Real Madrid’s new signing Yan Diomande has revealed how Jose Mourinho played a major role in convincing him to join the Spanish giants, with the Portuguese manager making a personal phone call to the young Ivorian during the early hours of the morning.

Diomande, who has just completed a record-breaking move to Real Madrid, said he was surprised when Mourinho contacted him at around five in the morning.

The manager spoke to him in French and explained his plans for the player, helping convince Diomande that Madrid was the right destination for the next stage of his career.

The 19-year-old winger emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers after an impressive campaign with RB Leipzig, having joined the German club in 2025.

His performances, including at the 2026 World Cup, attracted interest from several major clubs before Real Madrid eventually secured his signature.

Diomande has spoken highly of Mourinho since completing the move, describing the Real Madrid boss as someone he deeply respects.

The youngster says the manager’s confidence in him has strengthened his determination to repay that faith, even declaring that he is prepared to give everything for Mourinho on the pitch.

Real Madrid reportedly paid a huge fee to bring Diomande from Leipzig, with reports putting the deal at up to €140 million.

The transfer underlines the club’s belief in the winger’s potential and gives Mourinho another attacking option as he looks to rebuild Madrid into a major force in Spain and Europe.

For Diomande, the move represents the fulfillment of a major ambition and the beginning of a new chapter alongside some of football’s biggest stars.

With Mourinho already showing how highly he values the youngster, expectations will be high as the Ivorian attempts to establish himself at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid will kick off the new season with a trip to Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu