16.10.2026 12:01
Gaoussou Diarra, who came to Istanbul in 2021 for university education, had his life changed when he was discovered on amateur pitches. The young player, who transferred to Istanbulspor without any football background, headed to Feyenoord in 2025 for 3.5 million euros. Diarra drew attention with the assist he made in the first Champions League match of his career.
In the second week of the UEFA Champions League, Feyenoord defeated Como 3-2 at home. In the Dutch representative's victory, the story of Gaoussou Diarra, who provided an assist, extending from Istanbul to European football's biggest stage drew attention.
HE CAME TO ISTANBUL FOR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
Gaoussou Diarra began studying at Haliç University Faculty of Business Administration in 2021. Diarra, who came to Turkey for university education, had no professional football background at that time.
DISCOVERED ON AMATEUR FIELDS
In 2023, Diarra, who played football for some amateur teams in Istanbul, drew attention with his performance. Despite having no football background, the young player was discovered and took an important step in his professional career by transferring to Istanbulspor.
TRANSFERRED TO FEYENOORD FOR 3.5 MILLION EUROS
With his performance at Istanbulspor, Diarra attracted the attention of European clubs and in 2025 transferred to Dutch side Feyenoord for a transfer fee of 3.5 million euros.
MADE AN ASSIST IN HIS FIRST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH
Diarra made his first UEFA Champions League appearance in the match where Feyenoord defeated Como 3-2. The young footballer contributed to his team's victory with the assist he made in his first match.
Thus, Diarra, who came to Istanbul in 2021 for university education and began playing football on amateur fields, managed to reach the Champions League stage within a few years.