Yvan Ouedraogo, French, multiple youth national team player but non-JFL: « Unfair to be considered a foreigner in my own country »

Born in Bordeaux, former member of the France National Training Center and French youth teams – four campaigns and U19 World Cup finalist in 2021 – Yvan Ouedraogo (6’9″, 23 years old) is nevertheless labeled as non-JFL. While this hasn’t prevented him from getting his career back on track at Évreux, helping the club maintain its Pro B status, it considerably handicaps his future in the French league.

Last month was crucial for you, it almost determined your 2025-2026 season…

Absolutely! If I have to remember one thing from this season, it’s this intense month and a half at Évreux. I joined a club that was last in the standings and on a ten-game losing streak. I came with the goal of saving the team and we stayed up, even finishing one spot clear of relegation! Everything clicked: I was well received from the start, immediately put in the starting lineup, and well integrated despite the poor team dynamics. Having lived in the United States for a long time, I think I brought balance and helped bridge the gap between the American players and the rest of the team.

I feel mentally tired because coming back wasn’t easy. Between the failed transfer to Turkey due to malaria, my shoulder injury and the difficult period in Germany: I’m mentally drained but ultimately happy!

« What attracted me was my trust in Marc Namura »

You finally managed to return to France with Evreux, after rumors in the fall. Was this a return you were waiting for?

To clarify the initial rumors, I had several offers in Pro B, including Evreux. But despite my training in France, I count as a foreign player and cannot be recruited with JFL (Locally Trained Player) status. I took it very badly not being considered as such, after all my experiences with the French national team. So I hadn’t planned on returning to France.

Throughout the start of the season, I stayed in contact with coach Marc Namura, because we know each other and keep in touch. The Evreux project emerged from our discussions, but that wasn’t the original intention at all!

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