Africa’s Most Expensive Footballer Finds Form, Scores Champions League Stunner

Four days after his first goal for Real Madrid, 19-year-old Ivorian, Yan Diomandé added an assist to his tally before bagging another goal and assist in their 4-1 win against Sevilla on October 18.  

But it was perhaps Wednesday night’s Champions League cameo that left fans most excited about their new star. All Diomandé needed was 20 minutes to leave with two goal contributions, including a stunning strike that many would have down as the pick of the bunch in Madrid’s 4-1 victory over the teenager’s former side, RB Leipzig.  

“The fans went home happy, watching the duo of Mbappé and Yan Diomandé…I knew a fresh Diomandé is difficult . His speed is important,” José Mourinho, Real Madrid’s head coach, said after the game about his substitution decision.  

With around three minutes of regular time remaining, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz floating ball across the box was met by a lethal Diomandé volley into the top left corner. It was simply too powerful for goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt to handle.  

“My goal wasn’t easy to score, of course, but it’s nice to look at. It went well for me. I had to decide whether to control the ball or take my chances with a volley. I’m glad the volley worked out like that,” Diomandé told reporters after the game.  

Bought for over €140 million ($161 million) in August, there must have been some added pressure that came with being Africa’s most expensive signing ever, especially when the mass expectation of instant stardom rests on the shoulders of a player who only turns 20 in November.  

Diomandé may have come up blank in his first six games under Mourinho, but with three goals and three assists in his last four games, he seems to have found his mojo for one of football’s biggest clubs.  

Next up? None other than Barcelona in the first El Clásico of the 2026/27 season.  

“El Clásico is great. I watched these games as a kid, and I’m excited to play a role in the game this weekend,” Diomandé said.