26-year-old has made over 150 appearances playing in France and Austria
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that the club has acquired Guinea international forward Yadaly Diaby via transfer from French Ligue 2 side Grenoble Foot 38. Diaby has agreed to a contract through the 2029-30 Major League Soccer season, with a club option for the 2030-31 season. Diaby will officially be added to the club’s Major League Soccer roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and medical.
“We’re excited to welcome Yadaly to our group,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “Yadaly is a versatile forward who can play between the lines to link play, while also having the ability to attack space behind the defence. In addition, he can play on the wing and provide us with a threat in set-piece situations. We look forward to seeing him contribute to the team.”
Whitecaps FC forward Yadaly Diaby
- 158 appearances, 30 goals, 12 assists at the professional club level in France and Austria
- 12 goals, seven assists in 51 appearances for Grenoble Foot 38
- 11 appearances, one goal with Guinea’s men’s national team
“I’m very happy and proud to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC. It’s a great opportunity for me to become part of such a great club and a strong family. I’m coming with a lot of motivation, ambition, and the desire to give my best every day,” added Diaby. “I hope to bring my qualities to the team, help my teammates, and contribute to the success of the club. I’m already looking forward to meeting everyone, getting on the pitch, and playing in front of the fans. I’m really excited to begin this new chapter with Whitecaps FC and I can’t wait to get started!”
Originally born in Saint-Étienne, France, Diaby represents Guinea at the international level. The 26-year-old forward arrives in Vancouver having started 39 of his 51 appearances across all competitions for Grenoble, scoring 12 goals and adding seven assists.
Diaby joined Grenoble via transfer from Clermont Foot 38, where he recorded seven starts, 21 appearances, three goals, as well as one assist, across Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and Coupe de France competition.
During his time at Clermont, Diaby went on loan to SC Austria Lustenau of the Ö. Bundesliga. In two seasons with the club, the forward tallied nine goals along with three assists in 35 starts and 56 appearances across all competitions.
Upon his arrival to Clermont, Diaby spent time with the club’s B team, recording four goals and an assist in 12 starts.
Diaby originally came through the youth system at Andrézieux-Bouthéon FC in the French fourth tier. He was signed to the first team in July 2019 and went on to start nine of his 18 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice.
Growing up, Diaby also played for Jeunesse Foot Sud.
Internationally, Diaby has started four of his 11 appearances for Guinea in FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying, and friendly competition. He netted his first international goal and assist in a 2-0 victory over Liberia last November.
TRANSACTION: On September 1, 2026, Vancouver Whitecaps FC acquire forward Yadaly Diaby via transfer from French Ligue 2 side Gernoble Foot 38. Diaby agrees to a contract through the 2029-30 season, with a club option for 2030-31.
Yadaly Diaby
Pronunciation: YAH-dah-LEE djah-BEE
Position: Forward
Height: 6-01
Weight: 170 pounds
Date of Birth: August 9, 2000 in Saint-Étienne, France
Hometown: Saint-Étienne, France
Citizenship: France, Guinea
Status: International
Previous Clubs: Gernoble Foot 38 (2025-26), SC Austria Lustenau (2022-24 – on loan), Clermont Foot 63 B (2021-22 – on loan), Clermont Foot 63 (2021-25), Andrézieux-Bouthéon FC (2019-21)
Youth Clubs: Andrézieux-Bouthéon FC, Jeunesse Foot Sud
Instagram: @yd.diaby
