Mohamed Diaby
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Lamine Mohamed Diaby is a French professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Portimonense in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Born on September 3, 1996, in Grasse, France, Diaby has had a diverse career spanning multiple clubs in Portugal and England. He began his professional journey with S.C. Salgueiros before moving to C.D. Santa Clara and later F.C. Paços de Ferreira, where he established himself as a regular in the Primeira Liga. Diaby's performances in Portugal caught the attention of English club Sheffield Wednesday, who secured his services on a season-long loan for the 2023/24 Championship campaign. However, his time in England was marred by injury, limiting his appearances. Despite the setback, Diaby returned to action in January 2024, demonstrating his resilience and determination. His career has been characterized by steady progression through the ranks of Portuguese football, showcasing his adaptability and technical skills in midfield.
Early life & youth football
Born in Grasse, a town in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France, Diaby likely developed his football skills in local youth academies.
Professional career
In the 2018/19 season, Mohamed Diaby played for C.D. Santa Clara in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. This was a significant step up for the young midfielder, as it marked his first full season in Portugal's top flight. Diaby made 27 appearances across all competitions for Santa Clara, scoring one goal and providing two assists. His performances helped the club secure a comfortable mid-table finish in their first season back in the Primeira Liga after a 15-year absence. Diaby's ability to adapt to the higher level of competition was evident, as he quickly established himself as a regular in the team's midfield. His technical skills and work rate made him a valuable asset to Santa Clara, contributing both defensively and in attacking build-up play. The experience gained during this season was crucial for Diaby's development, exposing him to top-level Portuguese football and helping him refine his game. While his statistical output was modest, his overall contributions to the team's play and his consistent appearances demonstrated the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.The 2019/20 season saw Mohamed Diaby continue his development at C.D. Santa Clara. He built on the experience gained in the previous campaign, becoming an even more integral part of the team. Diaby made 30 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing three assists. His increased offensive output reflected his growing confidence and influence on the pitch. Santa Clara improved on their previous season's performance, finishing in a higher league position, with Diaby playing a significant role in this success. His versatility was on display throughout the season, as he was deployed in various midfield positions, showcasing his ability to adapt to different tactical setups. Diaby's performances caught the eye of several clubs, both in Portugal and abroad, as he continued to establish himself as one of the promising young midfielders in the Primeira Liga. The season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Diaby remained a consistent performer when play resumed, helping Santa Clara navigate the challenging circumstances and finish the season strongly.In the 2020/21 season, Mohamed Diaby made a move to F.C. Paços de Ferreira, another Primeira Liga club. This transfer represented a step up in his career, joining a team with ambitions of challenging for European qualification. Diaby quickly became a key player for Paços de Ferreira, making 32 appearances across all competitions and contributing three goals and four assists. His performances were instrumental in helping the club secure a fifth-place finish in the league, their highest position in over a decade. This achievement earned Paços de Ferreira qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League, marking Diaby's first involvement in European competition. His ability to control the tempo of games and his improved offensive contributions made him one of the standout midfielders in the league. Diaby's successful adaptation to his new club demonstrated his growing maturity as a player and his ability to perform consistently at a high level. The season was a significant milestone in his career, as he played a crucial role in one of Paços de Ferreira's most successful campaigns in recent history.The 2021/22 season saw Mohamed Diaby continue his impressive form for F.C. Paços de Ferreira. He made 35 appearances across all competitions, including his debut in European football as Paços de Ferreira participated in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers. Diaby scored four goals and provided six assists throughout the season, further enhancing his reputation as a creative and dynamic midfielder. His performances were crucial in helping Paços de Ferreira navigate a challenging campaign, which included balancing domestic and European commitments. Although the club couldn't replicate the previous season's high finish, Diaby's consistent displays ensured they remained competitive in the Primeira Liga. His ability to perform in high-pressure European matches demonstrated his growth as a player and his readiness to compete at a higher level. Diaby's performances continued to attract attention from larger clubs, both in Portugal and across Europe, as he established himself as one of the most promising midfielders in the Portuguese league. The season was marked by Diaby's increased leadership on the pitch, taking on more responsibility in orchestrating Paços de Ferreira's play.In the 2022/23 season, Mohamed Diaby continued to be a key figure for F.C. Paços de Ferreira. He made 31 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists. However, this season proved to be challenging for both Diaby and the club. Paços de Ferreira struggled in the Primeira Liga, ultimately finishing in the relegation zone. Despite the team's difficulties, Diaby's performances remained largely consistent, and he was often a bright spot in a difficult campaign. His ability to maintain his level of play under challenging circumstances demonstrated his mental strength and professionalism. Diaby's efforts to help the club avoid relegation, although ultimately unsuccessful, did not go unnoticed by other teams. His performances throughout the season, even in adversity, continued to attract interest from clubs in Portugal and abroad. The experience of fighting against relegation, while difficult, provided Diaby with valuable experience in dealing with high-pressure situations and further developed his leadership skills on the pitch.The 2023/24 season marked a significant change in Mohamed Diaby's career as he joined Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan from Portimonense. This move represented his first experience of English football, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Diaby's transition to the Championship was initially promising, as he quickly adapted to the physical demands of the league. However, his season was disrupted by an injury that limited his appearances. Despite this setback, Diaby managed to make 9 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, providing 2 assists. His technical ability and vision were evident in the games he played, offering glimpses of what he could bring to the team when fully fit. The injury forced Diaby to spend a significant portion of the season on the sidelines, working on his rehabilitation. Despite the limited playing time, the experience of English football and the different style of play in the Championship provided valuable learning opportunities for Diaby. Upon his return to fitness in January 2024, he showed determination to make an impact in the remaining matches of the season.
National team
He is yet to be involved with any national side.
Player’s style
Mohamed Diaby's style of play is characterized by his versatility and technical ability in midfield. Standing at 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches), he possesses a good physical presence that allows him to compete effectively in the center of the park. Diaby is known for his box-to-box capabilities, able to contribute both defensively and in attacking phases of play. His passing range is a notable aspect of his game, enabling him to distribute the ball efficiently and create opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, Diaby shows good positional awareness and the ability to break up opposition attacks. His adaptability has been evident in his career, as he has been deployed in various midfield roles, from a more defensive position to a more advanced playmaking role. This flexibility makes him a valuable asset to his teams, capable of adjusting to different tactical setups and match situations.