Amad Diallo, the talented Ivorian footballer, is known today for his dazzling footwork and immense potential. However, behind his rise to prominence lies a remarkable and controversial story of resilience, deception, and survival. Before becoming a Manchester United player, Diallo’s journey to Europe was not an easy one—it involved illegal entry, identity fraud, and a long legal battle that nearly derailed his football dreams.
A Secret Journey: Arriving in Europe Illegally
Amad Diallo was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 2002, but his path to Europe was anything but ordinary. In 2010, at just eight years old, he and his older brother, Hamed Junior Traorè (now a professional footballer for Bournemouth), left their homeland and arrived in Italy through illegal means.
The brothers were smuggled into the country and falsely registered as the children of an Italian couple who were not their biological parents. This fraudulent adoption allowed them to obtain Italian residency and later citizenship, despite having no legal connection to the couple.
In reality, Diallo was traveling under a false identity, using documents that were later found to be fabricated. He was originally registered as “Amad Traorè”, a name that would follow him for much of his early football career.
Football as an Escape: Rising Through the Ranks
Despite the challenges of being an undocumented immigrant, Amad found solace in football. His incredible skills quickly attracted attention, and he began playing for local Italian youth teams.
In 2014, he joined the Boca Barco youth academy, where coaches were immediately impressed by his dribbling ability and close control. From there, his reputation grew, and he eventually earned a move to Atalanta’s youth setup in 2015, marking the start of his professional career.
While at Atalanta, Amad became a standout performer in their academy and broke records when he made his Serie A debut in 2019, scoring just four minutes after coming on—making him the first player born in 2002 to score in the Italian topflight.
Identity Fraud Scandal & Legal Consequences
In 2020, as Diallo’s reputation skyrocketed, an investigation by the Italian authorities uncovered the truth about his illegal entry into the country.
It was revealed that both Amad and his brother had entered Italy under false identities, using forged documents to pose as the children of an Ivorian couple living in Italy. The real identities of their biological parents remained undisclosed, adding to the mystery surrounding the case.
Italian prosecutors launched an official investigation into identity fraud, and in February 2021, Amad accepted a plea bargain, agreeing to pay a fine to avoid further legal trouble. While his football career was not directly impacted, the controversy remained a stain on his otherwise inspiring journey.
As part of the legal settlement, he officially changed his name to Amad Diallo, dropping “Traorè” from his records.
Manchester United Move & Overcoming Adversity
Despite the legal troubles, Diallo’s talent was undeniable. In January 2021, Manchester United signed him from Atalanta for a reported €40 million (including bonuses), showing the club’s immense belief in his potential.
Although he faced initial challenges adapting to English football, he showcased his talent in glimpses, including scoring a brilliant header against AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League.
To gain more experience, Diallo was sent on loan spells, including at Sunderland, where he impressed in the Championship with his skillful dribbling and goal-scoring ability.
A Symbol of Resilience
Today, Amad Diallo’s story is one of triumph over adversity. From an undocumented immigrant to a Premier League footballer, his journey represents the struggles many young African players face when trying to reach Europe.
While his illegal entry and identity fraud were controversial, his determination, talent, and hard work ultimately led him to success. His past remains a part of his story, but it does not define him, his future in football is still being written.
