Banzuzi, born in Zwijndrecht in the Netherlands, has completed the switch of association and been named for the first time in DR Congo's squad ahead of the upcoming international fixtures, having previously represented the Dutch national set-up from under-17 to under-21 level.
The 21-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Belgian side OH Leuven last year on a deal running until 2030, made 24 Bundesliga appearances in his debut campaign in Germany after progressing through the Dutch academy system at NAC Breda.
Freiburg left-back Jordy Makengo, 25, is also poised to make his DR Congo debut having been included in the same squad for the upcoming fixtures. Born in Saint-Denis, France, Makengo qualifies for the Leopards through his Congolese heritage and joins Banzuzi as one of several dual nationals the federation has moved to secure since the summer.
The push to bring in new talent follows DR Congo's historic run to the round of 16 at this year's World Cup, held across the United States, Mexico and Canada, where the Leopards were eventually eliminated 2-1 by England. That performance has significantly strengthened the federation's hand in persuading players developed elsewhere in Europe to commit their international futures to the country, with several other dual nationals, including Como defender Willy Kambwala and Saint-Etienne forward Kevin Pedro, also under consideration for future call-ups.
For Banzuzi in particular, the decision represents a shift away from the Netherlands pathway that had carried him through multiple youth age groups, reflecting a broader trend of young European-born players with African heritage increasingly choosing to represent their family's country of origin at senior international level, following the precedent set by high-profile switches elsewhere on the continent, including Manchester City's Ayyoub Bouaddi opting for Morocco over France despite coming through the French youth system.
Banzuzi, an attacking midfielder standing at 1.91 metres, has continued to feature regularly for Leipzig this season and scored in a 6-0 German Cup win over Eintracht Trier last month, underlining his growing importance to the club regardless of his change in international focus.