World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande
Yan Diomande shot his way into the limelight with standout performances for RB Leipzig in 2025/26, and he has seized his opportunity to shine at the FIFA World Cup 2026 too.
Name: Yan Diomande
Club: RB Leipzig
Nation: Côte d'Ivoire
International debut: 10 October 2025
Caps: 13
International goals: 3
Stats correct as of 25 June 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Bursting onto the scene in his maiden Bundesliga campaign, Diomande registered 12 goals and eight assists in 33 outings for Leipzig as they secured UEFA Champions League qualification for 2026/27.
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.
What he brings to the national team
With quick feet, pace to burn and a clinical eye for goal, the teenager was 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 Côte d'Ivoire as they swept aside Seychelles and Kenya to confirm their World Cup participation, the youngster's rapid rise continues on an upward trajectory.
He played the full 90 minutes of their 1-0 opening win over Ecuador in Group E and set up his team's goal in a 2-1 defeat against Germany on Matchday 2. Diomande was at it again on Matchday 3, teeing up Nicolas Pépé to break the dealock in a 2-0 win against Curaçao on Matchday 3 that booked their place in the round of 32.
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.” – Werner
