Burkina Faso footballer Ben Aziz Zagre has sadly passed away following his battler with bone cancer that saw him retire from the sport only a year ago as tributes have been paid
A footballer who was forced to retire after being diagnosed with bone cancer in his knee has sadly passed away. Burkina Faso footballer Ben Aziz Zagre, who played for several clubs across Europe, had been battling cancer since 2025 but died on Sunday (June 7).
The 27-year-old defender, who only represented Burkina Faso on one occasion, played for for Danish side Esbjerg, Portuguese club Vitória Sport Clube, Kazakhstan team Kaisar and FC Shinnik Yaroslavl in Russia.
According to reports by Russian publication Match TV from the last professional club, Shinnik, Zagre underwent chemotherapy in 2025 that gave him an extra year of his life. Zagre had also undergone leg surgery in Europe back in April this year.
The same publication also had comments from his agent, who claimed the operation this year saw Zagre have both his legs amputated in order to help prolong his life.
However, agent Dmitry Selyuk says the drastic actions did not help the defender but the chemotherapy had allowed for Zagre to die back home surrounded by his loved ones.
He told Match TV: “We tried everything we could to help Ben; he underwent chemotherapy. He lasted a year, but thank God he at least made it home and died surrounded by his loved ones. It could have gone so far that Zagre simply wouldn’t have made it to Burkina Faso.
“I feel incredibly sorry for Ben. He was always smiling. If you ask anyone at Shinnik, they’ll tell you he was always a kind person. Firstly, he was a good footballer and would have achieved much greater success; he would definitely have played in the Russian Premier League. But, unfortunately, what happened, happened.”
Selyuk also criticised doctors back in Russia who reportedly told him and Zagre that “everything was fine” and he did not have cancer.
He added: “But then he went to the Malysheva Center, and she referred us to the bone center. The doctor there immediately told us Zagre had cancer.
“Afterwards, I took him to Germany and Portugal, where he underwent chemotherapy—it extended his life by a year. His legs were amputated, but it didn’t help”.
The Burkina Faso national team have since confirmed his sad passing as they paid tribute to the defender. They also held a minute silence before their game yesterday (June 9) against Belarus in Minsk.
The statement read: “It is with deep dismay that the federation Burkinabè Football Club has learned of the death of Burkinabè international, Ben Aziz Zagre, at the age of 27 due to an illness.
“Burkina Faso loses a young talent snatched from the affection of its people at the prime of their age. Ben Aziz Zagré wore the national colours with dignity, from the youth selection to the National A team, showing commitment, patriotism and a deep love for the Stallions jersey.
“Through his dedication and exemplary journey, he contributed to the radiance of Burkinabe football and left the memory of a respected player, appreciated by his teammates, coaches and supporters.
“In this painful ordeal, the federation Urkinabè Football presents its sincere condolences to his biological family, his relatives, his former teammates and the entire Burkinabè football family. The FBF bows to the memory of this son of Burkina Faso gone too soon, and prays for the eternal repose of his soul.
“Rest in peace, Ben Aziz Zagre May the free land of our ancestors be light to you!”
His former club Esbjerg also paid tribute with a post on X. It read: “It is with great sorrow that we have been informed that our former defender Ben Aziz Zagre, at the age of only 27, is no longer among us.
“Ben joined EfB in 2018, where he managed to play five first-team matches. Honoured be the memory of Ben Aziz Zagre.”
Vitória Sport Clube also issued a statement and said: ” Vitória Sport Clube expresses its deepest sorrow over the passing of Ben Zagrè. With thanks for the service rendered, we recall Ben Zagrè’s humble and hardworking demeanour and extend our solidarity to his family and friends in this moment of profound sadness. Farewell forever, Conquistador.”