On the eve of Real Madrid – RB Leipzig, Joël Tiéhi, a legend of the Elephants, analyses the personality and impact of Yan Diomandé, the Real Madrid right winger who has scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in his last 4 starts.
Yan Diomandé (19) is going through a dazzling spell. Born on 14 November 2006 in Abidjan, the right winger has racked up four goal contributions in his last three matches with Los Merengues. Performances that caught the eye of Joël Tiéhi, a legend and former Elephants striker (1992 Africa Cup of Nations winner), who spoke at length on the subject in the columns of 225foot. “What impresses me about this boy is his personality. He plays for Real Madrid, surrounded by world-class players, but he doesn’t seem intimidated. He asks for the ball, takes on his opponents and takes initiative. At his age, at such a demanding club, that’s not given to everyone,” he said.
The former striker, who scored 28 goals for his national team, does not stop at the statistics. For him, the young Ivorian has plenty of other assets. “You shouldn’t look only at his goals and assists. He is capable of driving his team forward with the ball at his feet, beating an opponent and creating space. That’s important for a coach, because a player like him can unlock a situation even when he doesn’t score.”
Numbers that speak for themselves
On the pitch, the numbers back up Tiéhi’s analysis. In his last four starts with Los Merengues, Diomandé has 2 goals and 3 assists, according to AfricaFoot. He notably scored the winning goal against Villarreal (1-0), delivered an assist in Rome against AS Roma in the Champions League (3-4), then scored a goal and provided an assist against Sevilla FC (4-1). Statistics that illustrate his attacking contribution.
Transferred in August 2026 from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid for €125 million excluding bonuses, he became the most expensive African player in history, according to FIFA. Under contract until June 2033, the right winger is valued at €120 million by Transfermarkt. He also has 14 caps and 3 goals for the Ivory Coast senior national team.
But for Joël Tiéhi, the essential lies elsewhere. Not hiding, demanding the ball and taking players on despite the stars around him: for the former striker, that attitude is not given to everyone at a club as demanding as Real Madrid.
A real test against Leipzig
Real Madrid, who sit top of La Liga, are preparing for their third Champions League group match against RB Leipzig. The game will be played on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 21:00 CEST at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, according to the Madrid club.
Yan Diomandé will face his former club, whom he left in August 2026 for €125 million excluding bonuses.