Mohamed Ouedraogo: Burkina Faso left-back says Lyon project fit perfectly as he commits to 2031 deal

Mohamed Ouedraogo says Olympique Lyonnais’ tactical project and the club’s stature in a top European league convinced him to choose OL over rival interest from England and France.

The Burkina Faso left-back, 23, has signed for Lyon on a contract running until 2031 after leaving Austrian side SCR Altach.

Ouedraogo revealed that detailed tactical plans presented by the Ligue 1 club made him feel immediately at home in their system.

“They gave me the game plans, I saw myself in them. I love the system and I’m trying to learn even more,” he told French newspaper Le Progres.

“Joining one of the five major championships was what I wanted. I feel good, at 200%,” he added.

Interest from England and France

Before opting for Lyon, Ouedraogo had attracted attention from several clubs in both the Premier League and Ligue 1.

Despite that competition, he chose OL, convinced that the club’s sporting vision matched his own ambitions and style of play.

The defender, who operates on the left side, will now look to establish himself in a league he has long targeted, with Lyon positioning him as part of their long-term plans through to 2031.

Family influence and Burkinabe predecessors

Ouedraogo also highlighted the influence of his family and the path taken by previous Burkina Faso internationals at Lyon as key elements in his decision, according to Foot Mercato.

He explained that his father is a supporter of Olympique Lyonnais, something that weighed in favour of a move to Groupama Stadium.

The full-back pointed in particular to the examples of compatriots Bakary Kone and Bertrand Traore, who both wore Lyon’s colours earlier in their careers, as further encouragement to follow the same route.

Before his transfer to OL, Ouedraogo was playing for SCR Altach, and his switch to France marks the next step in a career he has long hoped to take into one of Europe’s top five leagues.