Top European clubs Arsenal, Barcelona, and Liverpool have all recently shown interest in RB Leipzig’s promising midfielder, Assan Ouédraogo, highlighting his rising profile in European football.
Early Life and Background
Full name: Forzan Assan Ouédraogo
Date of birth: 9 May 2006
Place of birth: Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
Heritage: His parents are from Burkina Faso, and his father, Alassane Ouédraogo, is a former Burkina Faso international.
Youth Career and Early Club Career
Ouédraogo began his football journey at TuS Union 09 Mülheim (2011–2014) before joining Schalke 04’s youth academy in 2014, where he developed through the ranks. He was promoted to Schalke’s first team for the 2023/24 season and made an immediate impact, scoring on his professional debut in the 2. Bundesliga at just 17 years and 80 days old, becoming Schalke’s youngest-ever goalscorer. His early momentum was briefly halted by a ligament injury that sidelined him for a few months.
Move to RB Leipzig
In mid-2024, Ouédraogo transferred to RB Leipzig, signing a multi-year contract that underlined the club’s belief in his potential. At Leipzig, he has continued to develop, gaining valuable Bundesliga experience.
International Career
Ouédraogo has represented Germany at various youth levels, including U16, U17, U19, and U20. He played a key role in Germany’s U17 European Championship campaign. In November 2025, he received his first call-up to the senior national team, making a memorable debut by scoring just 102 seconds after coming on in a 6–0 victory over Slovakia.
Playing Style and Strengths
Primarily a midfielder, Ouédraogo is highly versatile, capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder, defensive midfielder, or in more advanced roles. Standing at 1.91 m, he combines physical presence with technical ability, including excellent dribbling, creativity, goal-scoring, and ball-carrying skills. His playing style has drawn comparisons to Paul Pogba, Ryan Gravenberch, and Khépren Thuram.
Achievements and Milestones
Became Schalke’s youngest-ever goalscorer in professional football
Key contributor to Germany’s UEFA U17 European Championship win
Scored on his senior Germany debut in a World Cup qualifier
Challenges and Injuries
Despite his rapid rise, Ouédraogo has faced injury setbacks, including a knee problem that briefly interrupted his development. Leipzig’s sporting director has acknowledged that injuries have slowed what could have been an even faster “breakout” trajectory.
Reputation and Future Potential
Ouédraogo is regarded as one of Germany’s brightest midfield talents. His move to Leipzig has been seen as a strategic step to accelerate his growth, and his combination of height, skill, and intelligence has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe.
