Mahamadou Diarra, often known by his nickname “Djila,” is a former professional soccer player from Mali who played for some of the biggest clubs in the world.
He was famous for his strength and leadership as a defensive midfielder. Although he retired from professional football years ago, fans still ask about his wealth and career achievements.
In this article, you will know Mahamadou Diarra’s Net Worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Mahamadou Diarra’s Biography
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mahamadou Diarra |
| Nickname | Djila |
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1981 |
| Age | 44 Years Old |
| Nationality | Malian |
| Birth Place | Bamako, Mali |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | Approx. 78 kg |
| Turned Pro | 1998 |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Net Worth | $10 Million – $15 Million (Estimated) |
| Total Career Earnings | Approx. $25 Million+ (Estimated) |
| Marital Status | Private |
| Social Media | N/A |
Early Career
Mahamadou Diarra started his journey in Bamako, the capital of Mali. He began playing for a local club called CSK Bamako.
His talent was obvious even at a young age. He was tall, strong, and very good at winning the ball back from opponents. European scouts quickly noticed him during youth tournaments.
He moved to Europe to join OFI Crete in Greece. This was his first step into professional football outside of Africa. He played there for one season before moving to the Netherlands to join Vitesse Arnhem.
At Vitesse, he became a key player and showed everyone that he was ready for a bigger challenge. His time in the Netherlands helped him adapt to the fast pace of European football.
Professional Career
Diarra’s career really took off when he joined Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) in France in 2002. This was the golden era for Lyon.
With Diarra controlling the midfield, the team was almost unbeatable. He won the Ligue 1 title four times in a row. He was the engine of the team, protecting the defense and starting attacks.
Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world, bought him. The transfer was huge news because Real Madrid paid a very high fee for a defensive player. At Madrid, he won the La Liga title twice. He played under famous coaches like Fabio Capello.
Later in his career, he suffered from knee injuries. He had short spells at AS Monaco in France and Fulham in the English Premier League before retiring. Even with injuries, he is remembered as one of the best African midfielders of his generation.
Mahamadou Diarra’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Mahamadou Diarra’s estimated net worth is between $10 million and $15 million. Since he is retired, he no longer earns a weekly salary from a club.
Contract
Diarra signed some very big contracts during his prime. His biggest move was in 2006 when he moved from Lyon to Real Madrid. Real Madrid paid a transfer fee of €26 million to sign him.
At that time, this was a massive amount for a defensive midfielder. When he moved to Fulham in 2012, he signed a free transfer deal.
Later, in 2014, Fulham re-signed him on a unique “pay-as-you-play” contract because of his knee problems. This meant he only got paid when he was fit enough to play in a match.
Salary
During his peak years at Real Madrid (2006-2010), Diarra was one of the top earners in the squad. Reports from that time suggest his annual salary was around €3 million to €4 million per year.
At Lyon, he earned less but was still one of the highest-paid players in the French league. His salary dropped significantly when he joined Fulham, as Premier League clubs pay older players less, especially those with injury risks.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-2003 | Lyon | $1.2 Million |
| 2003-2004 | Lyon | $1.5 Million |
| 2004-2005 | Lyon | $2.0 Million |
| 2005-2006 | Lyon | $2.5 Million |
| 2006-2007 | Real Madrid | $4.5 Million |
| 2007-2008 | Real Madrid | $4.8 Million |
| 2008-2009 | Real Madrid | $4.8 Million |
| 2009-2010 | Real Madrid | $4.8 Million |
| 2011 | AS Monaco | $1.5 Million |
| 2012-2013 | Fulham | $1.0 Million |
Endorsements
During his prime years at Real Madrid and Lyon, Diarra attracted sponsorship interest from major sportswear manufacturers. He primarily secured boot deals with top brands like Puma and later Adidas.
Fans often saw him wearing the Puma King series on the pitch while he dominated the midfield battles. Unlike some of his more flashy teammates who modeled for fashion labels or soft drinks, Diarra focused strictly on football-related partnerships.
Consequently, his endorsement income remained modest compared to the massive commercial earnings of global superstars like David Beckham or Zinedine Zidane.
Career Stats
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFI Crete | 21 | 2 | 0 |
| Vitesse | 69 | 9 | 0 |
| Lyon | 170 | 14 | 8 |
| Real Madrid | 126 | 4 | 3 |
| AS Monaco | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Fulham | 19 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 414 | 30 | 12 |
FAQs
1. Which soccer clubs did Mahamadou Diarra play for?
He played for several famous teams across Europe during his career. The midfielder started at OFI Crete and Vitesse before joining Lyon, where he became a star. Later, he moved to Real Madrid in Spain, then played for AS Monaco, and finished his time in England with Fulham.
2. What position did Diarra play on the field?
He played as a defensive midfielder for both his clubs and country. His main job was to stop the other team from attacking and to protect his own defenders. He used his great strength and tackling ability to win the ball back and start plays for his teammates.
3. Did Mahamadou Diarra win championships with Real Madrid?
Yes, he won important trophies while playing in Spain. He helped Real Madrid win the La Liga title two times in a row. In addition to these league championships, he also won the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during his successful time with the club.
4. How many titles did the midfielder win at Lyon?
Diarra had incredible success while playing in France. He won the Ligue 1 championship four consecutive times with Lyon between 2002 and 2006. His strong performances in the midfield helped the team dominate the French league for several years before he moved to Spain.
5. When did Mahamadou Diarra retire from professional soccer?
He ended his professional career. His final club was Fulham, which plays in the English Premier League. After leaving the team, he stopped playing competitive soccer. He left the sport with many trophies and a reputation as a tough and talented player.