Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande rejects ‘superstar’ label despite limited playing time

Yan Diomande has played down the growing “superstar” tag attached to him, insisting he remains the same player despite his high-profile move to Real Madrid and increasing importance for Ivory Coast.

The 19-year-old has made eight appearances for Real Madrid since the start of the season, but has been named in the starting line-up only twice. Speaking to NCI after Ivory Coast’s 1-0 defeat by Cameroon, Diomande said his approach had not changed despite his limited involvement in Spain.

“Nothing has changed. I train a lot, even though I play little there, and the training sessions are intense,” he said.

“It is good that the coach, Jose Mourinho, trusts me and gives me a lot of playing time.”

Diomande also addressed the pressure that comes with each match he plays. He said he welcomed those demands rather than allowing them to affect him.

“I like pressure because it gives me the chance to surpass myself,” he said. “I also play for a club where the demands are very high.”

His move from Leipzig to Real Madrid cost 125m euros, with a further 15m euros available in incentives. The transfer made Diomande the most expensive African player in history and placed him under greater attention in Spain.

His growing role with Ivory Coast has added to that profile, changing the way he is viewed both at international level and at club level. But when NCI asked him how he dealt with being regarded as a “superstar”, the former Leipzig player rejected the description.

“That is always a good thing. Forget the superstar story; I am the same person I have always been,” Diomande said.

“Perhaps I am that for you, but for me I am still the same person. In any case, it is a pleasure to play for my country, especially. I feel better than anywhere else every time I wear my national-team shirt.”

Diomande’s comments came after Ivory Coast’s narrow loss to Cameroon, but he maintained the calm approach he has shown while adapting to the demands surrounding his move to Real Madrid.

Despite making only two starts for his club this season, he said regular training and the trust of Mourinho remained important to his development. His transfer fee, his status as Africa’s record signing and his performances for Ivory Coast have all contributed to the expectations now surrounding him, but Diomande insists those external perceptions have not altered his own view of himself.