Following his record-breaking move to Real Madrid that made him the most expensive African footballer in history, FIFA World Cup 2026 star Yan Diomande signs a long-term worldwide partnership with Sporty Group.

Sporty Group today announced Yan Diomande as its new Global Ambassador, just days after the Ivorian sensation completed his historic move to Real Madrid. The transfer not only became the biggest signing in the club’s history but also established Diomande as the most expensive African footballer of all time, completing one of the fastest and most remarkable rises in modern football.

When Yan Diomande made his professional football debut for CD Leganés, it came against Real Madrid, with Sporty Group’s leading media platform SportyTV on the front of his match shirt. Less than two years later, he returns to Madrid as the most expensive African footballer in history, a Real Madrid player, and Sporty Group’s newest Global Ambassador, in a deal facilitated by his agency, Roc Nation Sports International. Few partnerships can genuinely say they were there at the very beginning. Sporty Group can.

After excelling in the first team at CD Leganés, Diomande earned a move to RB Leipzig, where his development further accelerated before exploding onto the global stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026™. His pace, fearless attacking play and match-winning performances made him one of the defining stars of the tournament, confirming his status as one of the brightest young talents in world football before his record-breaking transfer to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Yan Diomande said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for me, not only because of where I am in my career, but because of what this partnership represents. Africa has always been a huge part of my story, and Sporty Group has become one of the companies helping transform the way millions of people across the continent experience football every single day. Their passion for the game, their investment in sport and the opportunities they continue to create for fans make this a partnership I’m incredibly proud to be part of.”

Sporty Group has rapidly established itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports media, entertainment and technology companies. Through SportyTV, SportyFM, SportyStudios and SportyBet, the Group reaches millions of fans every day across Africa and in markets like Brazil and Mexico through premium sports rights, original programming and innovative digital experiences.

During the World Cup, SportyTV delivered one of the tournament’s largest digital audiences, generating more than 1 billion views across its digital platforms while broadcasting the competition in multiple African markets via free-to-air television, digital streaming, and original programming. The tournament further cemented Sporty Group’s position as one of the continent’s leading sports media companies.

Diomande joins a growing roster of international ambassadors that already includes global music icons Burna Boy and DJ Khaled, and African idols like Asisat Oshoala, Benny McCarthy and Cheslin Kolbe, reflecting Sporty Group’s long-term strategy of partnering with world-class personalities across sport and entertainment.

As Global Ambassador, Diomande will represent Sporty Group across global campaigns, exclusive fan experiences and premium original content spanning every major brand within the Group.

The long-term partnership will provide Sporty Group with exclusive year-round access to Diomande through original documentaries, behind-the-scenes productions, interviews, training-ground access, matchday features, community initiatives, global campaigns and premium digital content designed to bring fans closer than ever to one of football’s biggest new stars.

One of the centrepieces of the collaboration will be a feature-length documentary that provides unprecedented access to one of the world’s most closely watched young footballers.

Elias Gallego, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing & Media at Sporty Group, said: “Yan is one of the most exciting young footballers in the world, not only because of his talent, but because of what he represents. His rise reflects the confidence, ambition and global outlook of a new generation of African talent. At Sporty Group, we’ve spent years building a company with that same mindset. We saw something special in Yan long before the rest of the world did, and watching his rise has been incredible. Now officially wearing the same badge is something we’re immensely proud of. He shares our ambition to think bigger, challenge expectations and inspire millions of fans, and I couldn’t imagine a better person to help write the next chapter of the Sporty story.”

The partnership reflects Sporty Group’s continued investment in world-class talent, premium storytelling and original content that connects fans with the athletes shaping the future of football.

Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International, said: “Yan’s rise has captured the attention of the football world, and this partnership reflects the scale of his ambition both on and off the pitch. Sporty Group has built an impressive global platform through premium sports content, innovation and authentic storytelling. This is far more than a traditional ambassador agreement. It’s a long-term collaboration that will strengthen Yan’s global profile while creating meaningful experiences for millions of supporters around the world. We’re proud to have worked alongside Sporty Group to bring this partnership together.”

From his professional debut at Leganés to becoming the most expensive African footballer in history, Sporty Group has witnessed every chapter of Yan Diomande’s rise. The next one will be told together.

Sporty Group is a global consumer technology company operating across sports media, sports broadcasting and digital entertainment. Through SportyTV, SportyFM, SportyStudios and SportyBet, the Group delivers premium live sports, original programming and innovative digital experiences to millions of fans across Africa and in markets such as Brazil and Mexico.