Mohamed Ouedraogo says Olympique Lyonnais’ tactical project and the chance to play in one of Europe’s top leagues convinced him to turn down interest from clubs in England and France and sign a long-term deal with the Ligue 1 side.
The 23-year-old Burkina Faso left-back, who has joined Lyon from Austrian club SCR Altach, was on the radar of several teams on both sides of the Channel before committing to the French club. He has signed a contract running until 2031.
Ouedraogo, speaking to French newspaper Le Progres, revealed that Lyon’s detailed presentation of how they wanted to use him on the pitch was decisive.
“They gave me the game plans, I saw myself in them. I love the system and I’m trying to learn even more,” he said, describing how the club’s proposed style of play matched his own strengths and ambitions.
Reaching a top-five league
For the Burkina Faso international, the move also fulfils a clear career objective of stepping into one of Europe’s leading competitions.
“Arriving in one of the five big leagues, that’s what I wanted. I feel good, at 200%,” he added, underlining his enthusiasm at joining a club competing in one of the continent’s most high-profile domestic championships.
Lyon, seven-time French champions, presented Ouedraogo with a long-term sporting vision that he felt aligned with his development needs as a young defender. The club’s structure and identity, as well as the prospect of regular top-flight football, were central to his decision.
Family influence and Burkinabe trailblazers
Ouedraogo also highlighted the influence of his family in choosing Lyon, in particular the role of his father’s long-standing support for the club.
He explained that his father is an Olympique Lyonnais fan and that this emotional connection played a part in steering him towards the Groupama Stadium.
According to Foot Mercato, the presence of a Burkinabe legacy at Lyon was another key factor. Ouedraogo pointed to the example of compatriots Bakary Kone and Bertrand Traore, both former “Gones”, as an inspiration and a reminder that players from Burkina Faso can succeed at the club.
Kone, a central defender, and forward Traore both enjoyed spells in Lyon colours, and their past contributions helped to reassure Ouedraogo about the environment he was stepping into.
From SCR Altach to OL
Before securing his move to France, Ouedraogo was playing for SCR Altach in Austria, where his performances had drawn attention from scouts across Europe.
His switch from the Austrian Bundesliga to Ligue 1 marks a significant step up in his career pathway, aligning with his stated aim of establishing himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
With a contract through to 2031 and a clear belief in the club’s tactical project, Ouedraogo now faces the challenge of translating that conviction into performances on the pitch as he begins life at Olympique Lyonnais.
