Yan Diomande joins the New Balance Global Football family

Today, New Balance announced the signing of rising Ivorian football star Yan Diomande to the New Balance family. At just 19 years old, Yan represents a new generation of elite players shaping the sport, with a deep sense of purpose rooted in where he comes from and who helped shape his journey.

Born in Abidjan in 2006, Yan moved to the United States at a young age and developed at Florida’s DME Academy, emerging as a leader on and off the pitch. In 2023, he led his semi-professional team to an unbeaten season and local league title, while earning the Golden Boot in the UPSL Playoffs.

Yan’s progression quickly earned international recognition, earning call-ups to the Ivory Coast U17 and U23 national teams before taking his first step into European football with La Liga side CD Leganes in January 2025. He made an immediate impact, debuting in March and scoring twice, quickly impressing with his direct attacking style to close out the season. That momentum carried forward with his move to RB Leipzig, where he emerged as one of Bundesliga’s most exciting young attackers. In a defining moment of his breakout season, Yan became the second-youngest player in league history to score a hat trick, accomplishing the feat at just 19 years and 22 days in Leipzig’s 6-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Throughout his ascent, Yan has remained grounded in the values instilled by his family, coaches and communities that supported him along the way. Known for his endurance, sharp decision-making and remarkable speed, he approaches the game with maturity beyond his years, using his growing platform to inspire young players and create opportunities for the next generation, especially in the Ivory Coast.

“I’m incredibly proud to join the New Balance family, a brand that shares my values, drive, and commitment to giving back,” said New Balance athlete Yan Diomande. “Everything I do is motivated by where I come from and the people who believed in me early on. I’ve always been a fan of New Balance grey, and I know the brand’s support will help me reach new heights in my journey.””

“What makes Yan special is not just his talent, but his maturity and grounded approach to the game,” said Andrew McGarty, Senior Director of Sports Marketing, Global Football at New Balance. “He’s building something truly meaningful, and he represents exactly the kind of player we believe in - driven, authentic, and built for the global stage. We’re proud to welcome him to the New Balance family.

Yan will wear the Furon v8 on pitch. For more information, visit newbalance.com/football or @newbalancefootball on Instagram.