On Sunday, almost everyone is expected to be available for Real Madrid’s final pre-season friendly against Schalke 04, with the exception of several injured players such as Raúl Asencio, Pitarch and Éder Militão. The Brazilian centre-back is making encouraging progress in his recovery. He has already returned to individual work with the ball, but Real Madrid are not expecting him to make his competitive comeback before October.
This week has nevertheless brought several positive developments for Mourinho. The last internationals have returned to training after receiving additional rest following their summer commitments, and the Portuguese coach hopes to give some of them their first minutes of the pre-season against Schalke.
Until now, it has been difficult to judge what Mourinho’s Real Madrid will truly look like because several major players have been missing. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni have only recently returned, while new signings such as Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande are also gradually being integrated into the squad.
The Schalke friendly could therefore provide supporters with their clearest indication yet of the team Mourinho intends to build for the new season.
Diomande is creating huge excitement
Kylian Mbappé immediately reminded everyone of his quality after returning to training, scoring a spectacular goal during one of the sessions at Valdebebas. Jude Bellingham’s return has also attracted plenty of attention.
However, neither the French superstar nor the England international is currently generating the greatest excitement around Real Madrid’s training ground.
That distinction belongs to Yan Diomande.
The young Ivory Coast international has reportedly impressed almost everyone since beginning work with his new teammates. According to ESPN, there is already something close to a “craze” surrounding the winger inside Madrid, with coaches, teammates and supporters particularly excited by his early performances.
José Mourinho is also said to be delighted with what he has seen.
Beyond Diomande’s technical ability, pace and attacking qualities, the Real Madrid coach has reportedly been impressed by the youngster’s attitude. His humility and willingness to learn have stood out during his first days at Valdebebas, two qualities Mourinho considers essential for a player who still has plenty of room to develop.
According to El Debate, Mourinho is already considering Diomande as a potential starter this season, underlining just how quickly the new signing has made an impression.
Expectations, however, are enormous.
Yan Diomande est trop chaud ❤️🔥😍
— varan🐊 2.0 🇨🇮 (@luca_varan) August 13, 2026
Vous n’êtes pas prêt pour sa saison pic.twitter.com/R84ofkAt6c
Real Madrid reportedly invested around €140 million including bonuses to complete the deal, making Diomande the most expensive signing in the club’s history. The transfer fee inevitably brings significant pressure, especially for such a young player arriving at one of the most demanding clubs in world football.
Diomande has also made history by becoming the first Ivorian player to represent Real Madrid.
Now the supporters are waiting for the next step. If Mourinho decides to give him minutes against Schalke 04 on Sunday, Real Madrid fans could finally get their first real glimpse of the player who is already causing such excitement behind the scenes at Valdebebas.
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