Amad Diallo: The Exciting Ivorian Trickster & Winger

Amad Diallo is an exciting and tricky winger who primarily plays as a right winger and is regarded as one of the best talents out of Africa. The Manchester United star is part of a youthful Manchester United side gracing the pitch at Old Trafford.

At Manchester United, he has been one of the exciting performers alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes. His career is one of a prodigious talent living out his dreams at the Theatre of Dreams. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we explore his adventures and career trajectory.

Player Profile – Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a winger or midfielder for Manchester United in the Premier League and the Ivory Coast national team.

Originally from the Ivory Coast, Amad moved to Italy as a child and joined Atalanta’s youth academy in 2015, where he won two Campionato Primavera 1 titles.

He made his senior debut in 2019, becoming the first player born in 2002 to score in Serie A. In January 2021, Amad signed with Manchester United and has since had loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland.

Amad made his senior debut for the Ivory Coast in March 2021 during a qualification match for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Player Profile Overview

Amad Diallo’s Early Life and Background

Amad Diallo was born on July 11, 2002, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and is the son of Marina Edwige and Hamed Mamadou Traore.

He grew up with his older brother, Hamed Traore, and both shared a deep love for football, training together and dreaming of successful careers in the sport from a young age.

Although originally from Ivory Coast, the brothers were allegedly trafficked to Italy, leading to a major criminal scandal and raising questions about their biological connection.

Amad Diallo’s Playing Style and Strengths

Amad Diallo is a versatile and dynamic winger known for his exceptional dribbling skills, quick footwork, and pace. His technical proficiency and creativity enable him to manoeuvre through tight spaces, take on defenders, and create scoring opportunities.

He can various attacking roles, and his vision allows him to deliver key passes and crosses. Amad is also an effective finisher, showing composure in front of goal. Additionally, he contributes defensively with a good work rate, making him a well-rounded and promising young talent in football.

First Glimpses of Amad’s Talent: Youth Academy

Amad Diallo began his journey at Boca Barco in Ivory Coast before moving to Atalanta in 2015, initially playing with the U14 team but quickly advancing to the U15s. In the 2015-16 season, he scored in the final of the league title against Roma, propelling Atalanta to victory.

During the 2018-19 season, Diallo scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 16 games for the U17s, and contributed six goals and six assists in 26 games in the Campionato Primavera 1, winning the league title.

In 2019, Amad Diallo helped Atalanta secure the Supercoppa Primavera by assisting both goals in a 2-1 win over Fiorentina. That same year, he contributed six goals and six assists in 25 league games, leading Atalanta to win the Campionato Primavera 1 for the second consecutive season.

Breakthrough to the First Team at Atalanta

Amad Diallo made his Serie A debut during the 2019-20 season, as a 79th-minute substitute against Udinese, scoring his first goal for the club on his debut four minutes later in the match. His goal made him the first player born in 2002 to score in the Italian top flight.

The following season, Amad’s first league game came as a 77th-minute substitute against Hellas Verona in a 2-0 home loss. He made his Champions League debut as a 68th-minute substitute against Midtjylland in a 1–1 home draw.

Amad Diallo Signs for Premier League Giants Manchester United

Manchester United signed Amad Diallo on a five-year contract with an option for an extra year allowing him to play alongside elite stars like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Amad Diallo made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his debut for the Under-23 team in a 6-3 victory over Liverpool. He made his first-team debut as a substitute in a 4-0 Europa League win over Real Sociedad. He scored his first goal for Manchester United, in a 1-1 draw against AC Milan in the Europa League round of 16.

Loan Moves to Scotland and the Championship

Amad Diallo was loaned to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership club for the rest of the 2021-22 season. He made a scoring debut in a 3-3 away draw against Ross County. However, his time at the Old Firm club was less than stellar as he failed to make an impact.

The Ivorian star joined Sunderland in the EFL Championship on a season-long loan for the 2022-23 season. He scored his first goal for Sunderland in a 4-2 home defeat to Burnley.

Amad Diallo put in a string of impressive performances for the Black Cats and in December, after scoring three goals in five games, Amad was awarded the EFL Young Player of the Month.

He ended the season as Sunderland’s top goal scorer with 14 goals and 4 assists in all competitions, including a notable 25-yard free kick in the play-off semi-final against Luton Town. Amad won the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Year for his performances with the club.

Return to Manchester United and Winning the FA Cup

Amad made his return to Manchester United after over two seasons and played his first game in two years coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 league loss to Nottingham Forest.

He endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful when he scored a dramatic last-minute winning goal in a 4–3 FA Cup quarter-final victory against Liverpool.

Amad’s goal sent Manchester United on their way to the final where they beat bitter rivals Manchester City 2-1 courtesy of goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. During the season, Amad’s scored his first Premier League goal in a 3–2 win over Newcastle United.

Amad Diallo’s International Career

Amad was first called up to the Ivory Coast national team in March 2021 for Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Niger and Ethiopia. He debuted against Niger as a substitute and scored his first international goal in a friendly against Burkina Faso, securing a 2–1 victory with a 97th-minute free kick.

In July 2021, Amad was included in the Ivory Coast under-23 team for the 2020 Summer Olympics. He made his Olympic debut on 22 July, assisting a goal in a 2–1 win against Saudi Arabia, and went on to make four appearances in the tournament.

He continued to make the national team playing alongside the likes of Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller. However, a mix of injury and lack of playing time with Man United made him miss out on Ivory Coast’s triumph in the 2023 African Cup of Nations play on home soil.

Influences and Idols

Amad Diallo disclosed that he admired Paul Pogba before joining Manchester United and even mentioned that Pogba’s influence played a role in his decision to sign with The Red Devils.

Amad Diallo’s Personal Life and Interests

Amad Diallo is a devout Muslim who has spoken about his frequent prayers. To dedicate himself fully to Ramadan and his football career without distractions, he decided to delete his Instagram account.

Off-field Controversies

In July 2020, an investigation by the Parma prosecutor’s office uncovered football player trafficking involving Hamed Mamadou Traorè and Amad.

Hamed was accused of posing as their father to facilitate their immigration. On February 9, 2021, Amad was found guilty of falsifying documents to join ASD Boca Barco in 2015 and was fined €48,000.

Conclusion

Amad Diallo’s journey from Abidjan to international football highlights his remarkable talent and dedication and his breakthrough for Manchester United underscores his talents.

With the bulk of his career ahead of home, the sky is the limit for Amad. As he continues to develop, Amad Diallo is poised to make a significant impact in the world of football.