Yan Diomandé Honors Late Sister Roxane in Emotional World Cup Letter

Yan Diomandé, a 19-year-old Ivorian footballer currently playing for RB Leipzig at his first FIFA World Cup, has published an emotional letter dedicated to his younger sister Roxane on The Players' Tribune. The letter, released on June 17, 2026, reflects on their childhood bond and her unwavering belief in his football career when others doubted him.

In the poignant message, Diomandé recalls their shared dreams of moving to France, recounting how Roxane envisioned him becoming wealthy and successful while she would have no worries. He emphasizes that she was the only person who consistently believed he would become like Cristiano Ronaldo when everyone else laughed at the prospect. Roxane died in 2025 at age 15 under tragic circumstances that Diomandé reveals were caused by someone placing something in her drink at a party, from which she never woke up.

Diomandé describes the profound emotional toll of her death, stating that he feels empty and detached, even struggling to cry on the day he learned of her passing. He grapples with questions about whether he could have protected her and whether her death resulted from jealousy or circumstances common to their country. Despite his grief, Diomandé has channeled his pain into his football, vowing to prove his sister's faith in him was justified.

The young attacker pledges that everything he accomplishes on the football pitch is dedicated to Roxane's memory. He states his intention to show the world what his sister saw in him and to fulfill her prediction that he would surpass Cristiano Ronaldo. Diomandé concludes the letter with a promise: "I will accomplish what you predicted, I swear it. I will prove you were right or I will die trying." He made an impressive debut at the World Cup in Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory against Ecuador and will lead his team against Germany on June 22 before concluding group play against Curaçao on June 25.