Real Madrid winger, Yan Diomande, has matched former Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins’ Champions League achievement after scoring and providing an assist in the Spanish giants’ 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international became the youngest African player to score and assist in a single UEFA Champions League match since Martins accomplished the feat for Inter Milan against Arsenal in September 2003.
Diomande, aged 19 years, 11 months and seven days, came on as a substitute in the 70th minute against his former club.
He subsequently assisted Kylian Mbappe before finding the net himself in the 87th minute to complete Madrid’s victory.
Martins achieved the milestone at 18 years and 10 months when he scored and provided an assist during Inter Milan’s 3-0 win over Arsenal at Highbury on September 17, 2003.
Diomande joined Real Madrid from Leipzig in August 2026 in a deal reportedly worth €125m, with a further €15m in potential add-ons.
The transfer made him the most expensive African footballer in history and Real Madrid’s record signing.
Despite his impressive start, the winger initially faced criticism over his decision-making, with former manager Jose Mourinho describing him as a player still developing his game.
“He’s got a lot of room for improvement; he’s young, naive,” Mourinho said after the match against Sevilla at the weekend.
Diomande has since responded with improved performances, contributing six goals and assists across his last four appearances for the Spanish club.
Last weekend, he also became the youngest Real Madrid player this century to score and provide an assist in the same La Liga match, breaking the record previously held by Jude Bellingham, who achieved the feat at 20 years and 51 days.
