UEFA Europa League Rise Up series continues with promising young Rennes midfielder Désiré Doué

The second instalment in the UEFA Europa League's new Rise Up series showcases talented Rennes youngster Désiré Doué. In his first public interview, the home-grown prospect talks about the love and passion he developed for the Brittany outfit while growing up, and his unwavering ambition to steer them to European glory.

Doué kicked off his career in the Rennes youth academy at the age of five, signing his first professional contract with the club as a 16-year-old in April 2022.

"When you sign for your favourite club at 16, the club that trained you, it's something wonderful," says the midfielder. "It's been a huge source of pride for me and my family. It had always been a dream for me to sign a professional contract and become a professional player."

Nor does the household pride end there. Few families can claim to have two siblings playing for the same top-flight team, but Désiré is joined in the Rennes squad by his brother Guéla – a lifelong ambition for the duo.

"Guéla, my older brother, is a very important person to me because we grew up together," says Doué. "Since we were little, we dreamt of playing together. This is what we're achieving and it's wonderful and extraordinary for us."

Doué made his professional debut and scored his first goal for Rennes at the age of 17 in August 2022, and he did not have to wait long for his maiden European strike. That came just over a month later in the form of an 89th-minute winner in the Europa League, Doué clinching a 2-1 home success against Dynamo Kyiv.

"I remember exactly how it came about," Doué says. "We were all pressing high up the pitch, and I got the ball back after a misjudged clearance from the opposing defender. I said to myself, 'I've got to go for this.'

"I didn't even see the ball go in – I saw the fans celebrating and screaming. That moment was amazing for me. I had goosebumps." Indeed, the memory of that sensational milestone continues to inspire him to push for success on the Europa League stage.

One of the most dynamic competitions in Europe, the Europa League regularly features clubs vying without fear to fulfil their ambitions, bringing their fans with them on an unforgettable journey filled with thrilling football.

"The atmosphere is on another level; everything is on another level," says Doué, recalling how it feels to play in the Europa League and the power the supporters bring. "When you talk about a 12th man, it couldn't be more the case."

Part of what makes the Europa League a tournament to be reckoned with is its fierce competitive spirit and unforgiving nature.

"In competitions like the Europa League, what's important is playing every game like it's the final," adds Doué. "That's how I think of it. I play each Europa League game like a final because there's no room for error."

Reflecting on his growth, Doué expresses appreciation for the faith placed in him at such a young age. "I have matured thanks to these matches because they are very high level, and I'm lucky to have a club which has trusted me and played me a lot."

In terms of what the future holds, Doué is determined to achieve everything he can – but accepts that nothing is set in stone, especially in a competition like the Europa League.

"I haven't stopped dreaming since I was a child," he says. "I have dreams of playing in the biggest competitions and – why not? – winning the biggest individual trophies as well. I'm not psychic. I don't think you can control or plan your future. I will give everything and work every day to develop and become the best version of myself."

Keep an eye out for more in the Rise Up series. You can watch the first episode with Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz here.