Amad Diallo: A Journey Through His Football Career

Born on July 11, 2002, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Amad Diallo’s passion for football ignited at a young age. At just eight years old, he relocated to Italy, where his journey in football truly began. Amad joined the youth team of Boca Barco in September 2014, displaying early signs of his exceptional talent and determination.

Rise Through the Ranks: Atalanta Days

Youth Career (2015–2020)

Amad’s potential caught the attention of several top clubs while at Boca Barco, and in 2015, he joined Atalanta’s youth system. His rapid progress was evident as he moved through the ranks:

• 2015–16 Season: Started with the U-14s and quickly advanced to the U-15s, where he helped his team clinch the league title by scoring in the final against Roma.
  
• 2017–19 Seasons: Scored 12 goals in 27 matches for the U-17s and contributed 18 goal involvements in 26 games for Atalanta’s U-19s, winning back-to-back Campionato Primavera 1 titles.
  
• 2019: Played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Supercoppa Primavera triumph, providing two assists in a 2–1 victory over Fiorentina.

Senior Career (2019–2021)

Amad made his Serie A debut on October 27, 2019, scoring just four minutes after being substituted in during a 7–1 win over Udinese, becoming the first player born in 2002 to score in Serie A. He also featured in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League squad during this period.

Manchester United: A Star Emerges

2021–2023: Early Days and Loan Spells

In October 2020, Manchester United agreed to sign Amad for a reported fee of €21.3 million, rising to €37 million with bonuses. Officially joining the club in January 2021, Amad made an immediate impact:

• Europa League Debut: Scored his first United goal with a clever header in a 1–1 draw against AC Milan.
  
• Premier League Contributions: Assisted Mason Greenwood’s goal against Leicester City, marking a rare moment where two teenagers combined for a Premier League goal.

Amad gained valuable experience during loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland. At Rangers, he scored on his debut, while at Sunderland, he became their top scorer for the season, netting 14 goals, including a stunning free kick in the play-off semi-finals.

2023–25: Breakthrough at United

Returning to Manchester United, Amad showcased his growth and versatility:

• 2023–24 Season Highlights: Scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup quarter-finals against Liverpool and his first Premier League goal against Newcastle United.
  
• 2024–25 Season: Flourished under new head coach Ruben Amorim. Key performances included a hat-trick against Southampton and a match-winning goal against Manchester City in the derby. By January 2025, Amad had signed a new contract extending his stay until 2030.

Amad Diallo’s Historic Feat

At 22 years and 189 days old, Diallo became the second-youngest player to score a Premier League hat-trick for Manchester United, a record previously held by Wayne Rooney. This achievement not only underscores his burgeoning talent but also highlights his potential to be a key figure in United’s future endeavors.

International Career

Amad debuted for the Ivory Coast senior team in March 2021 during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He scored his first international goal through a stunning 97th-minute free kick in a friendly against Burkina Faso. Representing the U-23 team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Amad played in four matches, assisting a crucial goal in their win over Saudi Arabia.

Player Profile

• Youth Career: Boca Barco (2014–2015), Atalanta (2015–2019)
• Senior Career: Atalanta, Manchester United, Rangers (loan), Sunderland (loan)
• International Career: Ivory Coast (2021–Present)

Legacy in the Making

Amad Diallo’s story is one of talent, determination, and resilience. From his humble beginnings in the Ivory Coast to making waves in European football, Amad’s journey is an inspiration to young footballers worldwide. With his skill, versatility, and relentless drive, the future looks incredibly bright for this rising star.