Mohamed Diomande is a name that has been making headlines in the Scottish Premiership and beyond. The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined Rangers on loan from Danish club Nordsjaelland in January, has impressed with his performances and goals for the Ibrox side. He has also earned his first call-up to the Ivory Coast U23 squad, and is tipped to be a star for his country in the future.
Diomande’s journey from Abidjan to Glasgow
Diomande was born in Yopougon, a suburb of Abidjan, the largest city in Ivory Coast. He grew up playing football on the streets, and showed a natural talent for the game. He joined the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, a football and education program that provides opportunities for young African players. He excelled at the academy, and attracted the attention of several European clubs.
In 2020, he signed for Nordsjaelland, a Danish club that has a partnership with Right to Dream. He made his debut in the Danish Superliga in February 2020, and quickly established himself as a regular starter. He scored 11 goals in 96 appearances for the club, playing as a central midfielder or a left winger. He also helped the club qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League, where he played seven games this season.
Diomande’s impact at Rangers
In January 2024, Diomande joined Rangers on a loan deal with an obligation to buy in the summer. The Scottish club paid a fee of £4.5 million for the player, who signed a four-year contract until 2028. He made his debut for Rangers on February 6, coming on as a substitute in a home win over Aberdeen. He scored his first goal for the club on February 18, in a 3-0 away victory over St Johnstone.
Since then, he has become a key player for Rangers, who are chasing their second consecutive Premiership title and a domestic treble. He has scored two goals and provided two assists in five league games, and has also featured in the Scottish Cup. He has shown his versatility, creativity, and work rate, and has earned the praise of his manager, Philippe Clement, who described him as “one of the biggest prospects in Scandinavia”.
Diomande’s international ambitions
Diomande has also caught the eye of his national team, Ivory Coast. He was called up to the U23 squad in March 2023, and made his debut in a friendly match against Nigeria. He is eligible to play for the senior team, and has expressed his desire to represent his country at the highest level. He is seen as a potential successor to Yaya Toure, the legendary Ivorian midfielder who won four African Footballer of the Year awards.
Diomande has also revealed his dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Qatar in 2022. Ivory Coast have qualified for the final round of the African qualifiers, and will face Egypt, Algeria, and Gabon in their group. Diomande hopes to be part of the squad that will try to secure a spot in the global showpiece.
Diomande’s future prospects
Diomande has a bright future ahead of him, both at club and international level. He has shown his potential and talent at Rangers, and is expected to make his move permanent in the summer. He has also attracted interest from other clubs, such as Arsenal, who are reportedly monitoring his progress. He has also made his mark at the U23 level for Ivory Coast, and is likely to be called up to the senior team soon.
Diomande is a player who combines skill, speed, and strength, and has a knack for scoring goals. He is also humble, hard-working, and ambitious, and has a passion for the game. He is a rising star of Rangers and Ivory Coast, and one to watch in the coming years.
