Star of the 2023 U17 World Cup
Ibrahim Diarra is not necessarily a player who still speaks to the general public, but he has been able to show himself internationally. During the U17 World Cup in 2023, he was one of the leaders of an impressive and talented Malian selection. If Hamidou Makalou particularly stood out by being elected Silver Ball of the tournament (2nd best player), Ibrahim Diarra obtained the Silver Shoe which rewards the second best scorer of the tournament. Author of 5 goals, he scored only one goal in the group stage against Canada (5-1), before distinguishing himself against Mexico in the 1/8 final (5-0), Morocco in the quarter-final (1-0), France in the semi-final (1-2) and Argentina for the small final (3-0). Bronze medalist with Mali who he was able to carry into the final phase on the offensive level, Ibrahim Diarra is one of the strong men of a golden generation who may quickly show up for Mali.
A conclusive test
Quickly, his performances caught the eye of European teams, notably FC Barcelona. The Catalan club quickly took the lead in the matter and even offered the player a tryout. An experience which took place at the beginning of 2024 and which was convincing since FC Barcelona remained in constant contact with the player until he officially signed yesterday. The Blaugranas were waiting for his majority to definitively conclude an agreement with the player who is committed until June 2028. His official arrival is planned in the coming weeks since there are still administrative procedures to be finalized. In recent weeks, he had arrived with another player from his club Académie Africa Foot. Thus, the young Arouna Traoré (17 years old) was able to discover the Catalan club in his turn.
The Malian Kaka
When a young player breaks out quickly, he quickly receives a nickname and this was not lacking for Ibrahim Diarra. The 18-year-old is already being called the Malian Kaka. Right winger capable of playing on the left flank, but especially as a number 10, the one who is left-handed unlike the 2007 Ballon d’Or, has a profile that is similar. A player with a great vision of the game and a strong sense of anticipation, Ibrahim Diarra is a player who is already very mature on the pitch. Capable of creating, scoring, but also of being altruistic towards his teammates, he has great technical qualities. Physically, he is also ready since he has regularly been brilliantly outclassed.
In the footsteps of Seydou Keita
By joining FC Barcelona, Ibrahim Diarra follows in the footsteps of a Malian legend. Indeed, midfielder Seydou Keita had a nice stint with Catalonia between 2008 and 2012. The former player of Olympique de Marseille, Lorient and Lens had played four seasons with the Blaugranas before leaving for China . A golden period for him since he won the Champions League in 2009 and 2011 as well as the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup also in 2009 and 2011. Winner of La Liga in 2009, 2010 and 2011, he thus won two Copa del Rey (2009 and 2012) and three Spanish Super Cups (2009, 2010 and 2011). A solid record for the midfielder who played 188 matches (22 goals) in Pep Guardiola’s squad. He will be a good example to follow for young Ibrahim Diarra.
Called up for selection at 15
A precocious player, Ibrahim Diarra was called up for the Malian selection at just 15 years old in November 2022 by Eric Chelle. He thus beat the record of “The Black Panther”, the former Stéphanois Salif Keïta, which dated from 1963. The one who was the first African Ballon d’Or was 16 years old at the time. Coming back to Ibrahim Diarra, he only discovered the squad for a match against Algeria, but did not play. Called up in the same way as Mamadou Doumbia (Watford) and Bourama Kone (Yeelen) with the Eagles, he confirms the rise in power of this Malian generation born in 2006.
