Patrick Zabi’s rapid rise leads to first Cote d’Ivoire senior call-up

Patrick Zabi has reached the latest milestone in his fast-tracked career after earning his first call-up to the Cote d’Ivoire senior squad at the age of 19.

The midfielder was included in the list of Elephants players announced by Herve Renard on 16 September. His selection rewards the progress of a player better known in his homeland by the nickname “Zabi la Magie”.

Born in Yopougon, Zabi began playing football at an early age before joining the Ivoire FC academy when he was 12. Alongside his development in traditional football, he also made a name for himself in maracana, particularly with Cocody Maracana Club.

His performances in maracana helped raise his profile in Cote d’Ivoire and 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’s progress at Reims was swift. He soon moved closer to the first-team set-up, with the club highlighting his technical ability, his vision and passing range, as well as his willingness to break lines and take risks in possession.

That development led to the next move in his career, with Zabi set to join Paris FC in summer 2026. He is now a Paris FC player in Ligue 1, and his emergence at club level has been followed by recognition on the international stage.

Renard named him among eight new faces in his first Cote d’Ivoire squad since returning to lead the national team. The call-up places Zabi alongside the country’s senior players for the first time and marks a significant step beyond his early years in local football.

The midfielder’s journey has taken him from the maracana courts of Cocody to the Elephants squad in only a few years. He now has upcoming fixtures against Ghana, Somalia and Cameroon in view as he begins his involvement with the national side.

For Zabi, the selection represents a rapid progression: from his beginnings in Yopougon and the Ivoire FC academy, through maracana with Cocody Maracana Club, to professional football in France and a place in Cote d’Ivoire’s senior set-up.