Yan Diomande Steps into Big Shoes at Real Madrid, Succeeding Vinicius Junior

New Real Madrid signing Yan Diomande is set to follow in the footsteps of prominent players.

The Royal club announced on Monday that the attacking player, acquired from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, will wear the number 25 jersey going forward.

Diomande will thus be taking over the number from several high-profile names. Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, and Vinicius Junior, among others, have previously worn the 25 at Real before opting for different numbers during their time in Madrid. Rodrygo now wears 11, Camavinga has the 6, and Vini Jr. is sporting the iconic 7, Cristiano Ronaldo's former number with the Blancos.

Spain has a mandatory rule requiring numbers 1 through 25 to be occupied by professional players, with 1 and 13 designated for goalkeepers. Should there be a third professional goalkeeper, they typically wear 25. However, with Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid currently has only two keepers in their squad.

It is therefore not surprising that several Real Madrid goalkeepers have also worn the 25, including Courtois in his first season at the club, club legend Iker Casillas, and German player Bodo Ilgner.

Yan Diomande Signs with Real Madrid Until 2033

The Madrid club finalized the transfer of Diomande last Thursday after a period of negotiation. The Ivorian signed a contract valid until 2033 in the Spanish capital, with a transfer fee of 125 million euros flowing to Leipzig in return. Including bonus payments, the sum could potentially rise to 140 million euros.

Even with the base transfer fee, Diomande is now, along with Florian Wirtz (who moved from Leverkusen to Liverpool for 125 million euros in 2025), the third most expensive departure in Bundesliga history. Only Jude Bellingham (who transferred from BVB to Real Madrid for 127 million euros in 2023) and Ousmane Dembele (who moved from BVB to FC Barcelona for 148 million euros in 2017) were more expensive.

During his presentation, the 19-year-old emphasized that his move to Madrid was a 'childhood dream come true.' He added, 'I am all the more grateful to the management at RB Leipzig for allowing me this transfer despite my ongoing contract.'