Jose Mourinho’s return for a second spell at Real Madrid has renewed attention on the African players he has coached at the Spanish club, with Ivorian winger Yan Diomande becoming the latest addition to that group.
Real Madrid completed the signing of the highly rated teenager from RB Leipzig on a seven-year contract. The Spanish club confirmed the agreement on Thursday, 6 August 2026, stating that Diomande will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu until 30 June 2033.
The 19-year-old arrives after a breakthrough season in Germany, during which he scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.
Diomande was born in Abidjan and his move is understood to have been encouraged by Mourinho, who believes the winger’s qualities can play an important role in Real Madrid’s future. Reports indicate the deal is worth about €125m, with the total potentially increasing to €140m through add-ons.
The Ivory Coast international’s arrival recalls Mourinho’s previous work with African players during his first spell at Real Madrid, when he used their experience and physical strength as part of a squad that challenged for major honours in Spain.
Michael Essien
Michael Essien joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2013 in one of the more unexpected transfers of Mourinho’s time at the club.
The Ghana midfielder had helped Chelsea win the Champions League shortly before his move, but his position at Stamford Bridge had become less secure. His switch to Madrid allowed him to reunite with Mourinho, who had previously worked with him at Chelsea.
Essien spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Real Madrid. He made 35 appearances for the club, scoring twice and registering one assist.
Although his time in the Spanish capital lasted only one year, the move gave the former Ghana international another opportunity to work under the Portuguese manager at one of Europe’s leading clubs.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Mourinho also turned to Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor during the 2010-11 campaign.
Real Madrid announced Adebayor’s loan move from Manchester City in January 2011, with the agreement running until the end of that season. Mourinho wanted to strengthen his attacking options after Gonzalo Higuain was ruled out by injury, while Karim Benzema was struggling to find consistent form.
Adebayor had seen his opportunities reduce under Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, but the move to Madrid gave him the chance to revive his career at the highest level.
His loan contract included an option for Real Madrid to make the transfer permanent. The striker made an immediate impact, scoring eight goals in 22 appearances and helping the club win the Copa del Rey.
Diomande is now the latest African player to arrive at Real Madrid during Mourinho’s tenure. His long-term contract and substantial transfer fee underline the club’s belief in his potential, while his early performances for RB Leipzig have helped establish him as one of the most promising young players in European football.
