Assane Diao

Assane Diao Diaoune (born 7 September 2005) is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Serie A club Como and the Senegal national team.

Club career

Betis

Diao is a youth product of Badajoz, Flecha Negra and Balón de Cádiz, before moving to the youth academy of Real Betis in 2021, on a contract until 2024. Originally a midfielder, his attacking skills led to him being molded in to a left winger, and he started playing with the reserves in the Segunda Federación in 2022.

On 26 July 2023, Diao extended his contract with the club until 2027. He made his senior and professional debut with the Verdiblancos as a late substitute in a 1–0 Europa League loss to Rangers on 21 September 2023. Later that month, on 28 September, he scored his first goal on his La Liga debut in a 1–1 away draw against Granada. A week later, on 5 October, he netted his first goal in European competitions in a 2–1 victory over Sparta Prague. On 7 December, after coming on as a substitute, he scored his second La Liga goal, a 90 4' equalizer in a 2-2 draw against FC Barcelona.

Como

On 7 January 2025, Betis announced Diao's transfer to Italian Serie A side Como 1907. The fee was reported at around €12 million. On 23 February 2025, Diao scored a 77th minute goal vs Napoli to secure a 2–1 win vs the league leaders. As a result, Inter Milan overtook Napoli in the table.

International career

Born in Senegal, Diao moved to Spain at the age of three and has dual citizenship. He played for the nation's under-19 team at the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

On 19 March 2025, Diao's request to switch international allegiance to Senegal was approved by FIFA.

Style of play

Originally a midfielder, Diao is a strong, and powerful winger who is great at crossing the ball. Primarily right-footed, he is strong with both feet. He has a powerful technique, and strong heading ability.