Yan Diomande has become the most expensive African player in football history after completing his move to Real Madrid. The Ivory Coast international joins from RB Leipzig for an initial €125 million, plus €15 million in add-ons.
The deal sees him shatter the record previously held by Nicolas Pepe, who joined Arsenal from Lille in 2019 for €80 million. Interestingly, Pepe shares the same nationality as Diomande.
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Between Pepe’s transfer to Arsenal and Diomande’s move to Madrid, no African player was signed for an amount higher than the €80 million mark.
Only Bryan Mbeumo came close to matching Pepe’s transfer fee when Manchester United signed the Cameroonian for a base fee of €75 million in 2025.
Diomande penned a seven-year deal with Los Blancos, keeping him at the club until 2033. He is no stranger to Spanish football, having made his professional debut with Leganes in March 2025.
The 19-year-old is Real Madrid’s sixth signing of this summer following the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Carlos Espí.
“The move to Real Madrid is the fulfillment of a childhood dream,” Diomande said in a statement published on Leipzig’s official website. “I am all the more grateful to the management at RB Leipzig for making this transfer possible despite my existing contract.
“To the fans: Thank you so much for your incredible support from the very beginning. Your passion, your belief in me, and your support meant more to me than words can express. I will always be grateful for the love you have shown me.”
Diomande starred for Leipzig last campaign and was named the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Season for 2025/26. He also shone in the just-concluded World Cup, helping Ivory Coast reach the round of 32.
Real Madrid confirm Yan Diomande signing in club statement
On Thursday, Real Madrid confirmed the signing of Diomande following protracted negotiations that saw Leipzig reportedly turn down offers worth around €100 million.
During that period, Diomande was linked to Paris Saint-Germain, as well as attracting interest from Premier League clubs.
“Real Madrid C.F. and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Yan Diomande, who will be linked to our club for the next seven seasons, until June 30, 2033,” a statement read.
Diomande initially did not travel with Leipzig to Austria for their pre-season tour because of illness. He did join up later before eventually heading to Madrid.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide