Yan Diomande told to embrace Real Madrid challenge after record €140m move

Emmanuel Adebayor believes Yan Diomande has the ability to succeed at Real Madrid, but has warned the Ivory Coast forward not to allow the record fee paid for him to affect his performances.

Diomande joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to €140m, including €15m in bonuses, making the 19-year-old the most expensive African footballer in history. Adebayor, who spent part of the 2010-11 season at Real Madrid, praised his fellow African in an exclusive interview with Afrik-Foot.

The transfer completes a remarkable rise for Diomande, who moved to RB Leipzig from Leganes last summer. He scored 12 goals and supplied nine assists during the 2025-26 campaign, establishing himself as one of the most promising young players in Europe.

His form at club level was followed by impressive performances for the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. Those displays helped convince Real Madrid to secure his signature, with the Spanish club officially confirming his arrival at the beginning of August.

Adebayor, a former Real Madrid striker and one of the most prominent African players of his generation, views Diomande as his successor among African forwards to represent the club. The Togolese striker made 22 appearances and scored eight goals during his loan spell at Real Madrid in 2011.

Although Diomande arrives with a significant reputation, he will face strong competition for a place in Real Madrid’s attack. Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo provide established options on the wings, while Kylian Mbappe and several other attacking players add to the competition for places.

Adebayor does not believe that crowded competition should prevent Diomande from making an impact. He considers the teenager sufficiently prepared to take the next step in his career and urged him to approach the challenge with confidence.

The former Real Madrid forward also played down the significance of the €140m fee. Diomande now carries the distinction of being the most expensive player in the history of Real Madrid, La Liga and African football, but Adebayor believes that record should not become a distraction.

Instead, Diomande has been encouraged to focus on his football and maintain the qualities that brought him to Madrid. Adebayor also offered him further guidance based on his own experience of playing for the club and adapting to the demands surrounding the team.

Jose Mourinho’s presence could provide an additional benefit. The Portuguese manager was in charge of Real Madrid during Adebayor’s spell there in 2011 and returned to the club this summer. He quickly identified Diomande as an attacking priority, with the Ivorian’s pace fitting Mourinho’s desire to add greater speed to the forward line.

With the support of senior figures such as Adebayor, Diomande could make his Real Madrid debut against Schalke 04 in a friendly on Sunday. His first competitive opportunity would then come in the opening round of La Liga on 22 August, when Real Madrid face Espanyol Barcelona.