Adama Diamondé abandoned MLS and still doesn't have work: a story of racism, drugs and family issues

The MLS is wrapped up in the context of fighting racism in the United States. A few weeks ago, Norwegian soccer player Adama Diamondé decided with his former team, Los Angeles FC, to end his contract due to personal family issues. Diamondé's life hasn't been easy and now he is without work. This is his story.

Born in Oslo, the Ivorian Norwegian started his career at the age of 18 in FK Lyn. After five years playing in four different clubs in Norway, he travelled to Belarus to play for the Dinamo Minsk. It was an unsuccesful experience that led him to Dubai where he was sent on loan again to his home to play for Stabaek IF. There, he had his brightest performance in his career, what took him to the English soccer to play for Hull City until 2018. In the last two years, he had become one of the more important strikers in LA FC. He scored 21 goals in 42 matches.

But his life was not easy. In a US Open Cup game against Portland Timbers he suffered a racist abuse episode. "Today was the first day in my professional career that I was called the 'N' word on the field", he declared at that time. Also, last year he had volunteered to a enter a drug abuse program. However, it was never confirmed that the Norwegian player was an addict. "I don't drink and I've never taken drugs. It's all about personal issues", he explained. It seems that those personal issues still affect him and a few weeks ago, he decided to leave Los Angeles FC. Now, his future is uncertain.