Former Ivory Coast midfielder Ismael Diomande announces retirement

Former Ivory Coast national team player Ismaël Diomande has announced his retirement from football. The midfielder played for a host of clubs in France, Turkey, and Romania.

The midfielder started his career in the youth side of local club ASEC Mimosas before moving to France. He is best remembered for his time at Saint-Étienne. Diomandé was part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. He was also included in the Ivorian team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Diomande Hangs Up His Boots

“Thank you! For me, at 33, it has been incredible, but everything has an end! I am retiring from sports! I will not leave the world of football because football has given me everything. Thank you again to everyone; it has been a great thrill. One page closes, a new one opens,” he wrote on Instagram.

The player also played for Caen, Konyaspor, Samsunspor, and Petrolul Ploiești. The 33-year-old had been without a club since 2024 after leaving the Romanian side Ploiești.

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