Real Madrid forward Yan Diomande, 19, has made a striking pledge of loyalty to head coach José Mourinho in Madrid on Friday, August 21, 2026, saying he is ready to give everything for the Portuguese manager as he begins life at the Spanish giants.

The Ivory Coast international made the comments in an interview with SportyTV, where he spoke openly about his relationship with Mourinho, his record transfer from RB Leipzig and the expectations surrounding his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu.

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“When you play for José Mourinho, you want to DIE for him. I am ready to die for him,” Diomande said.

The teenager’s words reflect the strong impression Mourinho made on him even before his arrival in Madrid. Diomande revealed that the manager personally contacted him early in the morning and spoke to him in French, a gesture that left the young winger feeling valued from the outset.

The relationship comes as Mourinho begins his second spell in charge of Real Madrid.

The Portuguese returned to the club this summer after Madrid went through two seasons without a major trophy, with the new campaign bringing renewed expectations around the squad.

Diomande’s arrival has also placed him under an extraordinary spotlight.

Real Madrid officially confirmed his transfer from RB Leipzig on August 6, with the winger signing a seven-year contract that runs until June 30, 2033.

The reported transfer package is worth up to €140 million, including bonuses, although Real Madrid did not disclose the fee in its official announcement.

The figure makes Diomande the most expensive African footballer in history and potentially the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history if all bonuses are triggered.

Rather than being overwhelmed by the price tag, Diomande insists the fee should be viewed as evidence of the club’s faith in him.

“They spent a lot of money because they believe in me; why will I be scared?” he said.

“I’m not scared; I feel no pressure. I will do what I do, and God will do the rest.”

That calmness is striking given how quickly the teenager’s career has accelerated.

Diomande joined Leganés in Spain before moving to RB Leipzig in 2025, where his breakthrough campaign transformed him from a promising youngster into one of Europe’s most sought-after attacking talents.

He registered 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances for Leipzig across all competitions during the 2025-26 season and was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season.

His performances also earned him international recognition with Ivory Coast, including a place at the 2026 World Cup.

His rapid rise explains why Real Madrid were prepared to make such a substantial investment.

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool were also reported to have pursued the winger, but Madrid ultimately secured his signature.

The move also carries a significant African football milestone.

Diomande has overtaken former Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pépé, whose 2019 transfer from Lille to Arsenal was worth £72 million, as the continent’s most expensive footballer.

Yet the young winger appears determined not to allow the historical nature of the transfer to define him.

His focus is instead on development, adaptation and contributing to a Real Madrid side that is entering a new era under Mourinho.

Diomande has described the move as the fulfilment of a childhood dream and has spoken about his excitement at playing alongside established stars including Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.

The winger’s admiration for Mourinho could prove particularly important as he adjusts to the demands of elite European football.

The manager’s reputation for demanding discipline and building strong relationships with players has already appeared to resonate with Diomande.

For Mourinho, meanwhile, the teenager represents both an exciting attacking option and a significant investment in the future.

The manager has publicly acknowledged that he wanted Diomande but said the final transfer price was not his responsibility.

The coming months will determine whether Diomande can translate his confidence and impressive Bundesliga form into consistent performances at the Bernabéu.

For now, however, the message from Madrid’s new record signing is unmistakable.

Also read: Guardiola’s bitter player fallouts: 8 stars who clashed

Diomande feels trusted, believes the pressure can be handled and appears deeply committed to the manager who helped convince him that his next chapter should be at Real Madrid.