With a rich footballing pedigree, Arthur Zagré, a left-back nurtured in the youth ranks of Paris Saint-Germain and former French youth international, has made a surprising yet significant decision: he will now represent Burkina Faso at the international level. The 24-year-old defender, who spent this season with Excelsior Rotterdam in the Eredivisie—where he netted three goals and provided two assists—has chosen to honor his ancestral roots by donning the colors of the Burkinabè national team.

Having earned 23 caps and scored twice for France’s U18 and U19 teams, Zagré’s switch marks a pivotal moment in his career. His journey to this decision traces back to his early days in football. Formed at PSG, he made his Ligue 1 debut during the 2019-2020 season under the guidance of manager Thomas Tuchel. Following his breakthrough, he joined AS Monaco, though his path led him through loans to Dijon, Utrecht, and ultimately Excelsior Rotterdam, where he has since established himself as a reliable asset.

a versatile defender ready for new challenges

Zagré’s versatility is one of his standout attributes. While primarily a left-back, he possesses the technical and tactical acumen to operate slightly higher up the pitch or even in a defensive midfield role. His powerful left-footed strikes and dynamic presence have made him a valuable player in the Eredivisie, where he has consistently contributed both defensively and offensively.

At just 1.68 meters tall, his stature belies his impact on the field. With his contract with Excelsior Rotterdam expiring in June, Zagré is poised to embark on a new chapter in his career. His inclusion in Burkina Faso’s squad for upcoming international friendlies in June—against Belarus and Russia—under the stewardship of head coach Amir Abdou since March, is highly anticipated. The Étalons stand to gain a seasoned professional whose experience in top European leagues could prove instrumental in their quest for success on the international stage.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter