Real Madrid News
Real Madrid summer signing names Cristiano Ronaldo his idol: ‘The pictures say everything’
Real Madrid signed talented Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig this summer for a mammoth fee of €140 million.
That price tag was a clear reflection of the kind of faith Los Blancos had in the teenage sensation who had taken the Bundesliga by storm last season.
After signing for Madrid, Diomande reiterated that he was honoured to play for the Spanish club and that he was not feeling the pressure of the price tag.
‘Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol’
Now, speaking to Sporty TV in an interview, the African winger has admitted that he idolised Cristiano Ronaldo growing up.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol,” Diomande said.
The winger is now walking through the same training facilities where Ronaldo spent some of the greatest years of his career, and the photographs around the club have clearly made an impression on Madrid’s new signing.
“When I go to training, I look at his pictures. The pictures say everything,” he explained.
⚪️⚡️ Yan Diomande: “Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 21, 2026
“When I go to training, I look at his pictures, the pictures say everything”.
“The walk, the aura. I’m proud to play in the club my idol played in”, told @SportyTV. pic.twitter.com/HlC5Id0wAO
“The walk, the aura. I’m proud to play in the club my idol played in.”
For a young attacker arriving at Madrid with enormous expectations, there could hardly be a more appropriate reference point.
Following Ronaldo’s footsteps at Madrid
Ronaldo’s legacy at Real Madrid needs little introduction.
His combination of goals, personality, relentless ambition and ability to perform under pressure transformed him into one of the defining players in the club’s history.
Diomande is obviously at the very beginning of his own Madrid journey, and comparisons between the two would be premature.
However, if Diomande could even imbibe some of the mentality that Ronaldo showed, it would set him up for success in a massive way.
A dream becoming reality for Diomande
The Ivorian has made no attempt to hide what joining Madrid means to him.
He previously described the club’s call as a dream, admitting he could barely sleep after learning of their interest.
Now he is training surrounded by reminders of the player who helped shape that dream in the first place.
There will inevitably be pressure and difficult moments ahead. Diomande is young, the expectations are enormous and Jose Mourinho has serious competition throughout his attack.
However, if there is something Diomande can learn from his idol, it is that failures are always stepping stones to success.
Ronaldo never gave up in spite of the numerous times that he was written off and, perhaps, Madrid fans are getting ready to see Diomande write the next iconic chapter at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
