From Abidjan streets to Real Madrid: Ivory Coast star Yan Diomande on learning from Mbappe and Vinicius

Real Madrid’s Ivorian teenager Yan Diomande says training alongside Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe has forced him to raise his game after completing a remarkable journey from the streets of Abidjan to the Spanish giants.

The 19-year-old has reflected on his rise through football, crediting his upbringing in Ivory Coast, his development in the United States and his breakthrough at Leipzig for preparing him for life at one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Diomande, who also represented Ivory Coast at his first World Cup, says the standard set by his new Real Madrid teammates has been an eye-opening experience.

“It’s incredible. In every training session, the level of performance is so high that you have no choice but to raise your own level.”

From the streets of Abidjan to America

Diomande’s relationship with football began during his childhood in Abidjan, where limited facilities did little to diminish his passion for the game.

“Growing up in Abidjan made football everything for me. We used to play on any ground we could find, without suitable shoes or a suitable pitch, just for the love of the game.”

He believes those early experiences remain central to the player he has become.

“That passion and joy have never left me; they are the foundation of my playing style today.”

His dream of becoming a professional footballer began to take shape after he moved to the United States at the age of 15.

Unable to speak English when he arrived, Diomande faced a difficult period of adaptation before football helped him settle into his new surroundings.

“This has always been my dream, but it started to feel real when I was at the DME Academy in Florida, and European scouts started noticing me.”

He added: “It was difficult; at first, I couldn’t communicate with anyone, and everything was different. But football was my language, and my teammates helped me find my place on and off the field.”

Leipzig provided crucial lessons

Diomande says his time at Leipzig proved decisive in his development and ultimately helped prepare him for the demands of Real Madrid.

His first full season brought recognition when he won the Bundesliga’s best young player award.

“Winning the Bundesliga’s best young player award in my first full season was proof that all the sacrifices my family and I made were worthwhile.”

The Ivorian believes the experience of competing regularly at the highest level transformed his mentality.

“Leipzig taught me to compete at the highest level week after week, and the coaching staff demanded that I improve every detail of my performance. That season gave me the confidence and mentality that I would need at Real Madrid.”

Learning from Mbappe and Vinicius

Since arriving at Valdebebas, Diomande has been struck by the quality of some of the world’s leading players around him.

The teenager says watching Vinicius and Mbappe, both on and off the pitch, has become part of his education at Real Madrid.

“You learn something new just by watching their movements, their way of thinking, and how they prepare each day.”

For Diomande, joining Real Madrid represents the fulfilment of a childhood ambition.

“It’s fulfilling my childhood dream, it’s everything I’ve strived for. I’m eager to write my own chapter at this club and contribute to its success.”

World Cup experience with Ivory Coast

Diomande’s rise has also taken him onto the international stage with Ivory Coast.

Playing at his first World Cup provided another significant lesson for the young winger, who says representing his country remains one of the proudest moments of his career.

“Representing my country on the world stage taught me that the biggest stadiums require the utmost composure: you have to trust in your readiness. Off the pitch, sharing this experience with my country and family is something I will always cherish.”

Despite his rapid rise and growing profile, Diomande says remaining connected to his roots in Abidjan helps him stay grounded.

“I am very calm. I like to spend time with my family and friends, listen to music, and connect with my family in Abidjan. Maintaining this connection to my roots keeps me focused.”

As one of Ivory Coast’s brightest young talents begins a new chapter at Real Madrid, Diomande will hope the lessons learned from Abidjan, America and Leipzig can help him establish himself at the summit of world football.