Real Madrid star Yan Diomande reflects on his football journey: ‘The sacrifices my family and I made were worth it’

Real Madrid star Yan Diomande reflects on his football journey: ‘The sacrifices my family and I made were worth it’ Yan Diomande, Real Madrid’s latest signing and newest Red Bull athlete, has reflected on his rapid rise from the streets of Abidjan to the Santiago Bernabeu in an introductory interview with the brand. The 19-year-old winger became the most expensive acquisition in Real Madrid history , joining from RB Leipzig in a deal worth €140 million including add-ons. This came after he spent only one season in the Bundesliga, where he excelled after joining from Leganes. On his humble beginnings The Ivorian winger began the interview by recalling his humble beginnings, which continue to shape his approach to football. “Growing up in Abidjan meant that football was everything. We played on any surface we could find, without proper boots or a proper pitch, simply because we loved football,” he said, as quoted by MARCA . That passion has never left him, as he said: “That hunger and that joy have never abandoned me. They are still the foundation of how I play today.” Diomande joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Diomande admits that his dream of becoming a professional footballer took time to become a realistic possibility. It was in the United States, where he moved at just 15 without speaking English, that he began to see a genuine path towards a professional career. “It was always the dream, but it started to feel real when I was at DME Academy in Florida and European scouts began taking notice of me,” he explained. “It was difficult at first. I couldn’t communicate with anyone and everything was different. But football was my language, and my teammates helped me find my place both on and off the pitch,” Diomande explained. The season that changed everything Diomande’s breakthrough eventually came at RB Leipzig, where he enjoyed the most important period of his development so far. The teenage winger looks back on winning the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award during his first full campaign as his proudest achievement. “It was proof that all the sacrifices my family and I had made were worth it,” he said. The Ivory Coast international also admitted that his time in Germany also prepared him for the demands of Real Madrid. “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 game. That season gave me the confidence and mentality I’ll need at Real Madrid.” Now, the 19-year-old is ready for the biggest challenge of his young career. A childhood dream realised Living his dream. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images) Diomande made no attempt to hide his excitement at joining Real Madrid, as he said: “It’s fulfilling a childhood dream. It’s everything I’ve worked for.” “I’m looking forward to writing my chapter at this club and contributing to its success.” Now settled at Valdebebas, Diomande has already been struck by the quality around him, particularly his attacking partners Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe. “It’s incredible. In every training session, the standard is so high that you have no choice but to raise your own level,” he admitted. “You learn something just by seeing how they move, how they think and how they prepare every day.” At just 19, Diomande is determined to absorb as much as possible from his new surroundings.