Kylian Mbappe believes Yan Diomande "has what it takes" to succeed at Real Madrid and has urged patience around the teenager.
Diomande joined Los Blancos this summer for a reported €125m, plus €15m in add-ons, after a stellar campaign with RB Leipzig in 2025-26.
The 19-year-old contributed to 22 goals in 36 games across all competitions for Leipzig last season (13 goals, nine assists), with only Christoph Baumgartner (25) registering more goal involvements than him.
In the Bundesliga, Diomande led all players for successful dribbles (118) and take-on ending carries (104), though he has seen a reduced role since joining Jose Mourinho's side.
The Ivory Coast international has started in just two of his seven appearances this season, though did manage to record an assist for Mbappe against Elche last time out.
Against Elche, Diomande led the match in dribbles completed (7/9), duels won (12/19) and created the joint-most chances (three).
Mbappe believes Diomande can play a key role for Madrid this season, but insists the club must also protect him.
"He's at a stage in his development. Building relationships between the players, as a team, is key. Diomande is part of that right now," Mbappe told AS.
"From his first day at Valdebebas, we saw he has quality. Then people talk a lot during matches, about the €140 million transfer fee and all that.
"He's young, only 19, but the quality is there. We see it, and he's already shown he has what it takes. We try to protect him, and all the players in the squad, because ultimately we're going to need everyone.
"A season is very long, and if we want to compete for all the titles, we can't compete with just eleven players."
Cioenptuz
1
😂😂😂
peedikmno
0
if he will not improve until the end of the season Madrid will loan him out then sell him
U wish clown
jayaeortz
1
That guy is seating on +7 years cushion of age, That's what it is
rizdirstuy
0
KKKkkkk.. So this Diomande is younger than Mbappe😂😂
Jasondrx7
0
Mbappe looks younger than the teenager!🤣
cidadektyz
0
Playing well where?
Playing well there, wat do you want him to do with all the pressure & as well playing out of his favorite position….?? Try to analyze a player without bias
Tomckmtyz
0
He is already playing well
Playing well where?
Chima92
0
if he will not improve until the end of the season Madrid will loan him out then sell him
Shatap! 🤡🤡
Chima92
0
is Diamande a teenager for real????[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Ask your Daddy! 🤡🤡🤡
Eddycure09
0
is Diamande a teenager for real????[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
SANTIAGOŞEMMY
2
Our boy is doing just fine you are the problem. you and Vinicius jr should find another club pls bunch of losers.
Nieabdety
0
That guy fit senior you Mbape
Widbiltz
0
Covetous players go to Real Madrid to destroy their football careers
Edooo87
2
yes because RM has a lot of Attackers
cidadektyz
0
if he will not improve until the end of the season Madrid will loan him out then sell him
He is already playing well
Fauzsmail
0
if he will not improve until the end of the season Madrid will loan him out then sell him
dizbcdirty
3
forget about teenage age, this guy is your age mate
zaoalosy
3
A player of £140m is expected to hit the ground running. Nothin like teenage here
jubdkmsuy
1
Myself believe the same 🙏