Club Brugge winger Mamadou Diakhon is facing a financial penalty following a disciplinary incident at the club’s training facility, Voetbal24.be reported.
The 21-year-old Senegalese forward was excluded from the matchday squad for the recent fixture against RSC Anderlecht after leaving a training session in frustration.
The conflict arose during the final practice session ahead of the match against Anderlecht. Diakhon, who had hoped for a starting position following an injury to teammate Jan Virgili, reacted poorly upon learning that manager Ivan Leko had selected Félix Lemaréchal to start instead. According to Sporza, Diakhon left the pitch and returned home immediately after receiving the news.
Club Brugge imposes fine but avoids long-term ban
Following the incident, Club Brugge officials acted swiftly to address the player’s conduct. While Diakhon will be subject to a financial fine, the club has opted against a long-term ban to the reserve squad, VoetbalPrimeur.be noted. The player is expected to rejoin the group after the current international break, with a potential return to the squad for the upcoming match against KV Mechelen.
Leko addressed the situation sparingly in public comments following the Anderlecht match. “He was not available. It is a pity, because he would have played,” Leko said. The manager had previously advised the young forward to focus on hard work rather than seeking excuses, noting that the pressure of the second season often proves difficult for developing players.
“He was unavailable,” Leko said after the Club Brugge-Anderlecht match.
“Not available,” Leko said mysteriously.
“But he is not sick,” Leko added.
The manager had previously advised the young forward to focus on hard work rather than seeking excuses, noting that the pressure of the second season often proves difficult for developing players.
Diakhon remains under contract despite strained relationships
Club Brugge reportedly paid a transfer fee of approximately nine million euros to acquire the forward from Stade de Reims in the summer of 2025. Diakhon remains under contract with the club until mid-2029, and the board continues to believe in his potential to contribute to the team.
However, tensions regarding the player’s performance and attitude persist. VoetbalBelgie reported that the relationship between the player and the technical staff has become increasingly strained, particularly following Diakhon’s performance in a September 4 match against Lommel, where he struggled to reach the required level.
While the board remains invested in his development, the current friction highlights a divide between the club’s long-term valuation of the player and the immediate tactical requirements of the coaching staff.
Hein Vanhaezebrouck spoke to Het Nieuwsblad regarding the winger’s recent form.
“Diakhon has proven nothing in the many minutes he has received so far. Even in his appearances after Virgili became the number one, he has shown far too little,” Vanhaezebrouck said.
“This must also be put back in its place,” Vanhaezebrouck said.
Next steps after the international break
Diakhon is expected to be available for selection for the match against KV Mechelen following the conclusion of the international break. His inclusion in the squad will depend on his ability to demonstrate commitment during training sessions in the interim.
To regain his standing, the winger must convince Leko to provide him with new opportunities.
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