DR Congo: are the Netherlands ready to reopen a case involving Ezechiel Banzuzi?

Ezechiel Banzuzi’s decision to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo could still spark debate in the Netherlands. Former Morocco international Nordin Amrabat is calling on the Dutch Football Federation to try to convince the RB Leipzig midfielder, notably by pointing to his appearances in friendly matches for the Leopards.

The Ezechiel Banzuzi case is back on the agenda in the Netherlands. Speaking on Ziggo Sport on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Nordin Amrabat urged the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) to re-establish contact with the 21-year-old midfielder, who recently chose to represent DR Congo.

The former Morocco international directly addressed Nigel de Jong, the federation’s director of football, encouraging him to act quickly. His idea is to arrange a meeting between Banzuzi and Dutch national team coach Xavi Hernández in an attempt to convince the player to reconsider his international choice.

To justify this approach, Amrabat put forward a regulatory argument: Banzuzi has played only friendly matches for the Leopards. In his view, this situation could still leave open the possibility of switching national teams.

Do the Netherlands still want to convince Banzuzi?

Nordin Amrabat’s intervention has brought the midfielder’s international career back into focus. Born in the Netherlands on February 16, 2005, Banzuzi played for Dutch youth teams, including the Under-21 side, with which he made eleven appearances.

His decision to represent DR Congo therefore marks a change of direction after several years spent in the Dutch international development system.

Amrabat believes that the KNVB should not give up without making a direct approach. He wants Nigel de Jong and Xavi Hernández to meet the player and present him with the prospects the Dutch national team could offer.

For now, there is nothing to indicate that the federation has undertaken such an approach. Amrabat’s appeal is a public statement, not confirmation of ongoing negotiations with Banzuzi.

Also read: Netherlands or DR Congo?… Ezechiel Banzuzi decides on his international future

Two friendly matches with the Leopards

DR Congo included Banzuzi in its friendly matches against Uganda on October 2 and 5, 2026. The Leopards lost the first encounter 2-0 before drawing the second 1-1.

These appearances marked his first steps with the Congolese national team since he chose to represent the country of his family’s origin.

For DR Congo, the midfielder’s arrival provides an additional option in an area where players developed in European leagues can increase competition. Banzuzi plays for RB Leipzig in Germany, having continued his development in Dutch football.

His decision to represent the Leopards should not be reduced to a simple administrative formality. It also concerns his international sporting project. Any potential approach from the Netherlands would therefore have to take into account the player’s wishes, as he has already publicly directed his career towards DR Congo.

FIFA regulations, a decisive factor

The argument put forward by Nordin Amrabat requires some clarification. Having played only friendly matches for a senior national team does not automatically guarantee a player the right to change national associations.

FIFA provides for several conditions to authorize a change of national team. The assessment depends in particular on the player’s international career, their age at the time of their appearances and their status under the eligibility rules.

In September 2026, Reuters reported that Banzuzi’s change of association had not yet received FIFA approval. The available information does not make it possible to confirm whether his case has since progressed.

It is therefore necessary to distinguish between the possibility mentioned by Amrabat and an authorization actually granted under the regulations. At this stage, there is no confirmation that Banzuzi could automatically join the Netherlands.

The ball is now in the Dutch federation’s court, should it decide to act on this appeal. There is also an essential question: would Banzuzi, who chose to represent DR Congo and has already worn the Leopards’ shirt, be willing to reverse his decision? For now, there is nothing to confirm that.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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