"A childhood dream has come true" – Assan Ouédraogo reacts to late Germany World Cup call-up
| Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images |
After heading to Spain for a holiday at the start of the week, Assan Ouédraogo saw his plans change suddenly on Friday when he was called up to replace the injured Bayern Munich star Lennart Karl in Germany’s World Cup squad.
In an interview with his club, RB Leipzig, the 20-year-old central midfielder reveals he needed some time to process the fact that a childhood dream had come true.
“I got the call from the national team coach on Friday evening while on holiday. When [Germany coach] Julian Nagelsmann told me I was now part of the squad, I needed a moment to take it in and realise what had happened before going and packing my things straight away. It is a huge honour and makes me very proud to represent Germany at the World Cup,” Ouedraogo said in the interview.
“A childhood dream of mine has come true – one I have worked hard for, especially over the past few months and years. I’m looking forward to my role in the team and want to help the lads as much as I can, both on and off the pitch."
Ouédraogo also wished Lennart Karl all the best after the 18-year-old’s World Cup dream ended with a muscle tear in training on Friday.
"I would like to wish Lenny a speedy and full recovery. I feel very sorry for him that he got injured so close to the tournament and can’t be involved. Alongside the joy I feel, I also sympathise with his situation greatly. I wish him all the best from the bottom of my heart and hope he is back out on the pitch soon."
Ouédraogo scored in his first – and so far only – game for Germany's senior national team in November.
Shortly afterwards, the 20-year-old suffered a knee injury that cased him problems for several months before he gradually returned towards the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
