As Ramadan draws to a close, Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara is clear about what comes first in his life—faith.
“For me, faith comes first. It comes before football,” the 23-year-old Burkina Faso international told BBC Sport Africa.
A devout Muslim, Ouattara prays five times daily, including before and after every match, as a way to “stay humble” and refocus.
“It helps me correct myself in society, stay calm, and be on the right path,” he said.
A Rising Star at Bournemouth
Ouattara has been in fine form this season, scoring nine goals in 30 appearances, a major improvement from last season’s single goal. His hat-trick against Nottingham Forest in January was a standout moment.
“The secret this year is continuity,” he explained. “We’ve kept the same squad and coach. That helps us improve together.”
Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, is pushing for European football, and Ouattara is determined to help them go further.
Faith and Football in England
Since arriving from Lorient in a £20m move in 2023, Ouattara has found strength in his religious routine.
“My agent and I found the mosque, and from then on, everything fell into place,” he said. “It helped me settle in a new country.”
Despite language barriers, faith has provided him with a community and a sense of belonging.
Observing Ramadan as a Professional Athlete
During Ramadan, Ouattara follows a strict schedule. He wakes up at 4:30 AM for prayers and eats food prepared by Bournemouth’s chef before fasting through the day. He takes short naps between training sessions to maintain his energy.
While fasting, his training routine remains the same, with support from teammates and staff.
“The Premier League’s decision to allow players to break their fast during matches is a great initiative,” he said. “It makes things easier for us.”
Ouattara is the only Muslim in Bournemouth’s squad but is far from alone in the Premier League. Many top-flight players fast during Ramadan, and the league’s accommodations help them balance faith and football.
For Ouattara, his belief system is not just a personal practice but a guiding force in his life—on and off the pitch.
