Ben Aziz Zagré, the international footballer from Burkina Faso, has passed away due to knee cancer, according to information from his former associates and his last club. At just 27 years old, he had to end his professional career nearly a year before his death because the disease progressively limited his physical abilities and sporting continuity.
The player had begun a long battle against this condition after being diagnosed with a severe knee injury. Despite several treatment attempts and specialized medical care in Europe, his health continued to deteriorate. At the end of April 2026, he underwent surgery on his leg, hoping to stabilize the situation and extend his sporting career. This operation took place in a complex medical context, marked by uncertainty about the disease’s progression.
His last club, Shinnik in Russia, confirmed that he was undergoing intensive care at the time of his withdrawal from the pitch. Reports indicate that the medical and sports teams opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing his overall health over the continuation of his professional career. Despite the efforts made, treatments could not halt the cancer’s progression.
On the sporting front, Ben Aziz Zagré had a career marked by several experiences abroad. He played in various European leagues, including those in Denmark and Portugal, where he gained valuable experience in high-level professional football. These stints allowed him to face diverse competitive environments, contributing to his technical and tactical development.
Internationally, he was selected twice for the Burkina Faso national team, the Stallions A. These call-ups reflected recognition of his potential and club performances at certain points in his career. Although he didn’t accumulate a large number of caps, he was among the players monitored by the national staff for rotation and evaluation of new profiles.
Before his European experiences, he also played for local clubs, notably AJEB, where he stood out for his athletic qualities and discipline on the field. These early steps formed an important foundation for his progression to international professional football.
His journey unfolded between sporting hopes, progress abroad, and a battle against a serious illness that ultimately interrupted his career and led to his passing.
