Brahim Diaz moves ahead of €125m signing Yan Diomande in Real Madrid battle

Yan Diomande’s difficult start at Real Madrid has allowed Brahim Diaz to take an early lead in the contest for a place on the right wing.

Real Madrid paid €125m to sign the young Ivory Coast international, who has a contract until 30 June 2033 and an estimated market value of €90m. The deal underlined the club’s belief that Diomande can become a major attacking player for the future.

However, the 2026-27 season has yet to produce the immediate impact expected from such a significant investment. Diomande has appeared in each of Real Madrid’s first five matches but has not started any of them. He has played 99 minutes in total and has yet to score or provide an assist.

His substitute appearances have not been enough to move him up the pecking order, with competition for the position becoming increasingly intense.

Diaz, in contrast, has made three appearances, including two starts, and has played 155 minutes. The Morocco international has also registered one assist.

His performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League offered the clearest indication of his current influence. Diaz started the match, looked dangerous from the outset and supplied Kylian Mbappe with a precise pass for Real Madrid’s opening goal.

That contribution has strengthened his position within the squad. Diaz now appears to be the second choice on the right, behind the player preferred as the regular starter by Jose Mourinho.

Different profiles, contrasting figures

The statistics underline the difference in responsibility between the two players:

| Statistic | Yan Diomande | Brahim Diaz | ||:|:| | Appearances | 5 | 3 | | Starts | 0 | 2 | | Minutes | 99 | 155 | | Goals | 0 | 0 | | Assists | 0 | 1 |

Although Diomande has featured in more matches, Diaz has been trusted with more substantial roles. His greater number of minutes and starts suggest he has already earned more confidence from the coaching staff.

The players also offer different qualities. Diomande represents an investment in power, direct running and long-term potential. Diaz is more experienced and can operate between the lines, combine in tight areas, play on the wing or move into a central role.

That versatility is particularly valuable in a squad where players must adapt quickly to tactical demands.

The financial comparison adds another layer to the contest. Diomande cost €125m, while Diaz cost €17m, a difference of €108m. Their estimated market values are €90m and €35m respectively.

Diomande’s salary is not yet known, while Diaz earns about €7,290,000 per year, according to data provided by Capology.

It remains too early to make a final judgement. Diomande must adapt to Real Madrid, build relationships with his team-mates and win his manager’s trust. His contract until 2033 shows the club signed him for its long-term project, not only for immediate needs.

For now, though, Diaz has the advantage through experience, flexibility and early decisiveness. Real Madrid will next face Rayo Vallecano in the fifth round of the Spanish championship.