The teenage midfielder who navigated a social media slip-up to reach the Bundesliga
In short: At just sixteen, Ezechiel Banzuzi was already making waves in professional football. Yet, a single Snapchat post nearly derailed his career, leading to a demotion to youth football. This is the story of a talent who overcame disciplinary setbacks to secure a massive €16 million transfer to RB Leipzig.
Ezechiel Banzuzi's ascent through professional football was marked by both rapid progression and sudden friction. Born in the Netherlands to Congolese parents, he joined the NAC Breda youth academy at age eleven. By October 26, 2021, he had made his professional debut as a substitute in a cup match against VVV-Venlo. His talent was evident as he appeared in ten matches for NAC at just sixteen years old, even before signing a professional contract.
However, his momentum faced a significant hurdle in early 2022. On January 8, 2022, Banzuzi hinted at leaving the club via a Snapchat post. This prompted a demotion back to the youth team, though he was reinstated to the first team by February 2022. He eventually became a vital part of the squad, making 31 appearances and contributing five goals and four assists during a season that saw NAC Breda reach the play-offs.
Banzuzi's career trajectory eventually led him to the Belgian Pro League with OH Leuven in June 2023, before a major move to the Bundesliga. On April 9, 2025, RB Leipzig announced they had signed him to a contract lasting until June 30, 2030, for a fee of approximately €16 million. He officially joined the club on July 1, 2025, and made an immediate impact by scoring a header during his competitive debut on August 16, 2025, in a DFB-Pokal tie against SV Sandhausen.
His international career has been a complex journey of identity. While he represented the Netherlands under-21s in the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, he ultimately chose to represent DR Congo. After obtaining his Congolese passport, he officially committed to the nation on September 8, 2026, making his international debut in a friendly against Uganda.
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