Daytona, FL. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Yan Diomande is making waves in Spain’s top division. A product of DME Academy, Diomande has now made five senior appearances for CD Leganés, including three starts in 13 days, as the club fights to avoid relegation from La Liga.
On April 24, he returned to the starting lineup in a 1–1 draw against Girona. That followed a full 90-minute shift against Mallorca and a high-profile start against FC Barcelona earlier in the month.
Starting Role For CD Leganés
Yan Diomande’s recent starts in La Liga reflect a growing role inside a club fighting to stay up. Earlier this month, he started against FC Barcelona, matching up against world class competition and showing why Leganés continues to trust him.
“He is a fast player who attacks space well and can hold his own against the likes of Koundé,” said head coach Borja Jiménez ahead of the match.
The performance didn’t go unnoticed in the dressing room either. Veteran midfielder Seydouba Cissé said, “He competes like he trained with the U19 boys. He is a great talent.”
Just weeks before his debut, Diomande was logging U19 minutes. Now, he’s started three matches in 13 days — including a full 90 against Mallorca, 45 against Girona, and a start at home against Barcelona. The leap has been fast, but earned.
Built at DME Academy
Before stepping onto the professional stage in Spain, Yan Diomande spent an important stretch of his development at DME Academy — sharpening his skills, building strong habits, and preparing for the demands of the next level.
His path reflects the kind of preparation and opportunity that DME strives to create for every athlete who walks through its doors.
Now, as CD Leganés pushes through the final stretch of the season, Yan Diomande continues to take important steps forward. At DME Academy, we’re proud to have been part of his journey — and even prouder to watch him succeed on one of football’s biggest stages.
