Asan Vedraogo: This was my childhood dream, and it's something I've always pursued, and now it's finally come true.

From a vacation in Spain to stepping onto the world's highest stage, RB Leipzig midfielder Assange Vedraogo will conclude a season filled with ups and downs as a World Cup participant. The 20-year-old midfielder traveled to Marbella earlier this week for a holiday, intending to enjoy a short break, but a few days later he will head to North America to compete in the World Cup.  

In mid-May, Assange Vedraogo stated in an interview that winning the World Cup was his lifelong dream. However, just a few days later, he failed to make the preliminary World Cup squad announced by German coach Julian Nagelsmann, which was undoubtedly a heavy blow to the Mülheim-born midfielder.  

However, the situation changed late Friday night. With Lennart Karl sidelined due to a muscle tear, manager Julian Nagelsmann immediately called up the RB Leipzig midfield prodigy as a substitute. For Assan Vedraogo, this moment signified a dream come true and marked a dramatic end to his tumultuous season.  

Assange Vedraogo recalled: "I was on vacation Friday night when I suddenly received a call from the national team coach. When Julian Nagelsmann told me that I had been selected for the World Cup squad, I could hardly believe it. I was stunned for a few seconds before I reacted and immediately started packing my bags. It was a huge honor, and I was very proud to represent Germany in the World Cup."  

“This has been my dream since I was a child, and now it has finally come true. It is also a goal I have been pursuing, especially in the past few years and months. I am very much looking forward to my role in the team and hope to help the team as much as possible on and off the field. At the same time, I would like to wish Lennart Carr a speedy recovery. It is a pity that he was injured so close to the World Cup. I feel sorry for him and hope that he can return to the field as soon as possible.”  

The 2025/26 season is crucial for Assange Vedraogo. He joined RB Leipzig from Schalke 04 in the summer of 2024, but his first season was plagued by injuries, limiting his playing time. In his second season, he regained his form and quickly integrated into coach Ole Werner's tactical system.  

Assange Vedraogo has made 19 Bundesliga appearances this season, contributing 4 goals and 3 assists, showing significant improvement. In the 6-0 victory over Augsburg, he almost entirely dominated the attack and was named Man of the Match, while his brilliant goal against Werder Bremen was also impressive. With his continued improvement, he is now considered one of Germany's most promising young stars.  

Image source: Internet/RB Leipzig official website