Real Madrid have completed the signing of Ivorian winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a blockbuster deal worth an initial €125 million, making the 19-year-old the most expensive African footballer in history.
Gatekeepers News reports that Spanish giants confirmed the transfer on Thursday, with Diomande signing a seven-year contract that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabéu until June 2033.
Reports indicate the deal could rise to between €135 million and €140 million with performance-related add-ons, making it the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history.
Diomande’s move eclipses the previous African transfer record held by Nicolas Pépé, who joined Arsenal from Lille for €80 million in 2019. The Ivory Coast international also becomes the first Ivorian to play for Real Madrid.
The teenage sensation enjoyed a remarkable debut season at RB Leipzig, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists to help the Bundesliga side secure Champions League qualification. His performances also earned him a place in the Ivory Coast national team, where he featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Diomande is expected to play a key role in José Mourinho’s rebuilding project at Real Madrid after the club strengthened its squad with several high-profile arrivals this summer.
