Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomandé has shared an emotional tribute to his late sister Roxane, revealing the personal tragedy that continues to fuel his rise in football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a heartfelt letter, the young forward reflected on a childhood spent dreaming of a better future in Abidjan, where he and his sister imagined a life far beyond their modest beginnings.
Diomandé recalled wearing a fake Manchester United shirt with “Ronaldo 07” written on the back in black marker and speaking with Roxane about one day moving to France.
“Do you remember when someone had bought me a fake United jersey and I’d written Ronaldo 07 on the back with a black marker? Do you remember when we’d sit around and dream of going to live in France?”
The Ivory Coast international said his sister was among the few people who believed in his talent when others doubted his chances of becoming a professional footballer.
According to Diomandé, his path to the top was far from straightforward. He underwent trials at several clubs, including Bournemouth, Chelsea, Rangers, Olympiakos and Crystal Palace, but failed to secure a breakthrough.
His difficulties worsened when his visa expired, forcing him to return to Africa and seemingly bringing his European ambitions to an end.
“My dream came to an end. They sent me back to Africa and we cried together.”
However, Roxane continued to encourage him and maintained her belief that he would eventually succeed.
That faith appeared justified when Diomandé later signed for Leganés, a moment he described as bringing a different kind of tears for the family.
The forward’s tribute then turned to the devastating loss that changed his life.
Diomandé revealed that Roxane died at the age of 15 after allegedly having something placed in her drink during a party.
“I picked up the phone and they didn’t even try to soften the blow. No emotions. Just: ‘Your sister is gone.'”
He added:
“Today, I feel nothing. It’s like I’m not even human anymore. Since you died, I’m just empty.”
Despite the grief, Diomandé said his sister’s memory remains the driving force behind his career.
As Ivory Coast prepare for the World Cup, he reflected on the significance of representing his country on football’s biggest stage, following in the footsteps of Ivorian greats such as Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré and Gervinho.
“Tomorrow, we’re heading to the World Cup. For real. It’s your brother going to play for Côte d’Ivoire.”
The teenager concluded with a promise to ensure his sister’s name is never forgotten.
“Every time I score a goal, I’m going to make sure everyone knows your name.”
And in perhaps the most powerful line of the letter, he vowed to fulfil the dream she always believed was possible.
“I’m going to fulfil what you predicted, I swear it. I’m going to prove you were right or I’ll die trying.”
For Diomandé, the World Cup represents more than the pinnacle of a football career. It is the fulfilment of a promise made to the sister who never stopped believing in him.
