Troyes goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher returns to Madagascar squad after eight-year absence

Troyes goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher has made a remarkable U-turn by accepting a call-up to the Madagascar national team, eight years after publicly ruling out the possibility of representing the island nation.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper has been included in Corentin Martins’ squad for Madagascar’s opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, marking a significant change from his previous position.

Eight years ago, Boucher was categorical when reports linked him with a potential call-up to the Madagascar national team.

At the time, the goalkeeper publicly rejected any possibility of wearing the Malagasy shirt, insisting that he was French and had never been Malagasy.

“I’m French; I’ve never been Madagascan. I don’t know why it all came out like that. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing to it. You only have to look at my passport. It says ‘French’ on it. If the manager calls me up, the answer is no. What’s more, from an administrative point of view, I can’t even do it. I’m not Malagasy,” he declared.

Those comments appeared to have closed the door on any possibility of Boucher representing Madagascar.

However, eight years later, the experienced goalkeeper has now accepted the opportunity and will be part of Martins’ plans for the opening two matchdays of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

His first call-up has already sparked controversy in Madagascar, particularly because of his previous comments in which he categorically ruled out representing the country.

Boucher’s inclusion also comes against a particular sporting backdrop, as the 34-year-old has not played a single match for Troyes in Ligue 1 this season.

Despite his lack of playing time at club level, Martins has opted to include the experienced goalkeeper as Madagascar begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Boucher’s decision represents a striking reversal of his position from eight years ago and opens a new chapter in his career.

He will now hope to put the controversy surrounding his call-up aside and contribute on the pitch as Madagascar begin their bid to reach the next edition of the continental showpiece.