Patrick Zabi earns first Cote d’Ivoire call-up after rise from Cocody maracana

Patrick Zabi has been included in the Cote d’Ivoire squad for the first time, marking the latest step in the rapid rise of the 19-year-old midfielder known in his homeland as “Zabi la Magie”.

The teenager was named by manager Herve Renard on 16 September as one of eight new faces in the Elephants squad since Renard returned to lead Cote d’Ivoire.

Zabi was born in Yopougon and began playing football at an early age. At 12, he joined the Ivoire FC academy, while also building a reputation in maracana, the small-sided format of football popular in Cote d’Ivoire.

His performances with Cocody Maracana Club helped raise his profile nationally and eventually attracted the attention of Stade de Reims. The French club signed him in January 2025 and initially placed him with their Pro 2 side.

Zabi made swift progress after arriving in France, moving into the professional group at Stade de Reims. The club highlighted his technical ability, his skill in breaking defensive lines with his passing and his willingness to take risks in possession.

That development subsequently led to an opportunity with Paris FC, which he is due to join in summer 2026. He is now a Paris FC player in Ligue 1, while his first international call-up gives his career a further boost.

The midfielder’s path has taken him from local maracana pitches in Cocody to the senior Cote d’Ivoire squad in a short period. His inclusion comes with the Elephants preparing for upcoming fixtures against Ghana, Somalia and Cameroon.

For Zabi, the selection represents recognition of a rise that began in youth football, continued through maracana and accelerated after his move to France. His next challenge will be to make an impression within the senior international set-up.