World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Assan Ouédraogo
Assan Ouédraogo may have been a last-minute call-up to Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Lennart Karl’s withdrawal due to injury, but the RB Leipzig attacker is not going merely to make up the numbers.
Name: Assan Ouédraogo
Club: RB Leipzig
Nation: Germany
International debut: 17 November 2025
Caps: 1
Stats correct as of 5 June 2026
How was his 2025/26 campaign?
While very impressive for Leipzig in spells, Ouédraogo's progress was hampered by injury. Persistent knee issues kept him out of action from the end of November until April, although he returned at the end of the Bundesliga campaign with a goal on the final matchday against Freiburg.
His best run of form came in autumn, as the 20-year-old registered six goal involvements in just eight matches - including a Man of the Match-winning display in Leipzig's 6-0 rout of Augsburg.
Watch: Ouédraogo's Bundesliga goals & assists
What he brings to the national team
Ouédraogo adds physical presence and tremendous ball-carrying ability to Germany’s midfield, allowing them to progress play through central areas with greater directness. He also offers a goal threat from deep, as shown by his debut strike for Die Nationalelf against Slovakia last November.
What his coaches say
"He's still very young, but I'm very happy with his development and hope he retains his humility. He needs to keep at it and continue in the same way." - Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann
“Assan is an exceptional talent, very likeable because he never assumes he will automatically score, and he takes responsibility on the pitch. He's a great guy who works incredibly hard, believes in himself and is fit." - Leipzig head coach Ole Werner
