Issa Diop
IPS
CB
Controlled Centre Back
Jan 9, 1997 (29)
Right
6'4"
203 lb
IpswichBusy defensively
Diop generated two tackles (two won), eight clearances and one interception in Friday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Analysis: Diop was busy throughout Friday's match, he had everything to do defensively to try and slow down this Liverpool attack. He was unable to really do so, but he did pile on some impressive defensive volume. The defender has the talent to be a solid piece of this backline, but he will be limited outside of that volume as Ipswich try to stay competitive.
Five clearances in loss
Diop generated five clearancesand two interceptions in Sunday's 5-2 loss to Manchester United.
Analysis: Diop played 90 minutes for the second game in a row as Ipswich lost heavily to Manchester United. He was still busy defensivley as he made two inteceptions, five clearances and five blocks, but did concede a foul.
First training session with Ipswich
Diop has begun to train with Ipswich following his time at the World Cup as he attempts to win a starting role.
Analysis: Diop signed with Ipswich this offseason as a bolster to their defense following their promotion to the top flight, wanting to survive better than they did two seasons ago. He earned a decent reputation throughout the World Cup with Morocco and proved to be strong until their defeat, so this is a decent addition of experience to the squad, especially with his previous years in the Premier League. That said, he could be a real competition to Dara O'Shea and Jacob Greaves for a starting center-back role, potentially earning a starting role day one of the campaign.
Signs with Ipswich Town
Diop signed with Ipswich Town through the summer of 2030 after departing Fulham, the club announced.
Analysis: Diop represented Morocco at this summer's World Cup, playing all five matches as the team reached the quarterfinals and scoring in a group stage draw against the Netherlands. The center back has made 173 Premier League appearances across four years at West Ham and four seasons at Fulham, including 119 appearances and eight goals for the Hammers. He came through Toulouse's academy, captaining the club at age 20, and represented France at multiple youth levels, including the title winning 2016 U19 European Championship, before switching allegiance to Morocco this year. Diop is expected to add experience and physical presence to Ipswich Town's backline once he links up with the squad following the club's training camp in Spain.
Notches three clearances
Diop generated one tackle (one won), three clearances and two interceptions in Thursday's 2-0 loss against France. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 63rd minute.
Analysis: Diop was in for a tough day in defense as Morocco faced France, and that was proven true after allowing two goals. However, he would still record a tackle, two interceptions and three clearances to go along with a yellow card. He still had a solid World Cup in his five appearances, notching one tackle, seven interceptions and 24 clearances to go along with one clean sheet.
Records 10 clearances in win
Diop had 10 clearances and one interception in Saturday's 3-0 win over Canada.
Analysis: Diop had the task of dealing with Jonathan David throughout the game, and the Fulham defender looked solid for the most part. The hero in the Round of 32 against the Netherlands, Diop has also thrived defensively -- he's racked up 21 clearances, four blocked shots and five interceptions in four starts so far. He should be the defensive leader in the quarterfinals as well.
Scores late goal to go to ET
Diop scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Monday's 1-1 (4-3) penalty shootout win versus Netherlands. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 47th minute.
Analysis: Diop scored a crucial goal in the added moments of normal time to send Morocco to extra-time, which would then lead them to win on penalties. The defender scored the goal by peeling behind Virgil van Dijk, where he was found by Chemsdine Talbi with an incredible cross. Diop went on to play the full 120 minutes, having played the full 90 in the first two group stage games, but being rested in the final game against Haiti. In the 120 minutes, he made three interceptions and seven clearances.
Leads team in completed passes
Diop recorded four clearances in Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland.
Analysis: Diop was the lead center-back for Morocco once again Friday and had a solid match that resulted in a clean sheet, winning five duels while recording four clearances. However, his most impressive stat was leading the team in passes, as Morocco tried to control the game, with 77 to his name. His role should stick to face Haiti, needing all three points as they want to win the group.
Minimal output in draw vs. Brazil
Diop generated one interception in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Analysis: The Fulham center-back had minimal impact throughout the game. He should remain in the XI for the upcoming game against Scotland on June 19, but most of his upside should be tied to Morocco's ability to keep a clean sheet. From a tactical perspective, Diop should continue to provide zone coverage while Chadi Riad marks the striker, limiting his involvement in duels overall.
Scores opener
Diop scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-0 win against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Diop gave Fulham the lead in Sunday's 2-0 win over Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season, scoring with a header in the first half for his first goal of the campaign before being replaced by Jorge Cuenca in the second half. The center-back dominated aerially throughout his time on the pitch, consistently winning his duels and keeping Will Osula quiet as Newcastle struggled to create clear opportunities. Diop ends the 2025-26 season with one goal, six tackles, six interceptions and 42 clearances across 13 Premier League appearances, with his limited starts throughout the campaign reflecting the competition for places in a Fulham defensive unit that finished the season having conceded 51 goals.
Handed cup start
Diop got the start and played 90 minutes during Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over Bristol City.
Analysis: Diop has gone unused in the first two Premier League matches but was handed the cup start Wednesday. It seems he's fallen way down the pecking order, as he wasn't used in the opener, with Jorge Cuenca coming into the starting XI instead. Diop is going to remain a rotational option with most of his minutes coming in the cups, barring injuries elsewhere.
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