Cheick Tiemoko Diabate (born 21 January 2002) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for club St Johnstone.
Career Exeter City Diabate started his career at Stevenage before a move to Exeter City in 2018. He first appeared in a matchday squad during Exeter's 2–0 away EFL Trophy group-stage victory over Newport County in October 2019, and then later that season enjoyed a brief loan spell with Buckland Athletic. In a disrupted 2020–21 campaign, Diabate had loan spells at Bideford and Tiverton Town before making his Exeter debut in November 2020, featuring for the final twenty-eight minutes of their EFL Trophy tie with West Bromwich Albion U23s, which resulted in a 4–0 win for The Grecians.
On 14 July 2021, Diabate joined Southern League Premier Division South side, Truro City and went onto make his debut during a 1–1 draw with Walton Casuals a month later. He then scored his first career goal in a 4–1 away victory over Poole Town in October before eventually returning to Exeter two months later following an injury crisis at the Devon-based side. He made his league debut for the club just a week later in a 2–1 defeat to Sutton United. He went on to feature heavily in the second half of Exeter's season as they secured promotion to League One. Diabate was rewarded with a new two-year contract in June 2022.
On 30 August 2024, Diabate joined League Two club Bradford City on a season-long loan deal. He was recalled in January 2025.
On 5 May 2025, Exeter announced the player would leave the club in June when his contract expired.
St Johnstone On 7 July 2025, Diabate joined Scottish Championship side St Johnstone on a one-year deal.
Personal life Diabate's cousin Mory Koné is a former professional footballer, having played for Troyes, Le Mans, and Parma.
Diabate is a Muslim.
Career statistics
+Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupEFL CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsExeter City 2019–20League Two0000000000 2020–21League Two0000001010 2021–22League Two182000010192 2022–23League One2011010102312023–24League One2801020103202024–25League One4000100040Total703204040803Buckland Athletic (loan) 2019–20Western League Premier Division10———10Bideford (loan) 2020–21Southern League Division One South0000—0000Tiverton Town (loan) 2020–21Southern League Premier Division South10——1Appearances in the FA Trophy020Truro City (loan) 2021–22Southern League Premier Division South14200—30172Bradford City (loan)2024–25EFL League Two110100030150Career total97530401101155
Honours Exeter City League Two runner-up: 2021–22
St Johnstone Scottish Championship: 2025–26
References
External links