Chasing Greatness: Yan Diomande Aspires to Shine Like Vinicius Jr.

Exclusive Interview

RB Leipzig’s director of sport, Marcel Schäfer, praised Yan Diomande, stating, “He definitely fits the profile we are looking for. His six months in Spain were marked by impressive performances. We seek players with physical skills who can create and finish chances, and Yan is a remarkable talent with significant potential.” This assessment facilitated Leipzig’s decision to meet CD Leganés’ €20 million asking price last summer for the 18-year-old Ivorian winger—a move well above his €1.5 million market value. With Bundesliga updates scheduled for October 14, Diomande is expected to make a notable impact on the squad.

For many observers, Diomande’s transfer seemed unexpected. His profile on Transfermarkt illustrates a unique trajectory; he moved to the United States with aspirations of becoming a professional footballer. “In 2022, I was part of the U17 national team, but I was too young for a professional side,” Diomande recounted. “I then traveled to the U.S. to study and pursue football—trying out for teams like the Colorado Rapids and Charlotte FC, but it didn’t work out. Once I turned 18, I returned to Europe and signed with Leganés.”

During his time in the United States, Diomande played for the DME Academy and the Yulee Hornets High School. In 2023, he was honored as the STARI Player of the Year and contributed to AS Frenzi’s UPL title victory. “I wasn’t familiar with football in the U.S.,” he admitted. “I just sought experience and soon realized it was not entirely for me. Football isn’t as prominent as basketball or American football, at least not yet. However, living alone away from family taught me emotional resilience, which has helped me adapt at RB Leipzig.”

From CD Leganés to RB Leipzig – Adjusting to the Bundesliga’s Physical Demands

Despite two tryouts that didn’t pan out in the U.S., Diomande attracted considerable interest in Europe. He trained with a top Premier League club and one of Greece’s leading teams before ultimately choosing to join CD Leganés in January 2025. After just ten La Liga appearances—where he netted one goal and provided two assists—Leipzig came calling.

When asked about his move to Leipzig, Diomande said, “I wanted to progress to a bigger club. I had fruitful discussions with the club’s director and coach, who made me feel confident in their vision. They are committed to nurturing young talent with quality and energy, making it the best choice for me.” He added, “They assured me that if I come here and work hard, I will get my opportunities. I aim to earn my place in the first team.”

The coaching staff led by head coach Ole Werner has shown faith in Diomande, who has already logged 346 minutes across six matches this season. “The physical aspect here is more intense,” he noted. “In Spain, the focus was on possessing the ball; here, it’s about being more physical. I must build strength through gym sessions to adapt to the demands on the pitch.”

Diomande: “I’m Committed to Strength Training”

Diomande recognizes the importance of gym work in enhancing his strength. “I am an intense player who loves to dribble,” he explained. “I believe I have the potential to become a top player, but I need to remain patient (laughs). My goal is to reach elite status as quickly as possible.” When asked what it takes to achieve this, he said, “Scoring goals is essential in my position. Additionally, I need to hone my dribbling, passing, defending, and teamwork skills. Most crucially, top players score goals—and I’m working on that.”

In terms of teammates, Diomande surprises by selecting two center-backs as his favorites: “I really like Willi Orbán and Castello Lukeba.” While these might seem like unconventional choices for an attacker, Diomande explained, “They challenge me in training, which helps enhance my own game. Their defensive skills contribute positively to the team and inspire me to improve.”

Diomande also thinks about emulating certain football icons. “Vinicius Junior is an exceptional player. In terms of mentality, I look up to Kylian Mbappé. Having the right mindset is crucial—if your heart and mind are in sync, you will succeed. Along with them, I draw inspiration from many players in my country, such as Gervinho, Yaya Touré, and Max Gradel. Still, my all-time favorite is Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Diomande: “I Aspire to Play in the Champions League”

The Ivory Coast has produced numerous football talents, and Diomande may soon join their ranks. On the day of this interview, he learned he was selected for the national team by coach Emerse Faé. “Being called up is a significant honor for me,” Diomande stated. “It’s a lifelong dream to represent my country at the highest level, and today, I’m thrilled to have that opportunity.”

The call-up to the Ivorian national team might have come sooner than expected, but Diomande has hit the ground running this season with RB Leipzig. After a tough start with a 6-0 defeat against Bayern Munich, the team has since secured four consecutive victories. “I aim for a successful season—for both myself and the team,” he said. “Our goal is to qualify for a European competition, but ultimately, I want to reach the Champions League. That’s why I came to Leipzig.”