Diomande nominated for Ballon d’Or talent award after breakout season | OneFootball

From Leipzig to football’s biggest stage: Yan Diomande is in contention for one of the prizes at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards.

Our former attacker was officially named on Tuesday among the ten nominees for the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, recognising the best young players from last season.

Making his name in Leipzig

Yan earned his place on the shortlist after an outstanding season with the Red Bulls. He scored twelve goals and provided eight assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances before being named the 2025/26 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season.

Yan then continued to impress at the World Cup before joining Real Madrid in August.

Up against some of Europe’s best young players

His rapid rise has now earned him further recognition. Yan is joined on the shortlist by the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí (both FC Barcelona), Lennart Karl (FC Bayern München) and Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).

The winner will be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on 26th October.

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