World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande has shot his way into the limelight with standout performances for RB Leipzig this term, and as the 19-year-old Ivorian attacker continues to go from strength to strength, the FIFA World Cup is a logical next stage to seize.
Name: Yan Diomande
Club: RB Leipzig
Nation: Ivory Coast
International debut: 10 October 2025
Caps: 9
International goals: 3
Stats correct as of 15 May 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Bursting onto the scene in his maiden Bundesliga campaign, Diomande has plundered 12 goals and provided seven assists in 32 outings for Leipzig as Ole Werner’s outfit have secured UEFA Champions League qualification for next season.
Featuring in all but one Bundesliga game for Leipzig this term, the Ivorian struck crucial goals against Eintracht Frankfurt, Hamburg and Augsburg on the way to key victories.
What’s more, at 19 years and 114 days, Diomande became the fourth-youngest player ever to reach double figures for goals in a single Bundesliga campaign.
Watch: Shine bright like a Diomande
What he brings to the national team
With quick feet, pace to burn and a clinical eye for goal, the teenager is one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars of 2025/26 having adapted seamlessly to German football, which caught the attention of Emerse Faé, who called upon the Leipzig starlet in October 2025.
Scoring in his first two appearances for Ivory Coast as they swept aside Seychelles and Kenya to confirm their World Cup participation, the youngster's rapid rise continues on an upward trajectory.
Watch: Every Diomande goal and assist this season pre-Matchday 34
What his coaches say
“We were looking for a winger of his profile – provocative, skilful and effective. From his first training session here, he showed that he was a serious ‘client’ for the national team.” – Emerse Faé, Ivory Coast head coach
“He often gets past his opponents without any tricks, simply because he's so dynamic. But what's even more important to me is that he works for the team and is very good at counter-pressing. It's a matter of attitude, and he demonstrates that.” – Leipzig head coach Ole Werner
