Sporting Clube de Portugal have moved swiftly to secure the long-term future of Ousmane Diomande, confirming that the Ivorian defender has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2030, with his €80m release clause unchanged.
The extension underlines Sporting’s confidence in one of their most influential players, who has grown into a defensive mainstay since arriving in Lisbon as a teenager.
Diomande joined the Green and Whites in the winter of 2023, stepping up from Liga 2 side CD Mafra, where he had been on loan from FC Midtjylland.
Despite his age, the transition to top-flight football was immediate and assured.
Within months of his arrival, the centre-back had established himself as a first-choice option, combining physical presence with tactical maturity.
His development has mirrored Sporting’s domestic dominance in recent seasons, as the club built a settled and resilient back line around the Ivorian international.
Speaking following the announcement, Diomande made clear his appreciation for the club’s faith in him.
“It was fantastic to hear everything they said about me. It motivates me and gives me even more strength for the upcoming matches. They were very kind. I’m very happy to be here,” he said.
The statistics underline his importance.
Diomande has already made 113 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and playing a decisive role in Sporting’s recent honours.
He was part of the squads that claimed successive Primeira Liga titles in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons, earning a place in the league’s best XI on both occasions.
He also helped deliver the Portuguese Cup in the 2024-2025 campaign.
Reflecting on his journey, the defender highlighted the significance of recent successes.
“I think last season, with our two consecutive league titles, was a very special time for all Sporting fans,” he said.
Despite entering his fourth season with the club, he remains grounded.
“Time flies, but that’s how it is in a footballer’s life. When you’re playing a lot of matches, you don’t even realize how much time is passing. I’m very happy to be here, I enjoy every match and every training session with my teammates, and I hope to continue like this.”
Diomande also stressed that his development is ongoing.
“I feel I’ve improved a lot, but I also know I still have a lot of room for improvement. I’m going to keep learning to become an even better player. I’m only thinking about playing and proving myself,” he said, before praising the environment around him. “From the coach to the players and the staff, everyone is there to help me. It’s easy for a player to perform well when you’re surrounded by people like that. Everything becomes simpler.”
With his future now secured, the defender reiterated Sporting’s ambition.
“Like the Sporting supporters, we want to be champions again. We will fight and give everything until the end of the season,” he said, as the club looks to build on a period of sustained success.
