For Dango Ouattara, football is a passion, but faith is the foundation of everything. The Burkina Faso forward, known for his explosive pace and eye for goal, is equally recognized for his deep religious beliefs. A devout Muslim, Ouattara prays five times a day, including before and after every match, a routine that he says helps him “stay humble.”
“For me, faith comes first. It comes before football,” he explains.
To Ouattara, prayer is more than just a spiritual practice—it is a moment of self-reflection and growth. “It allows us to refocus on ourselves, to see what we’ve done well and what we haven’t been able to do well,” he says.
Beyond football, faith also shapes his interactions with others and his perspective on life. “It allows us to correct ourselves in society too. It allows us to stay on the right path,” he adds.
At just 22 years old, Ouattara has already overcome numerous challenges in his career, rising from the streets of Burkina Faso to playing in Europe’s top leagues. He credits his strong belief system for his resilience and ability to handle adversity.
“Faith allows me to overcome many challenges, to respect others, to respect choices and religions too,” he explains. “Whether it’s on the pitch, off it with friends or even with my family, it allows me to be calm in my daily life.”
One of the biggest tests of his faith comes during Ramadan, a period of fasting from sunrise to sunset. For a professional footballer, balancing intense training sessions with fasting can be physically demanding, but Ouattara embraces the challenge.
“I wouldn’t say that Ramadan is difficult; it’s more mental, because personally, I’m used to doing it,” he says. “It’s more the lack of water. And given that you have to wake up at unusual times to eat, that’s more tiring.”
Despite these challenges, he remains unwavering in his devotion. His belief that “you have to believe before you can do something” is not just a saying—it is a principle that guides his life both on and off the pitch.
As he continues to shine for Burkina Faso and in club football, Ouattara’s faith remains his anchor, ensuring that no matter how high he soars, he remains grounded in humility.