Zacharie Boucher switches allegiance to Madagascar after rejecting call-up in 2018

French-born goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher, 34, has accepted a call-up to represent Madagascar, eight years after turning down an approach from the country.

Boucher, who has represented France at every youth level from Under-16 to Under-21, is now set to begin a new chapter in his international career with the Barea.

The goalkeeper was first approached by Madagascar in 2018 but rejected the opportunity, insisting at the time that his international future belonged with France.

Speaking to French newspaper L’Équipe in 2018, Boucher made his position clear.

“I am French and proud to be French. The France national team shirt is important to me, and I will not wear any other shirt.”

He added: “I have no intention of playing in the Africa Cup of Nations with anyone else.”

Eight years on, however, Boucher has changed his decision and accepted the opportunity to represent Madagascar at senior level.

His switch comes after an international career with France that ended at youth level. Despite progressing through the French system and earning recognition with the Under-21 side, he never made a senior appearance for Les Bleus.

Boucher’s decision means he will now be eligible to feature for Madagascar, provided he completes the necessary international registration requirements.

The goalkeeper’s change of allegiance is also a significant development for Madagascar, who have increasingly sought to strengthen their squad by attracting players with Malagasy heritage.

Boucher has spent much of his professional career in France and has also played abroad. His experience could provide Madagascar with an experienced option in goal as the national team continues its preparations for upcoming international competitions.

The 34-year-old’s decision also highlights how international football choices can evolve over the course of a player’s career.

When Madagascar first made contact in 2018, Boucher was unequivocal about his desire to represent France. With that senior opportunity never materialising, he has now opted to answer Madagascar’s call.

His decision could give the Barea an experienced goalkeeper while bringing to an end a long-standing chapter in which Boucher had maintained that he would not represent another country.

At 34, Boucher will now look to translate his experience from club and youth international football into a senior international career with Madagascar.