21 level and joined Lorient on loan from Bayer Leverkusen in August.
The move is his third successive loan spell away from Leverkusen after previous stints with Fortuna Dusseldorf and Dender. The 1.96m midfielder has already made two appearances for Lorient, including one start.
Mokio has also expressed his intention to play for DR Congo, although his eligibility could prevent him from featuring for the Leopards until 2028 unless an appeal is successful.
Boteli chooses Switzerland
While DR Congo continue their recruitment efforts, Winsley Boteli remains committed to Switzerland.
The 20-year-old FC Sion midfielder has opted to continue representing the Swiss national team despite interest from Congolese officials and approaches from Desabre.
According to Le Nouvelliste, Boteli has chosen continuity, although DR Congo have not given up on convincing him. Blick reports that Congolese officials planned to invite Boteli and his family to Kinshasa during the next international break to present their plans for the Leopards.
