The Complex Journey of Amad Diallo: From Trafficking Victim to Manchester United Star
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is widely recognized today as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents, but his path to professional football involves a dark and complicated backstory. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Amad was brought to Italy as a child between 2010 and 2015 as part of a human trafficking ring that exploited aspiring West African footballers.
The scheme used forged documents and fake family reunification visas to smuggle children into Europe. Amad and fellow professional Hamed Junior Traoré were presented as the children of an adult who posed as their father to gain entry. DNA tests later confirmed they were not biologically related. Despite the illegal nature of their arrival, the boys’ talent was undeniable. Amad joined Atalanta’s academy, while Hamed moved to Sassuolo.
Investigation and Legal Fallout
Between 2017 and 2020, Italian authorities uncovered the network. In February 2021, at age 18, Amad was fined €48,000by the FIGC for using false documents to register for clubs under the name “Amad Diallo Traoré.”
It is important to note that authorities and the public largely view Amad as a victim rather than a perpetrator. As a minor, he was exploited by adults who orchestrated the smuggling for profit. To distance himself from the scandal and the false family ties, he legally changed his name to simply Amad Diallo upon turning 18.
A New Chapter at Old Trafford
Since his £37 million move to Manchester United in 2021, Amad has let his football do the talking. Now a key figure for both his club and the Ivory Coast national team, he has successfully transitioned from a child caught in a trafficking scheme to a world-class athlete. While he rarely speaks of his past, his journey remains a stark reminder of the risks young African players face when chasing the dream of European football.
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