“I haven’t washed it yet”: World Cup star recalls swapping jerseys with Kylian Mbappé on his debut
efore Kylian Mbappé made his mark on the world of soccer, he had his role models, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he has always said he admires. However, as time has passed and he’s played matches for France and his clubs, he has become one of the sport’s most influential figures.
A testament to this is the story of a young Ivorian forward—one of the standout performers of the 2026 World Cup—who shared that he still keeps the jersey the French striker gave him and hasn’t even brought himself to wash it.
World Cup star recalls swapping jerseys with Kylian Mbappé on his debut
Yan Diomande has not only drawn attention following his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—where he provided a key assist in the victory over Curaçao—but also for a curious confession.
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The Ivorian RB Leipzig player revealed in an interview with Men in Blazers (via @MadridXtra) that Mbappé was the first player with whom he exchanged jerseys during his professional debut, and that he treasures it exactly as Kylian gave it to him:
“I swapped shirts with Kylian Mbappe in my pro debut, and I still haven’t washed it,” he said with a laugh, adding:
“How it was swapping shirts with Mbappe? He asked ms if it was my first game, and I said yes. If was cool and I was so happy to seal shirts with him,” he revealed.
The anecdote reflects the impact that moment had on the young soccer player, who was able to share the field with Mbappé at a key stage in his career. The French forward, already established as an international star, served as a special role model for Diomande as he took his first steps in professional soccer.
The 19-year-old Ivorian made his debut as a Leganés player in LaLiga during the 2024–25 season and, following a successful campaign, was signed by RB Leipzig. However, years after that jersey swap, the jersey continues to represent a special moment for the player, who is now in a phase of growth in his career and is being scouted by major clubs on the international stage.
According to reports (via Sportskeeda), Diomande has made clear his desire to play for Kylian Mbappé’s former club, Paris Saint-Germain, despite interest from Liverpool, and will command a transfer fee of more than 100 million euros when he eventually leaves Leipzig—a move that could take place this summer.
