Yan Diomandé is the name on everyone’s lips heading into the FIFA World Cup, and the people saying it loudest are the men who face him every single day in training. RB Leipzig centre-backs Castello Lukeba and Willi Orbán have both backed the 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger to announce himself on the biggest stage of all — and given what they witness at Cottaweg on a daily basis, it’s not hard to see why.
Yan Diomandé World Cup Hype Comes Straight from the Training Ground
Lukeba, who at 23 is himself no stranger to transfer speculation — ESPN have reported links to Arsenal and Liverpool — pulled no punches when discussing his teammate. “I know it’s difficult to play against him — that’s why I prefer to play with him. He’s very dangerous,” the France international told ESPN. He went further, too. “He had a great season; he’s a rising star. I think now the world knows him. I think, after the World Cup, he will also show how much greatness he has. I just want him to shine because he deserves it.”
Significantly, those words carry real weight. Leipzig have reportedly set an opening valuation of €130 million for Diomandé, with Liverpool and European champions Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs circling. That’s the market placing enormous faith in a teenager who hasn’t even played a World Cup game yet.
Meanwhile, Hungarian captain Orbán was equally effusive. “It’s unbelievable coming up against him in training,” the 33-year-old said. “He’s such a humble guy and an unbelievable player. This season he had unbelievable development. I’m really a fan of him.” High praise from a defender who has seen it all — though unfortunately for Orbán, he won’t be watching Diomandé from the dugout in North America.
Ivory Coast’s Group E Challenge — and Orbán’s World Cup Absence
Ivory Coast enter the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao, kicking off their campaign against Ecuador on 14 June. Moreover, with Germany in the same group, Orbán will get his wish of seeing Diomandé tested against top-tier opposition — just not in the colours he’d have wanted opposite him.
Hungary’s absence is a painful one. Orbán wasn’t even born when his nation last featured at a World Cup — Mexico 1986 — and cruelly, the 2026 tournament is co-hosted by that very same country. Hungary finished third in European Qualifying Group F behind Portugal and the Republic of Ireland, falling just short of an extraordinary 40-year return. It’s a bitter pill.
As for Leipzig, the squad rounded off their pre-tournament schedule with a 3-1 friendly defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. The result matters little. All eyes are on what Diomandé does next.