The Guinean international defender, shared his thoughts on his comeback and the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier between Guinea and Algeria.
The defender’s return was highlighted by a dramatic goal for Valencia against Leganés, marking the end of an 11-month absence due to a serious knee injury.
Diakhaby, who had been sidelined for nearly a year, spoke candidly about his emotions following his remarkable goal and celebration in Valencia’s 2-0 victory on February 9.
Appearing on the Talents d’Afrique show on Canal+ Sport Afrique, Diakhaby reflected on the deep personal journey he had undergone. “A lot of things.
I went through some tough times, and coming back with a goal like that, I can only be happy with what I was able to accomplish in these last few months.
It’s a satisfaction, a joy, a liberation for me,” he said, expressing his overwhelming relief and happiness after a long road to recovery.
Although Diakhaby maintained that he “never really doubted that he would be able to play football again,” he admitted that his main concern was the process of returning to full fitness.
“Coming back is one thing, but how to come back, we don’t really know,” he explained, revealing the uncertainty that had accompanied his rehabilitation.
Despite his worries, he was able to make a seamless return to form, with his powerful sprint during his goal celebration showing no signs of hesitation or lingering effects from the injury.
Diakhaby’s swift recovery, contrasted with some of his teammates who had suffered similar injuries, gave him a sense of confidence.
“Unlike my teammates, I walk and run naturally,” he proudly noted. His quick recovery and return to peak fitness were a testament to his resilience and the rigorous rehabilitation process he endured.
Looking ahead, Diakhaby is not only focused on his club’s challenges in La Liga, where Valencia currently sit 18th in the league, but also on his role with Guinea’s national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Guinea, who have already been eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after their appeal against Tanzania was rejected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), are now turning their attention to securing a spot in the World Cup.
The clash against Algeria, the group leaders, looms large for Guinea as the team prepares for the upcoming qualifiers. Diakhaby remains optimistic despite the tough competition, especially after Guinea stunned Algeria with a 2-1 victory in Algiers on June 6, 2024, during the third round of qualifiers.
“The World Cup? It’s a clear objective. Why not believe in it? We have the ability to do it, we have to improve a lot of things like any national team. We all have a dream, it’s to play in a World Cup,” he said, emphasizing the team’s ambition to qualify.
Diakhaby’s hopes for Guinea’s future in the World Cup qualifiers are clear. “I hope we’ll get good results to arrive confident against Algeria and be able to play our chances of qualifying,” he added, reinforcing the belief that his team has what it takes to make it to the prestigious tournament.
As Diakhaby continues to regain his top form, both his club and national team will be eager to see how his leadership and determination can inspire those around him as they battle for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
#TDA 🌍 : Mouctar Diakhaby : “J’ai douté de comment j’allais revenir”
Le défenseur guinéen se confie sur comment il a traversé sa pérode de convalescence 💪 pic.twitter.com/SkSHIogEcw— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) February 17, 2025
