Yan Diomandé
From Abidjan to Daytona Beach to the World Cup.
“Dio's journey at DME Academy has been nothing short of exceptional.” Thales Peterson, former DME Director of Soccer
Meet Yan
A Long Way From Home
In 2022, Yan Diomandé arrived in Florida from Abidjan, Ivory Coast at just 15 years old — without his family, without much English, and without much familiarity with life in the United States. What he found in Daytona Beach was a place to grow as a player, a student, and a young man.
Two Years at DME Academy
DME gave Diomandé the structure he needed: daily training, academic support, and a residential community built around the whole student-athlete. In 2023 he was named DME's STAR Player of the Year and helped AS Frenzi capture the UPSL Premier Division title. Coaches remember not only his talent, but his humility, work ethic, and leadership.
The World Takes Notice
After a trial with Rangers in 2023, Diomandé signed his first professional contract with CD Leganés and made his La Liga debut in 2025. A reported €20M move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig followed, where he scored his first professional goal and earned Bundesliga Rookie of the Month after a hat-trick in a 6–0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
What DME Made Possible
In October 2025 Yan earned his first call-up to the Ivory Coast National Team, scoring in each of his first two matches and helping the Elephants qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since 2014 — a historic moment for both Diomandé and DME Academy.
“I didn't imagine doing everything so quickly like this. But I have the ambition and I have a vision — I want to become one of the best players in Africa and in Europe.” Yan Diomandé