Ivorian winger Yan Diomande handed jersey No. 25 at Real Madrid

Ivorian youngster Yann Diomande has been handed the number 25 shirt at Real Madrid for the 2026-27 season, further underlining the club’s confidence in the highly rated African prospect.

Real Madrid officially announced their squad numbers for the new campaign, with nine changes from last season and Diomande among the young players given first-team numbers.

The 25 shirt was previously associated with the club’s squad and will now belong to Diomande, who is eligible to be registered with the reserve side because of his age.

🔢 Our squad numbers for the 2026/27 season!
*Provisional squad and shirt numbers pic.twitter.com/6CteYHGyAu

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 10, 2026

Diomande given first-team recognition

The decision to give Diomande a senior squad number is a significant step for the Ivorian, who has been included in Real Madrid’s plans despite his youth.

Spanish striker Carlos Espi has also been handed a first-team number, taking the number 19 previously worn by Dani Ceballos.

The changes indicate the technical team’s belief in the two youngsters as Real Madrid prepare for a new campaign.

Diomande’s inclusion also adds to the growing presence of African talent within one of Europe’s biggest clubs, with the Ivorian now officially listed among Real Madrid’s first-team attackers.

New arrivals receive their numbers

Several of Real Madrid’s summer arrivals have also been assigned squad numbers.

French defender Ibrahima Konate will wear number 16, while Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has been given number 17.

Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva will wear number 20, while Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries has been assigned number 24.

There have also been changes among existing members of the squad.

Asensio has taken the number two shirt following the retirement of Dani Carvajal’s number, while Hoesen has moved to number four, previously worn by David Alaba.

Midfielder Thiago Pitarch will continue with number 27 after previously using the shirt with the reserve team.

Andrek returns to number nine

Brazilian forward Andrek will wear number nine following his return from a loan spell with French club Olympique Lyonnais during the second half of last season.

The move signals his return to the Real Madrid first-team set-up as the club prepare for the new campaign.

With all of the available first-team shirt numbers now allocated, Real Madrid would have to make room in the squad if they decide to complete another signing before the transfer window closes.

The possibility of registering Diomande or Espi with Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve side, has also been ruled out following the announcement of the new squad numbers.

Real Madrid prepare for new season

Real Madrid will begin their Spanish league campaign against Espanyol on Saturday, 22 August, as they look to challenge for domestic and European honours.

Diomande will now enter the season with the added recognition of being allocated a first-team shirt number, giving the Ivorian another significant milestone in his development at the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid squad numbers for 2026-27

Goalkeepers: Courtois (1), Lunin (13)

Defenders: Asensio (2), Militao (3), Hoesen (4), Trent Alexander-Arnold (12), Konate (16), Cucurella (17), Carreras (18), Rudiger (22), Mendy (23), Dumfries (24)

Midfielders: Bellingham (5), Camavinga (6), Valverde (8), Tchouaméni (14), Arda Güler (15), Bernardo Silva (20), Thiago (27)

Forwards: Vinicius Junior (7), Andrek (9), Mbappe (10), Rodrigo (11), Espi (19), Brahim Diaz (21), Yann Diomande (25)