Georgi Minoungou (Burkina Faso): “AFCON, a childhood dream turned national mission”

• Emergent at the FIFA Club World Cup with Seattle Sounders, the young Burkinabè has become a standard-bearer for the Stallions’ new generation
• At 23, he is set for his first TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, driven by unshakable faith and resilience forged through adversity
• Balancing international recognition with deep attachment to homeland, Georgi Minoungou wants to write an inspiring chapter in Burkinabè football

He was one of the faces of the off-season. At 23, Georgi Minoungou has risen rapidly, thrust into the spotlight at the FIFA Club World Cup with Seattle Sounders. Lined up against stars such as Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, he did not flinch. More than that—he impressed, sparking curiosity across the continent and pride at home. “After that competition, something clicked,” he tells CAFonline.com. “I tasted the very highest level and understood what it takes to stay there.”

That progress is all the more striking because it followed a profound personal test: a serious eye infection in 2023 that affected his vision. Rather than halt his momentum, the ordeal hardened his resolve and turned him into a symbol of perseverance and quiet achievement.

Within weeks of his international breakthrough, head coach Brama Traoré handed him a first senior call-up. The dressing room welcomed him like a younger brother. Bertrand Traoré joked: “Georgi, we’ve seen the clips—you were outstanding against Messi!” A nod that reflected the esteem of his peers.

Now Minoungou is on the brink of a new chapter: his first AFCON. Confident, smiling and focused, he promises to give everything for the flag in a demanding group with Algeria, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea. “Playing for Burkina is defending the nation,” he says simply—before adding, dreamily: “And why not win AFCON?”

CAFonline.com: Would you say there is a clear “before and after” in your career around the FIFA Club World Cup you played with Seattle Sounders?

Georgi Minoungou: I think I was very prepared before the Club World Cup—because I knew it would be an event where I’d gain a lot of experience and learn from very seasoned players.
And I believe that after that Club World Cup, there was a real spark. Testing myself against top international players—like Nuno Mendes or Achraf Hakimi—let me taste the elite level.
It triggered something in me and improved my game. Today, with that experience, I know what to expect in big matches and how to prepare for them.

CAFonline.com: The Club World Cup was in June–July, and by August you had your first cap with Burkina Faso. Everything moved fast. How did you live through that period?

Georgi Minoungou: It was an incredible time. In the national team set-up there had already been rumblings; the public were calling for me, and officials were speaking to my family. The timing just wasn’t right yet. Then, by the grace of God, everything accelerated after the Club World Cup.
That tournament revealed me, because MLS isn’t always closely followed—games are often late at night. But at the Club World Cup everyone could watch. The world discovered my game, and that pushed the federation to move quickly—especially as I was also eligible for Côte d’Ivoire.

CAFonline.com: How were you received in the squad, especially by senior figures like Edmond Tapsoba, Issoufou Dayo or Bertrand Traoré?

Georgi Minoungou: Honestly, very well. Big brother Bertrand, as I call him, is humble and deeply committed to the country. As soon as he saw me he joked: “Georgi, we’ve seen your videos—you were impressive against Messi!” (For the record: Seattle beat Inter Miami 3–0 in the Leagues Cup.) We had a good laugh.
Edmond already knew me—he’d heard about me. He told me: “We need players like you to help the nation and reach our goals.”
Even big brother Dayo was very kind. Everyone threw me straight into the mix. They made me feel loved and integrated, and I thank them.

CAFonline.com: What is your relationship like with head coach Brama Traoré?

Georgi Minoungou: He’s our “dad”! Everyone calls him that. He’s very experienced and has learned a lot from top coaches.
He likes to tease me sometimes—he calls me “the American”. But we have a very good relationship, respectful and healthy.

CAFonline.com: In less than two months you’ll play your first TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. What does that mean to you?

Georgi Minoungou: It’s a childhood dream becoming reality. I always walk with objectives, ticking them off one by one. If God keeps me healthy and I play my first AFCON, it will be exceptional.
When I was young, I watched the older brothers on TV. Today, wearing Burkina’s colours is an honour. I’ll give everything, as always, to defend the nation. And why not go all the way—and win AFCON?

CAFonline.com: What are you working on specifically before the tournament to keep improving?

Georgi Minoungou: Like any forward, you need to score more to help the team win. I’m working to be more decisive and more efficient.
I’m a one-v-one player; I create a lot of chances, but I want to add more assists and more clinical finishing.
And whether I’m on the pitch or on the bench, I always give 100% for the team.

CAFonline.com: Burkina Faso are in Group E with Algeria, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea. How do you see the group?

Georgi Minoungou: It’s a tough but balanced group. We all know Algeria—so much talent—and Sudan are a very combative side too.
But we trust our qualities: Bertrand Traoré, Dango Ouattara, Hervé Koffi, Arsène Kouassi, André Kaboré… and Lassina Traoré is coming back.
There’s real talent in this Burkina side. We’re not afraid. I believe we can get out of the group and spring a surprise.

CAFonline.com: What mark would you like to leave on the history of Burkinabè football?

Georgi Minoungou: I want to be an example of perseverance. I’ve had highs and lows but never gave up. I want young people to remember there are no limits if you believe in yourself.
I had problems with my eye that could have stopped me playing—in 2023 a severe infection and subsequent surgery left me virtually blind in my left eye—but I fought. I won the Leagues Cup against Lionel Messi, I played the Club World Cup… and still, many doubted me.
Today I want to show everything is possible. Through AFCON I want to inspire young people in Burkina Faso and beyond never to quit.

CAFonline.com: Finally, what headline would you like to read at the end of the next AFCON?

Georgi Minoungou: Burkina Faso win AFCON.