Thiago Freitas, Chief Operating Officer at Roc Nation Sports, spoke to Marca about several players represented by the agency, including Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Yan Diomandé.
Roc Nation has strengthened its presence at Real Madrid this summer. Following Vinicius Jr’s contract extension and the arrival of Yan Diomandé, the agency founded by Jay-Z now represents two major figures at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After a summer filled with complicated negotiations that ultimately ended positively, both players have endured contrasting starts to the season. Diomandé has struggled for regular playing time, while Vinicius has faced criticism over his efficiency in front of goal. José Mourinho, however, remains confident that he can make his attacking quartet of Vinicius, Diomandé, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham work.
Thiago Freitas has now explained Roc Nation’s plans for its two stars in Madrid.
Speaking about the agency, Freitas said: “Roc Nation’s sports division was born from Jay-Z’s passion for sport, initially traditional American sports, before expanding into other disciplines through Roc Nation’s international division.”
He also explained the company’s philosophy: “We want to bring a large part of American sports culture into football so that athletes become icons away from the pitch and are not seen only as football players. The world has changed significantly over the last five, ten, fifteen or twenty years, and there is still plenty to develop.”
Vinicius extension was always the logical outcome
Regarding Vinicius’ contract renewal, Freitas compared the negotiations to a movie saga.
“This process was handled by our CEO, Federico Peña. This contract between Vini and Real Madrid was like a trilogy of romantic comedies. Throughout the films there are conflicts, problems and obstacles. But we all know how the movie ends: with a big kiss and everybody happy.”
Asked about previous rumours suggesting Vinicius could leave Madrid, he added: “You only have to look at the history of all the players who have represented Real Madrid over the last 20 or 30 years. None of them wanted to leave.”
“Diomandé is like Halley’s Comet”
Freitas was particularly enthusiastic when discussing Yan Diomandé.
“We always have our eyes on the stars, but while you are looking at the stars, sometimes a comet appears. Yan, among those stars, is like Halley’s Comet, something that appears only every eight or ten years. When the opportunity to work with him arrived, we didn’t hesitate.”
He admitted negotiations with RB Leipzig were difficult because of Diomandé’s potential.
“A player of this level is someone every club wants to keep. We knew it would be a huge challenge.”
🚨 NEW: At Valdebebas, they say that Yan Diomande has a “talent rarely seen”. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/OYwNMP8OaH
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 7, 2026
Several European giants, including Paris Saint-Germain, were interested in the Ivorian winger, but Freitas believes Real Madrid’s attraction made the difference.
“Many of the biggest, richest and most prestigious clubs in the world were interested in Yan. But I always say that, for players, Real Madrid is the Pelé of football clubs. When Real Madrid becomes interested in a player, there is very little the other clubs can do. Players want to come to Madrid.”
Freitas believes Diomandé can provide the unpredictability Real Madrid need against defensive opponents.
“Yan can surprise people. Real Madrid often face teams whose main objective is simply not to lose. They therefore need players capable of destabilising defensive structures and creating unexpected situations. Yan has all those qualities, and he is also extremely ambitious. To succeed at Real Madrid, you need enormous ambition.”
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