Mouctar Diakhaby

Mouctar Diakhaby made his first appearance in Ligue 1 for Olympique Lyon on September 10, 2016, against Bordeaux. Though he was at an early stage of his career, he managed to impress with his performance as a central defender. His debut marked the beginning of his professional journey in top-tier football, showcasing his potential and skill, which would lead to further opportunities, and eventually, his transfer to prominent football clubs in Europe.

Valencia CF announced the signing of Mouctar Diakhaby from Olympique Lyon on June 28, 2018. The French center-back joined the La Liga club on a five-year contract for a transfer fee reportedly worth around €15 million. Diakhaby's move to Spain was seen as a step up in his career, providing him with the opportunity to play in one of Europe's top leagues and further develop his skills on a larger stage, competing against elite football talents.

Mouctar Diakhaby was part of the Valencia CF squad that won the Copa del Rey on May 25, 2019, by defeating FC Barcelona 2-1 at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. Participating in such a significant victory so early in his tenure with the club was a highlight of Diakhaby's career in Spain, demonstrating his contribution to the team's defensive strength. The victory marked Valencia's first major trophy in over a decade, further validating Diakhaby's move to the club.

On November 29, 2020, during a La Liga match between Valencia CF and Cádiz CF, Mouctar Diakhaby was involved in an on-field incident that led to accusations of racial abuse against him. Diakhaby accused Cádiz player Juan Cala of racial insults, which prompted Diakhaby to leave the pitch, leading his teammates to follow. The incident sparked widespread discussion and concern over racism in football, drawing significant media attention and statements from football authorities.

Mouctar Diakhaby was at the center of a high-profile racism incident in La Liga when, on April 4, 2021, he claimed to be racially abused by Cádiz player Juan Cala during a match. In an unprecedented move, Valencia CF players left the field in support of Diakhaby, causing the match to be paused. The incident highlighted ongoing issues of racism in the sport, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for stricter measures to combat racism by clubs and institutions across the football world.

On January 12, 2022, Mouctar Diakhaby was excused from a Valencia CF training session for medical reasons. Although neither the club nor Diakhaby disclosed specifics, it was understood that the defender required rest and should address personal health matters. Such breaks are not uncommon in professional sports, where athletes often push their physical limits and occasionally need time to recover from minor injuries or to manage personal well-being.

On May 21, 2023, Mouctar Diakhaby played a crucial role in a match that helped save Valencia CF from relegation. Facing serious relegation threats, Valencia required points to secure their stay in La Liga. Diakhaby's performance was pivotal, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the club. Such performances underline Diakhaby's importance to the team's defensive lineup, contributing not just with his defensive skills but also by motivating his teammates to achieve crucial objectives.