Diomande Joins Real Madrid for Record €140 Million

On Thursday, Real Madrid announced the signing of Diomande, marking the conclusion of a protracted transfer saga. Diomande has signed a seven-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2033.

The transfer fee is reported to be up to €140 million, including add-ons, making him the most expensive African footballer ever, surpassing the €80 million paid by Arsenal for Nicholas Pepe. Additionally, this transfer makes Diomande the most expensive signing in Real Madrid's history, exceeding the €133 million paid for Jude Bellingham in 2023.

He is now the fourth most-expensive footballer globally, following Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Alexander Isak. Real Madrid secured Diomande's signature over interest from PSG and Liverpool.

The 19-year-old winger, who played in all four of Ivory Coast's matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joins Real Madrid after a successful first full season in Europe, having left Leganes for RB Leipzig in 2025, where he scored 12 goals and provided eight assists, earning the Bundesliga’s Young Player of the Season award. He will play under new manager Jose Mourinho.