Yan Diomande’s difficult start at Real Madrid has prompted early criticism in Spain, with the €125m signing yet to start a match and still waiting to make a significant impact for Jose Mourinho’s side.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international came on during Friday’s 1-0 defeat by Real Betis, Real Madrid’s first loss of the season in La Liga, but was unable to change the direction of the game. He played for 26 minutes and had little influence as the club’s attack struggled.
By contrast, academy player Carlos Espi attracted attention for his energy and determination despite the defeat. The difference between the two players has increased scrutiny on Diomande, who arrived from Leipzig as Real Madrid’s most expensive signing of the summer.
Speaking on Cadena SER, journalist Antonio Romero criticised the winger’s performance.
“He does not have the impact expected from a player that expensive. (...) He did not ask for the ball,” Romero said, adding that Diomande had “hardly touched the ball”.
His colleague Julio Pulido was similarly critical, arguing that the Ivorian had not yet shown the influence expected of a player signed for such a substantial fee. Pulido also contrasted Diomande’s display with Espi’s approach, saying the youngster had arrived with far fewer expectations but “with more intent”.
The concerns are not entirely new. Diomande’s first official appearance for Real Madrid had already been viewed as too cautious, although there had been some encouraging moments.
His early statistics underline the lack of involvement. Diomande has featured in each of La Liga’s first four rounds, but every appearance has come from the bench. Across 83 minutes, he has scored no goals, provided no assists and attempted no shots.
His limited involvement under Mourinho had already begun to raise questions. The teenager is having to cope with the burden of a huge transfer fee at an unusually early stage of his career, meaning almost every appearance is being treated as a test of whether he can justify the investment.
That assessment needs to be placed in context. Diomande is adapting to a new club, a new manager and an environment where competition for attacking places is intense. Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and several other internationals are ahead of him in the pecking order, while none of his four appearances has lasted longer than 30 minutes.
It is therefore difficult to expect him immediately to exert the same influence as an established starter. However, the size of his transfer fee has naturally encouraged observers to demand quick results.
Diomande was one of the breakthrough players of last season in Germany and emerged as one of Ivory Coast’s sensations at the 2026 World Cup. Those qualities have not disappeared in a matter of weeks, but his move to Madrid has made him the most expensive African player in history and placed disproportionate pressure on him for someone of his age.
His pace, dribbling ability and unpredictability remain valuable assets for both Real Madrid and the Elephants. Nevertheless, a fee of €125m rarely buys patience, even at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Diomande will now be expected to take more initiative, show for the ball and demonstrate that he can handle a financial pressure for which he is not responsible. Mourinho has been advocating patience with the player, but is reportedly considering giving him his first start against Inter on Tuesday in the Champions League.