Yan Diomande says training alongside Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid has been “astonishing”, with the quality of every session forcing him to improve.
The 19-year-old Cote d’Ivoire winger has joined the Spanish club after a journey which began playing football on the streets of Abidjan and took him to the United States and Germany before reaching the Real Madrid dressing room.
“It’s astonishing. In every training session, the level of performance is so high that you have no choice but to raise your level,” Diomande told Marca.
“You learn something new just by watching their movements, the way they think and how they prepare every day.”
Diomande says his upbringing in Abidjan continues to shape his understanding of football. He recalls playing wherever he could, without proper boots or suitable pitches, because of his love for the game.
“Growing up in Abidjan made football everything to me. We played on any surface we could find, without proper shoes or a suitable pitch, simply because we loved the game,” he said.
“That passion and joy have never left me; they are the foundation of the way I play today.”
His ambition to become a professional footballer took time to become reality. Diomande moved to the United States at the age of 15 and did not speak English when he arrived. It was at the DME Academy in Florida that he began to believe a professional career might be possible, after attracting the attention of European scouts.
“It had always been my dream, but it started to feel real when I was at DME Academy in Florida and European scouts began to notice me,” he said.
Adjusting to life in a new country was difficult, however.
“It was hard; at first, I couldn’t communicate with anyone, and everything was different. But football was my language, and my team-mates helped me find my place both on and off the pitch,” added Diomande.
Leipzig experience shaped Real Madrid move
Diomande identifies his time at Leipzig as the decisive stage of his development and regards it as one of the most important achievements of his career.
Winning the German league’s best young player award during his first full season gave him proof that the sacrifices made by him and his family had been worthwhile.
“Winning the German league’s best young player award in my first full season was proof that all the sacrifices my family and I had made were worth it,” he said.
He also credits Leipzig with preparing him for the demands of playing at the highest level.
“Leipzig taught me how to compete at the highest level week after week, and the coaching staff demanded that I improve every detail of my performance. That season gave me the confidence and mentality I will need at Real Madrid,” Diomande said.
The winger has since made his first appearance at a World Cup for Cote d’Ivoire, another experience he believes will help him as he begins a new chapter in Madrid.
“Representing my country on the world stage taught me that the biggest stadiums require the greatest calm: you have to trust your preparation. Away from the pitch, sharing that experience with my country and my family is something I will always keep in my memory,” he said.
Having settled at Valdebebas, Diomande says wearing Real Madrid’s white shirt fulfils a childhood ambition.
“It is the fulfilment of my childhood dream, it is everything I have worked towards. I am excited to write my own chapter at this club and contribute to its success,” he said.
Away from the attention surrounding his move, Diomande describes himself as a quiet person who remains closely connected to his roots. He says spending time with family and friends, listening to music and speaking to relatives in Abidjan help him stay focused.
“I am very calm. I like spending time with my family and friends, listening to music and calling my family in Abidjan. Maintaining that connection with my roots keeps me focused,” he said.
