Confirmed: Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande nominated for 2026 Ballon d’Or Young Talent of the Year award | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s club-record signing Yan Diomande has officially been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Young Talent of the Year, with the shortlist announced on September 8 ahead of the ceremony in London on October 26.

The nomination recognises Diomande’s performances before his move to the Santiago Bernabeu rather than his early weeks in Madrid.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign with RB Leipzig, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions. 

His performances for Cote d’Ivoire at the 2026 FIFA World Cup further enhanced his reputation and helped drive Real Madrid’s decision to spend €125 million on him.

Notably, the deal could eventually reach €140m, making Diomande the club’s record signing.

Diomande has barely featured for Real Madrid

The irony is that Diomande’s start to life in Madrid has been anything but spectacular in terms of playing time.

Despite the enormous transfer fee, he has yet to start a match and has not reached 30 minutes in any appearance.

He played 26 minutes against Espanyol after replacing Arda Guler, then managed only six minutes against Real Sociedad. 

Against Malaga, Diomande played 25 minutes, while his latest appearance against Real Betis saw him feature for 26 minutes.

Overall, he has played just 83 of the 360 minutes available this season without making a start.

The nomination tells a different story

That limited involvement should not be confused with the reason behind Diomande’s Ballon d’Or nomination.

Diomande is yet to start for Real Madrid this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The Young Talent of the Year shortlist is based on what he achieved during the 2025/26 season and the 2026 World Cup, when the winger established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers.

His 23-goal contribution for Leipzig, combined with his performances on the international stage, explains why he has been recognised despite his slow beginning at Real Madrid.

For what it is worth, his lack of starts is not yet a reason for alarm, particularly with the season still young. 

But after such a huge investment, Real Madrid fans will want those short cameos to become increasingly meaningful. 

The Ballon d’Or nomination shows what Diomande was capable of before arriving, and now he needs the opportunity to show it in Madrid.