A vacation phone call turned into a life-changing moment for 20-year-old midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, who received an unexpected invitation to join Germany’s World Cup team while relaxing in Marbella.
The RB Leipzig player got the surprise call-up after Lennart Karl suffered a muscle injury during practice before Saturday’s exhibition match against the United States in Chicago. Manager Julian Nagelsmann selected Ouedraogo as Karl’s replacement.
“I got the call from the national coach on Friday evening while on holiday,” Ouedraogo shared during an interview posted on his club’s website.
“When 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.”
This marks Ouedraogo’s second opportunity with the national team, having previously been called up to replace injured player Nadiem Amiri. During that November appearance, he entered the game as a substitute and netted the final goal in Germany’s commanding 6-0 victory over Slovakia in their last qualifying match.
“It’s a huge honour and makes me very proud to represent Germany at the World Cup,” Ouedraogo expressed.
“A childhood dream of mine has come true, one I have worked hard for, especially over the past few months and years.
“At the same time, 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.”
The German squad, seeking their first World Cup championship since 2014, will open Group E play against Curacao on June 14 in Houston. They’ll then face matches against the Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
