Moussa Diaby

Lore & Background

Moussa Diaby was born in Paris to a family of Malian descent. He began playing football at Espérance Paris in the 19th arrondissement, at the Jules-Ladoumègue sports center in the under-10 category, where he remained until the under-14 level. He joined Paris Saint-Germain at age 13. He was loaned to Crotone in Serie A during the winter break of the 2017–18 season, making his professional debut on 14 April against Genoa. After returning to PSG, he scored his first goal for the senior side on 14 September 2018 in a 4–0 win over AS Saint-Étienne. In June 2019, he transferred to Bayer Leverkusen for €15 million. On 22 July 2023, he joined Premier League club Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee. On 24 July 2024, he moved to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in a deal reportedly worth around €60 million.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights at Villa Park hummed as the crowd roared for another attack. Diaby received the ball near the halfway line, his eyes locked on the space behind the full-back. With a burst of acceleration that left defenders trailing in his wake, he sprinted down the right flank. The defender lunged, but Diaby feinted low and surged past, dragging the ball into the box before curling a perfect shot into the top corner, sealing another memorable night for the Lions.

Reader's Guide

Diaby is a France youth international at U18, U19, U20, and U21 levels. He made his senior debut for France on 1 September 2021 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, replacing Kylian Mbappé in the last minute.

Did You Know?

• Diaby was voted Titi d'Or in 2016 by his Paris Saint-Germain training center teammates.
• He made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa on 12 August 2023 in a 5–1 away defeat against Newcastle United.
• A goal he scored on 30 March 2024 against Wolverhampton Wanderers was recorded at 109.84 km/h, one of the fastest in the Premier League that season.
• He was part of the France squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2020–21.