Ramadan: Dango Ouattara shares his experience of fasting as a Premier League footballer

Ramadan: Dango Ouattara shares his experience of fasting as a Premier League footballer Today, Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar, marked by daily fasting from dawn to sunset, deep spiritual reflection, prayer, and charity. In 2026, it was celebrated from Tuesday 17 February to Friday 20 March.

Brentford forward Dango Ouattara is one of many Premier League players who has been observing Ramadan over the last month. We spoke with Ouattara, as well as performance nutrition lead Craig Umenyi, about the practicalities of fasting while still performing at the top level of football. Ouattara: It’s more than important, it’s everything Born in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouattara’s career initially took him from his home country to French club Lorient.

He then made the move to Bournemouth and, in the summer, became the Bees’ club-record signing. Throughout that time, family and religion have been the two predominant pillars for the 24-year-old. “It’s more than important, it’s everything,” he said on his faith.

“It has always been like that since an early age - religion and family are everything. My family and my faith help me with football, but my family and my religion come first. “Ramadan is a month during which I pray a lot and also share a lot.