Yan Diomande’s path from Florida to potential World Cup 2026 star with Ivory Coast
11 reported
According to a CBS Sports report, RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, 19, has already recorded 13 goals and nine assists in all competitions, helping his club return to Champions League soccer. The Ivory Coast international spent his high school years in Florida between Yulee High School and DME Academy before moving to Leganes in Spain in 2025, where he made 10 appearances. RB Leipzig paid his 20 million euro release clause to sign him. Diomande described his transition to the United States as difficult but a great experience, and he stated he did not want to start his career in Major League Soccer despite interest from the Colorado Rapids. He trained with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Olympiacos, and Rangers before joining Leganes. Diomande scored a goal for Ivory Coast during the Africa Cup of Nations and is now preparing for the 2026 World Cup. DME Academy president and CEO Seth Brown said Diomande is a humble person who matured well beyond his years, and that the academy supported his holistic development.
What’s reported
Yan Diomande, 19, plays for RB Leipzig and has 13 goals and nine assists in all competitions.
He helped RB Leipzig return to Champions League soccer.
Diomande spent high school years in Florida at Yulee High School and DME Academy.
He moved to Leganes in Spain in 2025, making 10 senior appearances.
RB Leipzig paid his 20 million euro release clause.
Diomande said he did not want to start his career in MLS despite interest, including trials with the Colorado Rapids.
He trained with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Olympiacos, and Rangers before joining Leganes.
Diomande scored a goal for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
DME Academy president and CEO Seth Brown described Diomande as humble and mature.
RB Leipzig CEO Tatjana Haenni said Diomande is one of the club’s greatest players in the Bundesliga.
Red Bull head of global soccer Jurgen Klopp said if Leipzig wins the league, they will likely sell their five best players due to financial realities.
Key figures
Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig forward and Ivory Coast international
Seth Brown, DME Academy president and CEO
Tatjana Haenni, RB Leipzig CEO
Jurgen Klopp, head of global soccer at Red Bull
Sources: CBS Sports
