Mouctar Diakhaby was born on 19 December 1996 in Vendôme, France, to two Guinean parents from Touba. Standing at a height of 1.92 meters (6 ft 4 in), he utilized his towering frame to develop a reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the football pitch. Diakhaby is a centre-back or defensive midfielder for La Liga club Valencia CF and is also a player for the Guinea national team. Hard work and passion for the sport are reasons why he has achieved so much.
The footballing career of Diakhaby began at USSA Vertou, where he obtained his early skills. He then moved to Nantes before returning to Vertou. His ability and talent earned him a spot to train with Lyon's youth academy in 2013, a turning point towards becoming a professional.
CAPTION: From the streets of Vendôme to La Liga glory. Mouctar Diakhaby’s rise is nothing short of inspiring. SOURCE: Instagram The move allowed him to hone his skills in a competitive environment, which eventually paved the way for the first team. His early life established the pattern for what was to follow, showing his ability to adapt and flourish in different environments.
Diakhaby started his professional career with Lyon, coming on as a substitute on September 10, 2016, in a Ligue 1 match against Bordeaux. He scored his debut goal for Lyon on November 30, 2016, against Nantes. He played a crucial role in the 2016–17 season for Lyon in their Europa League run, scoring important goals against AZ Alkmaar and AS Roma. In total, he made 34 appearances and scored two goals for Lyon's first team.
Diakhaby signed a five-year contract with Valencia CF in June 2018, and since then, he has been an integral player in the team. As of March 2025, he has played over 146 league games and scored eight goals for Valencia. Nonetheless, his time at the club was cut short by a serious knee injury on March 3, 2024, during a match against Real Madrid.
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Initially, Diakhaby represented France at various youth levels, including U19, U20, and U21. He earned caps and scored goals for these teams, showing his talent on the global stage. In 2022, he opted to switch allegiance to Guinea, making his debut against Egypt.
CAPTION: A new chapter, a new challenge. Representing Guinea with heart. SOURCE: Instagram Diakhaby featured in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has accumulated 16 caps with a single goal for Guinea as of March 2025. This transfer has allowed him to reconnect with his roots and represent the Guinean national team, bringing pride to his ancestry.
Diakhaby has maintained a stable performance throughout his career. For Lyon's B team, he had 55 games and 11 goals. For Lyon's senior team, he had 34 games with two goals. For Valencia, he has played over 146 league games and has eight goals to his name up to March 2025. Internationally, he has played for France at the youth level and plays for Guinea now, having played 16 games with one goal. His physicality and adaptability have been two of the main reasons behind his success throughout various teams.
Although there isn't any concrete information regarding team awards, Diakhaby has been a desirable player for Lyon and Valencia squads throughout his career. His contribution to European matches, particularly in Lyon, has been outstanding.
CAPTION: Hard work meets success. Diakhaby’s career highlights showcase his dedication to greatness. SOURCE: Instagram His presence within the defense arrangement at Valencia has been crucial in maintaining the competitive nature of the team in La Liga as well. His consistency and diligence have made his name a most prized position in the sport of football.
Diakhaby is highly regarded for his aerial dominance and physicality due to his height, which has been a huge bonus in defensive and attacking set pieces. He is an energetic player who can perform both as a central defender and defensive midfielder, and players like these are gold for any team.
His exposure to European competitions, particularly while playing for Lyon, has stood him in good stead to deal with top-flight football demands. Diakhaby is still a key player for Valencia and the Guinea national team and makes significant contributions to their cause. His tale is one of perseverance and passion for the sport.
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