Burkina Faso defender Mohamed Ouédraogo explains why he chose Lyon over other offers

Burkina Faso international Mohamed Ouédraogo has revealed why he decided to join Olympique Lyonnais, saying the club’s football project matched his ambitions after attracting interest from several teams in both France and England.

The 23-year-old left-back will begin the next chapter of his career with Lyon after completing a move from Austrian side SCR Altach, signing a contract that will keep him at the Ligue 1 club until 2031.

Ouédraogo said the vision presented by Lyon’s management convinced him that the move was the right one for his development.

Despite attracting attention from multiple clubs, he believed the plans outlined by the French side offered the best environment for him to continue progressing.

“They gave me the game plan, and I saw myself fitting in. I love the system and I’m trying to learn even more,” the defender said in an interview with the newspaper Le Progrès.

The move also represents the fulfilment of one of the player’s long-term ambitions. Competing in one of Europe’s strongest domestic competitions had always been among his career objectives, and the opportunity to join Lyon provided the platform he had been seeking.

“Joining one of the top five leagues was exactly what I wanted. I feel great, 200%,” he added.

Ouédraogo also acknowledged the important role his family played in the decision. He explained that his father, a long-time Olympique Lyonnais supporter, encouraged the move, making the transfer even more meaningful.

Beyond family influence, the defender said the experiences of fellow Burkinabè footballers who previously represented Lyon also helped shape his decision.

The successful spells enjoyed by Bakary Koné and Bertrand Traoré at the French club provided further encouragement as he weighed up his options.

Their journeys demonstrated the opportunities available at Lyon and reinforced his belief that the club was the right destination for the next stage of his career.

Having completed the transfer from SCR Altach, Ouédraogo now prepares for his first season in Ligue 1 with a long-term contract in place.

The deal until 2031 underlines Lyon’s confidence in the Burkina Faso international, who believes the club’s playing philosophy, sporting project and environment are perfectly aligned with his own ambitions.

With his future now settled, Ouédraogo arrives in France convinced he has made the right decision, choosing Lyon because he saw a project in which he could thrive while taking the next major step in his professional career.