“He reminds me of Rivaldo or Lamine Yamal” – Barcelona-bound forward receives high praise from coach after sealing transfer

“He reminds me of Rivaldo or Lamine Yamal” - Barcelona-bound forward receives high praise from coach after sealing transfer

Barcelona's new signee Ibrahim Diarra has been compared with La Masia graduate Lamine Yamal and club legend Rivaldo by current head coach of the Mali U-17 team, Soumaila Coulibaly. Diarra recently signed a four-year contract with Barcelona from Africa Foot Academy for a reported fee of €1.7 million.

However, he will begin his development with La Blaugrana’s reserve team, Barca Athletic. While information about Diarra’s stats at Africa Foot Academy are unknown, the 18-year-old was impressive for his national team in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.