A journey from Burkina Faso to the Bay Area
Ousseni Bouda ’23 is not just a talented soccer player, but also a passionate advocate for social change. The former Stanford midfielder, who recently signed a professional contract with the San Jose Earthquakes, has launched a youth initiative called On The Pitch With Bouda, which aims to provide support and resources to children from underserved communities who want to pursue soccer.
Bouda’s own journey to becoming a professional soccer player has been one of extraordinary hard work and adaptability. He was born in Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, where he played soccer barefoot on dirt fields. When he was 11 years old, he was recruited by a soccer academy called Right to Dream, which moved him to Ghana. There, he spent four years learning English and honing his skills on the pitch.
At 15, he received a scholarship to attend Millbrook School, a preparatory school in New York. This was another culture shock for Bouda, who had to adjust to a new environment and academic system. He excelled both in the classroom and on the field, scoring 79 goals in four seasons and earning All-American honors.
He then joined Stanford University in 2019, where he continued to impress with his speed, creativity and vision. He helped the Cardinal win two Pac-12 titles and reach the NCAA quarterfinals in 2019. He also earned several accolades, including Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and All-Pac-12 First Team.
In August 2021, he decided to forego his final two years of college eligibility and sign a homegrown contract with the San Jose Earthquakes, becoming the first player from Stanford to do so. He made his debut for the Earthquakes on September 4, 2021, coming off the bench in a 4-3 win over Los Angeles FC.
A vision to empower the next generation of soccer players
Bouda’s success on the field is matched by his dedication to giving back to the community. He has been involved in the Big Homie Project since his freshman year at Stanford. This project aims to provide youth in underserved East Palo Alto communities with access to a professional network and mentors, whether they be professional athletes or doctors.
Bouda wanted to do more for the kids who shared his passion for soccer. He launched On The Pitch With Bouda in September 2021, in partnership with the Big Homie Project and the San Jose Earthquakes. The initiative provides opportunities for children from low-income backgrounds to experience professional soccer games, interact with players and coaches, receive equipment and training, and learn about the importance of education and leadership.
Bouda said he was inspired by George Weah, a former Liberian soccer player who won the Ballon d’Or in 1995 and became the president of his country in 2018. Bouda said he admired Weah’s humility and commitment to improving his homeland through soccer.
“As athletes, we have to always think about the broader impacts we can have on and off the field,” Bouda said. “I think if there’s a platform, it’s good when it’s used in the right way. And so I’ve always felt like it’s a duty to try to get involved with the community and get to know people and definitely help in any way, shape or form that I can.”
A positive feedback from the community
Bouda’s initiative has received positive feedback from both the kids and their families. He said he was touched by seeing their smiles and excitement when they attended their first Earthquakes game. He also said he enjoyed answering their questions and sharing his story with them.
“I think it’s important for them to see someone who looks like them, who came from similar backgrounds as them, who made it out,” Bouda said. “I think it gives them hope and motivation that they can do it too.”
Bouda also said he was grateful for the support he received from his mentors at Stanford and the Earthquakes, who helped him turn his vision into reality. He said he hoped to expand his initiative to other cities and countries in the future.
“I think soccer is a powerful tool that can bring people together and create positive change,” Bouda said. “I want to use my platform to inspire and empower the next generation of soccer players.”