Burundi: Premier League Nations
Continuing our alphabetical world tour, next up is Burundi. A small African nation, two players were born there before moving to England as children and later becoming Premier League players. According to the Premier League website, these two players are the only individuals to have represented Burundi in the Premier League to date.
First Player – Gael Bigirimana (Newcastle United; 2012-16)
After moving to England in 2004, Gael Bigirimana joined Coventry City’s youth setup as an 11-year-old and went on to break into the first team in 2011/12.
Despite Coventry’s relegation to the third tier, he impressed enough to earn a move to Premier League Newcastle United, who had finished fifth and qualified for the Europa League the previous campaign.
Bigirimana made 13 league appearances for the Toon as they struggled to balance the Europa League with their domestic requirements. He spent much of the following three seasons out on loan and made no further Premier League appearances before returning to Coventry in 2016.
Records
- Most Appearances – Saido Berahino (133)
- First appearance – Gael Bigirimana (NEWCASTLE 1-1 Aston Villa, September 2nd 2012)
- Most goals – Saido Berahino (23)
- First goal – Gael Bigirimana (NEWCASTLE 3-0 Wigan, December 3rd 2012)
Other Players
The most recent Burundian to feature in the Premier League was Saido Berahino, who was relegated with Stoke City in 2017/18. Though he won several caps for England at youth level, Berahino opted to represent Burundi at international level after switching his allegiance with FIFA.
Berahino now plays for Zulte Waregem in Belgium, while Gael Bigirimana still plays in England, with non-league side Solihull Moors.
Trivia
- Both Burundian Premier League players were born in Bujumbura; the capital of Burundi, before moving to the UK as a child.
- Saido Berahino captained Burundi at the 2019 African Cup of Nations, Burundi’s first-ever appearance in the competition finals tournament.
- Gael Bigirimana won the Championship Apprentice of the Year award for the 2011/12 season.
- Both players were capped by England at youth level (Bigirimana U20, Berahino U16-21) and Berahino was called up to the senior squad in 2014, but did not make an appearance.