Yan Diomandé plays in World Cup a year after sister's death

At just 19 years old, Yan Diomandé is set to be a key offensive player for Ivory Coast in the 2026 World Cup, facing Germany on Saturday. This tournament comes a year after the tragic death of his 15-year-old sister, Roxane. Diomandé's world was shattered in the spring of 2025 when he received a call from Ivory Coast informing him of his sister's death. "Your sister is gone. She died. Someone put something in her drink at a party and she never woke up again. She's gone," he was told over the phone, nearly 6,000 kilometers away. He described the news as being delivered without cushioning the blow, reflecting a harsh reality he associated with his homeland. He shared his story in a letter to Roxane, published on The Players Tribune just before Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador. In the letter, Yan recalled their modest upbringing in Abidjan, including a childhood memory of writing "Cristiano Ronaldo" and "#7" on a fake Manchester United jersey. He also shared how he was nicknamed "Roberto Carlos" in his neighborhood for the power of his shots. Diomandé's talent led him to an academy over 100 kilometers from Abidjan at age 9. At 15, he moved to the United States for academic and athletic development before trying out for European clubs like Chelsea and Crystal Palace without success. "My visa expired. My dream ended. They sent me back to Africa and we cried together," he wrote about this period to Roxane, who he described as "the only one who never stopped believing" in his talent. In January 2025, he finally signed with Spanish club Leganés, just weeks before his sister's death. Now playing for RB Leipzig in Germany, where he joined in mid-2025, he had a successful first Bundesliga season, scoring 12 goals and providing 9 assists, earning him the award for best newcomer.

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Your sister is gone. She died. Someone put something in her drink at a party and she never woke up again. She's gone.