These Ivorian players out of form at the start of the season
A few days before the start of the CAN 2025 qualifiers, Hervé Renard may have some questions. With which players and in what current form should he approach this new campaign? Several Ivorian players are far from their best at the start of the 2026-2027 season. Between adapting to a new club and average performances, some Elephants are struggling.
John ATTISSO · Author profile ·
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Yan Diomandé
Recruited for a hefty price (140 million euros), Yan Diomandé is just a shadow of himself at the start of the season at Real Madrid. The Ivorian winger is not, for now, José Mourinho's first choice on the right. After 6 matches, the former RB Leipzig player has not been decisive (0 goals and 0 assists).
During his first start, on Saturday, against Rayo Vallecano, the 19-year-old prodigy failed to seize his opportunity. In 72 minutes, he did not show much. He had one shot, off target. He really did not influence the Merengues' attacking play.
Evann Guessand
Not part of Aston Villa's plans, Evann Guessand has once again joined Crystal Palace on loan. The Ivorian international striker is clearly experiencing a prolonged dip in form. Invisible at the 2026 World Cup with the Elephants, he is not making an impact with the Eagles in the Premier League. 0 goals, 0 assists: that's his record after 2 matches with the London club.
Ange-Yoan Bonny
A gloomy start to the season for Ange-Yoan Bonny with Inter Milan. Although he remains a good target man and has the ability to play well with his back to goal in order to push the team forward, he is silent offensively, which is actually supposed to be his main role. He was not decisive with the Elephants at the 2026 World Cup. In this start to the season, he is repeating his stats with the Italian club. In 3 matches, he has neither scored nor provided an assist.
Seko Fofana
Back at FC Porto on loan after a successful first loan stint, Seko Fofana still needs to raise his game to convince his coach. For now, the Ivorian midfielder does not have the favor of Francesco Farioli. The Italian manager has only let him play 3 matches, totaling just 18 minutes on the field. The former RC Lens player is struggling.