From Ronaldo fan to 'new Messi': Yan Diomande on verge of joining Real Madrid

From Ronaldo fan to 'new Messi': Yan Diomande on verge of joining Real Madrid

Ivory Coast's young winger, Yan Diomande, who grew up as a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, is now on the verge of joining Real Madrid. As a child, unable to afford his idol's jersey, he would use a black marker to write 'Ronaldo 7' on a plain T-shirt. Later, during his first training session with Spanish club Leganes, an official remarked, "We have found the new Messi."

According to ESPN, Real Madrid have reached a personal agreement with Diomande . His move from German club RB Leipzig to the Bernabeu is expected to be finalised soon. The potential transfer fee is estimated at €135 million, including bonuses, which would make it the most expensive transfer in Real Madrid's history, surpassing the €115 million paid for Eden Hazard. He would also become the first Ivorian player to represent Real Madrid .

Just a year and a half ago, Diomande was relatively unknown in European football. After arriving in Spain from the United States following an injury, he joined Leganes' reserve team in March 2025. His pace, dribbling and attacking play immediately impressed the coaching staff during a practice match. He made his La Liga debut against Real Madrid itself, before joining RB Leipzig for approximately €20 million in June 2025 . In his first Bundesliga season, he scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists in 46 matches across all competitions, winning the league's Young Player of the Year award . While Liverpool and PSG were also interested, Real Madrid ultimately moved ahead .

Behind his on-field success lies a story of hardship. His 15-year-old sister, Roxane, died after consuming a spiked drink at a party. In an open letter before the World Cup, Diomande wrote that he still does not know why it happened and feels he could have protected her .

At the 2026 World Cup, Diomande became the youngest Ivorian player in the tournament's history when he debuted against Ecuador at 19 years and 212 days old, earning the Man of the Match award . He also provided an assist against Curacao, becoming the youngest Ivorian to record a World Cup assist .

Growing up in extreme poverty, Diomande was once forced to steal potatoes for food . While playing for Leganes, he sent almost his entire salary to his family, living in a small room at the training centre without a television. "My life was just football and sleep," he said. "I don't want to be rich anymore." His potential move to Real Madrid marks the latest chapter in his extraordinary journey from struggle to becoming one of Europe's most talked-about young stars .