The Journey of Amad Diallo: From Ivory Coast to Old Trafford
Amad Diallo: From Ivory Coast to Italian Football
Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Amad Diallo emigrated to Italy at a young age, where his football journey began. He started playing for Boca Barco's youth team in 2014. Despite being the youngest player in a Christmas tournament, he emerged as the top scorer, showcasing immense promise at an early stage. Amad officially registered with Boca Barco on 14 January 2015, marking the start of his structured football training.
Amad’s exceptional performances at Boca Barco drew attention from several Serie A clubs. In 2015, he joined Atalanta's youth system, where he rapidly advanced through the ranks. Starting with the under-14 team, Amad progressed to the under-15 squad during the 2015–16 season, helping the team secure a league title by scoring in the final against Roma. His rise continued in subsequent seasons as he moved to the under-17 side in 2017–18, contributing 12 goals in 27 appearances.
In the 2018–19 season, Amad scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 16 under-17 matches. He also starred in the Campionato Primavera 1 (under-19 championship), netting six goals and creating six assists in 26 games, which played a vital role in Atalanta's league triumph. Amad’s standout performances earned him a spot in Atalanta's senior team, and he made his Serie A debut on 27 October 2019, scoring his first goal just four minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 7–1 victory against Udinese. This achievement made him the first player born in 2002 to score in Serie A.
During his time at Atalanta, Amad won back-to-back Campionato Primavera 1 titles and the Supercoppa Primavera, where he provided two crucial assists in a 2–1 victory over Fiorentina. His rapid growth and skillful play marked him as one of the most promising young talents in Italian football.
In 2021, Manchester United signed Amad for €21.3 million, recognizing his potential as a future star. While he initially played with the U-21 team to refine his skills, his journey continued with loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland, where he developed further and showcased his talent.
Amad Diallo: Rising Through Challenges at Manchester United
After gaining valuable experience during loan spells, Amad Diallo returned to Manchester United in 2023. Under Erik Ten Hag, he was given limited opportunities but made a significant impact as a substitute. Although Ten Hag favored Antony in the right-wing position, Amad’s few minutes on the field were enough to earn admiration from fans and hint at his immense potential.
Amad’s playing time increased during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief tenure as interim coach, where his skills and work ethic shone brightly. With Ruben Amorim taking over as Manchester United's head coach, Amad has gained more trust and has become a vital part of the team's strategy. His dribbling prowess, pressing ability, and the knack for curving shots into the top corners have made him a crucial asset on the right wing.
Beyond club football, Amad has represented Ivory Coast on the international stage. He was part of the squad that won the CAF championship, further cementing his reputation as a rising talent. Despite not being a regular starter in the national team, his contributions have been valuable, and his future in international football looks bright.
Amad Diallo’s contract with Manchester United is set to expire in 2025, but the club is already working on securing a long-term deal to ensure his future at Old Trafford. With consistent performances and the trust of his coaches, Amad is poised to become a cornerstone of Manchester United’s squad. Fans are eager to see how far this talented Ivorian can go, as he continues to rise as one of football's most promising young stars.
From his early days in Ivory Coast to his current role at Manchester United, Amad Diallo’s journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and extraordinary talent. His story is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
