French-born defender of Ivorian and Central African descent, Oumar Solet, has expressed his deep appreciation for Red Bull Salzburg, stating that the Austrian club provided him with opportunities he never received at Olympique Lyon.
Reflecting on his journey, Solet explained why Salzburg remains special to him and how it shaped his career.
“I’m not just going to Austria; I’m signing for Red Bull Salzburg. This club is a dream for many young players. When you’re in France, you can have preconceived ideas about Salzburg, but today, I’m playing with players who come from Slovenia, Poland—everywhere—and they’ve all dreamed of playing for Salzburg since they were kids. I know why I signed there. Salzburg gave me everything that Lyon never gave me,” Solet said in an interview with Onze Mondial.
After joining Olympique Lyonnais in January 2018 with high hopes, Solet quickly realized that his expectations would not be met. His time at Lyon lacked the developmental opportunities and nurturing environment he needed to thrive. In search of a better platform to showcase his talent, he made the decision to join Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2020.
The move to Salzburg proved transformative for Solet. The club’s reputation for nurturing young talent and providing a competitive yet supportive environment helped him rediscover his potential.
Playing alongside teammates from diverse backgrounds and under a system tailored for growth, Solet flourished.
Now, as he prepares to join Udinese in Italy in January 2025, Solet reflects on his time at Salzburg as a pivotal chapter in his career.
