Herve Renard backs Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande after questions over Ivory Coast place

Herve Renard has included Yan Diomande in his first Ivory Coast squad since returning as head coach, while appearing to dismiss doubts about the Real Madrid forward’s international future.

Renard named a 25-man group on Wednesday for three matches in September and October. Ivory Coast will face Ghana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on 24 September, before playing Somalia at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on 29 September.

The Elephants will then meet Cameroon in a friendly at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, also in Abidjan, on 3 October.

Diomande’s selection confirms Renard’s faith in the 19-year-old, who has established himself as an important part of the Ivory Coast team since the second half of Emerse Fae’s tenure. He has won 14 caps and scored three goals.

After reading out the forward’s name, Renard made a pointed remark, apparently aimed at Spanish media reports that had questioned whether Diomande would retain his place in the national side.

“There were some people wondering whether he would be there,” Renard said with a smile.

The Frenchman, 57, returned to lead Ivory Coast 11 years after his first spell in charge ended in 2015. This squad is his first since taking over again.

Diomande still seeking regular role at Real Madrid

Diomande moved from Leipzig to Real Madrid this summer for 125m euros, excluding bonuses. The transfer made him the most expensive signing in the Spanish club’s history and the costliest African player ever.

However, his start in Spain has not matched expectations. The player nominated for the Kopa Trophy initially found himself on the bench, making a series of unremarkable half-hour appearances as a substitute.

His situation has improved slightly in recent days. The Abidjan-born forward started successive La Liga matches against Rayo Vallecano and Elche.

The first appearance did little to ease the doubts raised by the Spanish press, but Diomande responded in the next game with his first assist for Real Madrid. He also kissed the club badge after contributing to the victory.

That display offered some encouragement and may have softened the reaction from the local media, although he will need to maintain that progress before the criticism fully disappears.

Renard’s decision to select him means Diomande will now have the opportunity to demonstrate his form at both international and club level as Ivory Coast begin their campaign towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.