Soccer
How Yan Diomandé turned a childhood dream into a Real Madrid reality
The new star of Ivorian football looks back on his journey from Abidjan to one of the world's most famous soccer clubs, and reveals what it’s like playing alongside the biggest names in the sport.
Yan Diomandé is beginning a new chapter at Real Madrid after a rapid rise through European football. In little more than a year, the 19-year-old has gone from breaking through in Spain to starring in the Bundesliga, playing at his first World Cup and joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.
We caught up with him to look back on the journey that brought him to Madrid, from playing football growing up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to adapting to the demands of competing at the highest level.
“Football was everything,” he says of growing up in Ivory Coast. “We played on any surface we could find, no real boots, no proper pitch, just pure love for football.”
01
When the dream started to feel real
Becoming a professional footballer had always been the goal for Diomandé, but it was after moving to the United States at 15 that the possibility began to feel real.
He arrived in Florida to join DME Academy without speaking English and had to adjust to a completely new environment away from home.
“It was difficult. I couldn't communicate with anyone at first, and everything was different. But football was my language and my team-mates at DME helped me find my feet on and off the pitch.”
Yan Diomandé moved to Florida to kickstart his career
© Martin Seilbert/Red Bull Content Pool
It was also in Florida that European scouts began to take notice. “That's when the dream stopped being just a dream and I started to think that I could make it professionally if I continued to work hard.”
That opportunity eventually brought him to Europe, first with Leganés in Spain and then to RB Leipzig, where his career quickly accelerated.
02
Finding proof at Leipzig
Diomandé needed just one season at Leipzig to establish himself as one of the league's standout young players, with his performances earning him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award.
For the young winger, the recognition meant much more than an individual award. “It felt like proof that all the sacrifices my family and I made were worth it,” he reflects.
It felt like proof that all the sacrifices my family and I made were worth it
Leipzig also prepared him for the demands of competing consistently at the highest level.
“Leipzig taught me how to compete at the highest level week in, week out, and the coaching staff there pushed me to improve every single detail of my game. That one season gave me the confidence and the mentality I'll need at Real Madrid.”
03
From the World Cup to Real Madrid
Before moving to Madrid, Diomandé reached another major milestone by representing Ivory Coast at his first World Cup.
“Representing Ivory Coast at the World Cup in front of the world taught me that the biggest stage demands the biggest composure. You have to trust your preparation,” he says. “Off the pitch, sharing that experience with my country and my family is something I'll carry forever.”
Yan Diomandé took his breakout form to the World Cup
© Imago/RB Leipzig
Real Madrid brought another step up. Diomandé describes joining the club as “the fulfilment of a childhood dream” and “everything I've worked for”, while training alongside Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé has shown him what it takes to perform at that level every day.
“It's incredible. Every session, the standard is so high that you have no choice but to raise your own level. You learn something just by watching how they move, think, and prepare every single day.”
Now, he's focused on making his own mark: “I can't wait to write my chapter at this club and contribute to the club's success.”
04
Staying connected to Abidjan
Away from football, Diomandé prefers to keep things simple.
“I'm pretty chill. I love spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, and calling home to Abidjan.”
Those calls also keep him connected to the place where his football story began. “Keeping that connection to where I come from keeps me grounded.”