Yan Diomande opened his Real Madrid account against Villarreal and could now be handed a run in the side after Vinicius Junior was sent off and faces a possible suspension.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international was selected ahead of Vinicius for Saturday’s match and scored the only goal after half-time, rescuing a Real Madrid side that had struggled to impose itself in the game and had already fallen behind FC Barcelona in the standings.
Diomande had admitted only a few days earlier that he had found regular playing time difficult to secure since moving to Madrid. His first start, however, gave him the opportunity to make a significant impression.
According to journalist Romain Molina, Diomande’s inclusion was not solely the result of Jose Mourinho’s selection. The Real Madrid hierarchy is understood to have pushed for their new signing to feature more often. Brahim Diaz, who started in the Champions League against Inter Milan, was reportedly the player to lose his place and return to the substitutes’ bench.
That development underlines the importance Real Madrid attach to Diomande, despite his limited involvement so far. His lack of opportunities had already raised questions in Madrid, particularly given the substantial fee paid to sign him. The fact that the club’s senior figures are now seeking more playing time for him suggests he remains a central part of the project.
The operation to recruit the winger was estimated by Marca at 140 million euros. The Spanish newspaper has described him as “a diamond that Mourinho manages in his own way”. While one goal cannot, by itself, justify such a considerable investment, Marca called his strike “a flash that is worth three points”.
Together with Carlos Espi, Diomande has already played a part in Real Madrid collecting seven of their 18 La Liga points.
Vinicius came on after the interval against Villarreal but was dismissed after pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair. He then strongly disputed the referee’s decision. The Brazilian could receive a multi-match ban, which may rule him out of the Clasico against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou on 25 October.
No punishment has yet been announced, but a lengthy suspension would naturally create another opportunity for Diomande to establish himself in the team.
He will still need to show that his performance against Villarreal was not an isolated moment. Real Madrid’s Champions League trip to Rome, followed by the home match against Sevilla and the possible Clasico, could give him several chances to build momentum and demonstrate that he can turn his potential into a more permanent role.
Few African players have secured a lasting place at Real Madrid, where competition for positions and media scrutiny are intense. Diomande now has the backing of the club’s leadership and a change in circumstances that could allow him to take the next step.