‘Everything I do is for you’ – Yan Diomande’s emotional tribute to late sister

Yan Diomande has opened up about the devastating loss of his younger sister, revealing the emotional burden he continues to carry despite his rapid rise in European football.

The 19-year-old RB Leipzig forward is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the game after an impressive breakthrough campaign in Germany. Yet behind his growing reputation lies a personal tragedy that has profoundly affected his life.

Diomande’s sister died last year after her drink was allegedly spiked at a party. At the time, the teenager was living far from home while pursuing his football dream with Spanish club Leganes, making the heartbreak even more difficult to process.

Reflecting on the loss, Diomande admitted he is still struggling to cope with the pain.

“I used to have emotions. Now, I don’t feel anything. It’s like I’m not even human. Since you died, I’m just blank.”

Turning grief into motivation

Despite the emotional scars, Diomande said his sister’s memory has become a driving force in his career.

“All I can do is use the pain to work harder, and to do everything we dreamed about. I want you to know that I will make sure that you live on. I will make sure that everybody knows your name. The whole world. Everything I do on a football pitch, it’s for you.”

The call that changed everything

The forward’s words formed part of a deeply personal tribute in which he described the lasting impact his sister had on his life and ambitions.

Writing in an emotional open letter for The Players’ Tribune, Diomande recalled the moment he learned the shocking news.

“Someone kept calling me from back home. I was annoyed. I didn’t understand why they kept calling me. I picked up, and they didn’t even soften it.”

He then recounted the devastating message that followed.

“Your sister is gone.”

Diomande revealed he has never fully understood why the tragedy happened and continues to wrestle with unanswered questions.

“I never got any answers. I don’t know if I want to know why. Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe it’s just something that happens in our country. Maybe I could have protected you. I don’t know.”

As interest in the young attacker continues to grow across Europe, Diomande’s football journey remains intertwined with the memory of the sister he lost. Every goal, appearance and achievement now serves as a tribute to the person whose absence continues to shape his life.