News Focus
- The 19-year-old beat strong competition to claim the prestigious honour
- He scored 12 goals and provided 8 assists across 33 appearances
- He succeeds Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as the award holder
- The striker will represent Ivory Coast at the upcoming 2026 World Cup
RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande has clinched the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award for the 2025-26 campaign. The German broadcaster Sky Germany and the Saxony-based club confirmed the news this afternoon.
The teenage Ivorian enjoyed a remarkable first year in Germany’s top flight. He found the net 12 times and set up 8 more goals in 33 league matches. A panel of fans, clubs, and experts select the winner. They first choose monthly champions before picking the overall season winner.
Diomande takes over from Michael Olise. The French winger won the prize last season.
The Bundesliga enforces strict rules for this award. Players must be younger than 23 when the season begins. They cannot have previous Bundesliga experience. They must also have played fewer than 450 minutes in the league.
The talented youngster will now join his national side. He is set to feature for Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup finals.