Yan Diomande: Real Madrid’s elite training is ‘amazing’ after Abidjan rise

Real Madrid forward Yan Diomande says the quality of training alongside Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe has shown him that he must raise his standards every day.

The 19-year-old Cote d’Ivoire international has joined the Spanish club after a journey which began playing football on the streets of Abidjan and included a formative spell at RB Leipzig.

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

“You learn something new simply by watching their movements, the way they think and how they prepare every day.”

Diomande said his humble upbringing in Abidjan continues to shape his understanding of football. He recalled playing wherever he could, often without proper equipment or a suitable pitch.

“Growing up in Abidjan made football everything to me. We played on any surface we could find, without proper shoes or a suitable pitch, simply because we loved the game,” he said.

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

His ambition to become a professional player took time to develop. Diomande moved to the United States aged 15 and did not speak English when he arrived, but his time at DME Academy in Florida helped make his ambitions seem realistic.

“It had always been my dream, but it began to feel real when I was at DME Academy in Florida and European scouts started to notice me,” he said.

The adjustment was difficult at first, with Diomande unable to communicate easily and faced with an unfamiliar environment.

“It was hard. At first, I couldn’t communicate with anyone and everything was different. But football was my language, and my team-mates helped me find my place both on and off the pitch,” he added.

Leipzig lessons

Diomande regards his breakthrough at RB Leipzig as one of the most important achievements of his career. He won the German league’s best young player award during his first full season, a success he said justified the sacrifices made by him and his family.

“Winning the German league’s best young player award in my first full season was proof that all the sacrifices my family and I had made were worth it,” he said.

The winger believes that campaign prepared him for the demands of Real Madrid and played a decisive role in his move to the Bernabeu.

“Leipzig taught me how to compete at the highest level week after week, and the coaching staff demanded that I improve every detail of my performance,” said Diomande.

“That season gave me the confidence and mentality I will need at Real Madrid.”

He described wearing the club’s famous white shirt as the fulfilment of a childhood ambition.

“It is the fulfilment of my childhood dream; it is everything I have worked for. I am excited to write my own chapter at this club and contribute to its success,” he said.

Diomande has also recently played at his first World Cup with Cote d’Ivoire, an experience he believes will help him handle the pressure of major occasions.

“Representing my country on the world stage taught me that the biggest stadiums require the greatest calm: you have to trust your preparation,” he said.

“Off the pitch, sharing that experience with my country and my family is something I will always keep in my memory.”

Away from football’s attention, Diomande describes himself as a calm person who remains closely connected to his roots. He spends time with family and friends, listens to music and keeps in contact with relatives in Abidjan.

“I’m very calm. I like spending time with my family and friends, listening to music and keeping in touch with my family in Abidjan. Maintaining that connection with my roots keeps me focused,” he said.