Yan Diomande makes his mark as Real Madrid critics begin to change tune

Yan Diomande produced his most convincing performance since joining Real Madrid in Tuesday’s 3-2 win at Elche, providing his first assist for the club before making headlines with a kiss of the badge.

The 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger was named in the starting XI for a second successive match and played a key role in Real’s second goal. Sent into space, he delivered for Kylian Mbappe, giving a tangible indication of the qualities that persuaded Real Madrid to invest €125m, plus €15m in bonuses.

Diomande became the most expensive African player in history this summer and has consequently faced considerable pressure during his first weeks in Spain. His performance at Elche earned praise from AS, which highlighted his willingness to take on opponents, make repeated runs and contribute defensively.

That assessment marked a significant change from his previous start against Rayo Vallecano. On that occasion, Diomande had offered an underwhelming display and the Madrid-based newspaper ran the headline that he had “left the Bernabeu cold”. His transfer fee, limited playing time and competition from Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz had already prompted questions about his ability to establish himself.

Jose Mourinho had urged patience with a 19-year-old who only arrived this summer. Herve Renard expressed a similar view in an interview with Afrik-Foot, also calling for time to be given to Diomande. The winger provided an answer on the pitch at Elche, although one strong performance will not be enough to end all doubts.

The tone surrounding him has nevertheless already shifted. AS joked that Diomande had now left a genuine “calling card”, while its post-match analysis focused on his defensive recoveries, his support for Trent Alexander-Arnold and the runs he made behind Elche’s defence.

His decisive contribution was therefore only part of the display. Diomande also demonstrated that he can influence a match when he does not have the ball, an aspect that could prove just as important as his dribbling when it comes to earning Mourinho’s lasting trust.

Another moment attracted attention when he was substituted in stoppage time. Diomande kissed the Real Madrid badge, an image that circulated widely after the final whistle.

At a club where a player’s relationship with the supporters can also be shaped by such gestures, the scene provided a fitting accompaniment to his first major performance. It does not, however, guarantee him a regular starting place or lasting popularity at the Bernabeu.

The next challenge will be consistency. Real Madrid survived a difficult contest after allowing Elche to recover from 0-2 to 2-2 before securing victory, and Diomande will need to reproduce this level against more demanding opponents.

For the first time, the discussion around him is beginning to move beyond his price tag and towards what he can contribute.