Yan Diomande has responded angrily on social media after an influencer criticised his performance during Cote d’Ivoire’s 2-0 win over Somalia in qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
The victory at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Tuesday gave the Elephants two wins from their opening two matches. It followed their 2-0 success against Ghana in Bouake on 24 September, five days earlier.
Although he did not score against Somalia, Diomande played a prominent role in the Ivory Coast attack. The 19-year-old winger created opportunities and supplied passes throughout the match, before being directly involved in the second goal with a shot that struck the post in the 90th minute plus five.
His display did not prevent further criticism online. In a post on Instagram, an influencer claimed Diomande needed greater variety in his play and advised him not to take corners.
The comments provoked a strong reaction from the player, who was nominated for the Kopa Trophy. In the replies, Diomande accused the influencer of seeking publicity, called him jealous and went as far as describing him as a “sorcerer”.
Pressure after Real Madrid move
Diomande joined Real Madrid this summer carrying the distinction of being the most expensive player in the club’s history and the costliest African signing ever.
His early appearances in Spain attracted a wave of criticism, most of it from the Spanish media, after what were regarded as subdued beginnings. His substitute appearances and his first start, in the 4-1 win against Rayo Vallecano on 12 September, were judged to have fallen short.
The winger’s situation changed when he provided his first assist in the 3-2 away win against Elche on 15 September. That performance helped shift opinion in his favour, and the latest criticism comes as he appears to be finding his rhythm.
Known affectionately as “Golden Boy” in Cote d’Ivoire, Diomande remains a popular figure among the national team’s supporters. He is expected to return to action for the Elephants on 3 October, when Cote d’Ivoire face Cameroon in a friendly at the Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpe Stadium in Abidjan.