Youssouf Ndayishimiye, the quiet strength of Burundi

At 26 years old, Youssouf Ndayishimiye has established himself as a key player both at OGC Nice and for the national team. Arriving on the Côte d'Azur in January 2023, the Burundian central defender has continued to rise in prominence. This season, he has played 23 matches across all competitions, with 17 starts in Ligue 1 and one goal scored. His consistency, ability to anticipate the game, and physical impact make him an indispensable element of Nice's backline.

But it is especially under the colors of Burundi that his leadership fully blossoms. Selected for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he will face Ivory Coast on March 21 and the Seychelles on March 25. These matches promise to be decisive: with 7 points, Burundi is in 3rd place in their group, behind the Elephants (10 points) and Gabon (9 points). A victory against the Seychelles, who were already defeated 3-1 in the previous encounter, could reignite their qualification hopes.

With a contract running until 2027 with OGC Nice, Youssouf Ndayishimiye embodies the future. His steadiness, coupled with his experience in Ligue 1, allows him to lead the Swallows with calmness and ambition. If Burundi dreams of a historic World Cup participation, they can rely on the solidity of their defensive rock to keep believing.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr