Yan Diomande reflects on a whirlwind rise from six late‑season starts at Leganés to a starring role at RB Leipzig. The Ivorian teenager netted twice for the Spanish side before the German club paid €20 million for his signature. In his debut Bundesliga campaign he delivered 12 goals, eight assists and a record 118 successful dribbles, eclipsing every rival.

His breakout season included a debut goal and a December hat‑trick against Eintracht Frankfurt, prompting elite clubs to circle. Trials in Scotland and England saw him train with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, while a stint at a Florida academy shaped his physical edge. Diomande credits the move to Leipzig for lifting his family out of hardship.

Now 19, Diomande heads to the World Cup with Côte d’Ivoire, eager to help a nation that missed the last two tournaments. He anticipates a high‑profile clash against Germany in Toronto, aware of teammate David Raum on the opposite side. His disciplined routine in Germany, where punctuality is enforced, underpins his ambition to deliver for club and country.