Andy Diouf is Inter’s new player | OneFootball

Adapting, overcoming obstacles, having the courage to pause and restart to pursue a passion, a dream written in one’s own destiny: throughout his short career, Andy Alune Diouf, Inter’s new midfielder, has shown an ability to fight for something that he has always believed in.

Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine on 17 May 2003 to a Senegalese father and French mother, Andy grew up in Nanterre, on the outskirts of Paris, with just one thought on his mind: a ball to take with him everywhere and treat like a loyal friend. The Diouf family lived and breathed football, it dominated arguments, conversations and dreams: the passion was passed on from his father, who supported and encouraged Andy and his two brothers, Jules and Waly, to follow their dreams. Andy’s brothers also become footballers.

Diouf’s adventure began at the age of six, when he began playing in the youth sector of a local team named Garenne-Colombes. This experience allowed him to gain an understanding of the Parisian footballing landscape very early on. He was already very physically imposing, but his technique needed work. In 2012, however, he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain. This proved to be a decisive step in his development. Andy quickly reached a very high level as he participated in prestigious international tournaments and understood that his passion would become his life. Football was at the centre of everything, football acted as the engine of his existence.

As Diouf grew up, he spent three years living in an environment that improved him as a human and a professional, also thanks to the sacrifices made by his family which allowed him to train far from home: in 2015, he moved to AC Boulogne-Billancourt, arriving to a place which was smaller and closer to his parents. However, Andy did not give up, despite the great expectations placed on a child who had played at PSG at the age of 12. He played in Boulogne for three years, attending the Clairefontaine National Academy as well.

In 2018, his career took off with a move to Rennes: the atmosphere in Brittany proved to be favourable for a rising talent. The club was a talent factory and Diouf showed his value in the youth sector teams by often playing above his age group. On 16 August 2020, he made his debut in the UEFA Youth League Round of 16, in a match that would become an insight into his future. He played seven minutes against Inter, in a match won 1-0 by the young Nerazzurri. One year later, on 6 May 2021, he made his Ligue 1 debut, coming up against a team from his past. Diouf came onto the pitch in the 79th minute of Rennes vs. PSG, a match that ended 1-1.

In the 2021/22 season, Andy could not find much playing time with the first team and decided to move on loan to FC Basel. In Switzerland, he played 57 matches and scored three goals, all in the Conference League. The last goal came in the semi-final against Fiorentina at Stadio Franchi, as he slotted home a precise left-footed strike from the edge of the area following a brilliant piece of individual work. His solid and convincing performances helped Diouf to the award of Best Young Player during the Conference League 2022/2023.

Then, it was time to return to France: Andy was bought by Racing Club de Lens in the Summer of 2023. He played with the side for two seasons and became an important part of Les Sang et Or’s side. Diouf made 68 appearances and scored two goals. Additionally, he made his Champions League debut in the Autumn of 2023 in the clashes against Sevilla and Arsenal.

Diouf is a physical and dynamic midfielder who is capable when it comes to carrying the ball and dribbling. He is a modern player who can cover different parts of the pitch. As the 27th French player in Inter’s history, Andy has also played in all of the French youth teams, winning Silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a tournament in which he featured in two games, against New Zealand and Egypt.

Now, at the age of 22, Andy’s dream takes on another exciting chapter: a chapter in Nerazzurri colours.