Assane Diao, finally freed from physical setbacks

Assane Diao is walking on water at the start of this season. With Côme, the 21-year-old left winger has once again donned the role of attack leader. The Senegalese is becoming increasingly decisive. A great season ahead.

A 2025-2026 season to forget quickly

Assane Diao couldn't keep up the momentum. After an interesting half-season, the Senegal international was expected to have an even greater impact in his first full season. Unfortunately, the native of Ndongane suffered a long injury spell with several setbacks.

Last season, Assane Diao missed 23 games in all competitions due to several injuries; to his foot, hamstrings, and a muscle injury. He played only 20 matches in all competitions, totaling 1,157 minutes, for 2 goals and one assist. These injuries deprived him of the 2025 AFCON with Senegal.

His poor form did not allow him to have an impact on Senegal's game at the 2026 World Cup. He played only 10 minutes against Iraq during the third and final matchday of the group stage. The Lions had won (5-0).

Physically ready, Assane Diao shines with Côme

It's an open secret. Assane Diao is a real talent. If he is fit physically, he is simply unplayable. And he is proving it this season with Côme. He is already involved in 4 goals—3 scored and one assist in 4 appearances.

On Thursday at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in the Champions League, the Senegalese scored a goal, helping his team beat (4-1) RB Leipzig. He was very lively on the right side. His Champions League debut will remain unforgettable, as he was a constant threat to his opponent. He had a 79% pass completion rate, 100% accuracy on long balls, 5 recoveries, 2 tackles won out of 4, and 10 ground duels won out of 14.

“We couldn't have wished for a better start (beginning with a win). I'm happy about this victory in front of our fans. My first goal in the Champions League? It's every footballer's dream; I've watched Champions League matches on TV all my life. After the match in Genoa, I was thinking about that famous anthem, and today it was magnificent. Everyone should dream, it's the most beautiful thing. Today, a dream came true.”, he said to Sky.

Assane Diao is heading towards a very high-level 2026-2027 season.