Daytona, FL. Eighteen-year-old DME Academy soccer program alum Yan Diomande has signed with Bundesliga powerhouse RB Leipzig. The deal, finalized this week, follows Diomande’s impressive run with CD Leganés in Spain’s top division. The reported transfer fee is around €20 million, making him one of the most valuable transfers in Leganés history.
This move highlights the steady rise of a player who has been on the radar since his time at DME Academy.
It’s a big move, but not a surprising one for those who’ve followed his rise.
Before heading to Europe, Diomande stood out in the United States Premier League, where he led the league in goals and earned attention for his athleticism, composure, and technical skill.
Leganés signed him in January 2025. Just weeks later, he made his La Liga debut against Real Madrid. He went on to earn starts against Barcelona, Mallorca, and Girona, proving himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
RB Leipzig, known for developing top youth talent, sees Diomande as a strong fit for their style of play.
“With Yan Diomande, we’ve signed an absolute top talent,” said Sporting Director Marcel Schäfer. “He’s a left winger with outstanding pace, strong dribbling, athleticism, and a real finishing instinct. He never loses the ball and plays a very team-oriented game. With these qualities, he’s a perfect fit for our style of play.”
Diomande will wear the number 49 shirt in his first Bundesliga season.
DME Academy is proud to have provided the foundation for Yan Diomande to reach his dream. The right environment, coaching, and daily standards are key to long-term success at the next level.
If you’re ready to elevate your game, click the link below and take the first step.
Explore the soccer program at DME Academy
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.
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.
Learn more about DME Academy’s soccer program.
DAYTONA, FL. Former DME Academy midfielder Charles Dodzi has signed a professional contract with the Tacoma Defiance of MLS NEXT Pro, continuing his rise through the ranks after a standout high school career in Daytona Beach.
Born in Accra, Ghana, Dodzi spent his entire high school career at DME, where he developed into one of the program’s most consistent and impactful players. His combination of size, control, and leadership in the midfield stood out in a schedule packed with top national competition.
During his time at DME, Dodzi played with purpose and always left it all on the pitch.
“Dodzi is the kind of player we love to coach,” said Coach Kioki. “He’s a student of the game, a leader, and a fierce competitor.”
His performances led to a U.S. U-19 National Team camp invite and continued attention from the next level. Tacoma Defiance made it official on April 1, 2025, adding Dodzi ahead of their MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
Dodzi now joins a professional environment built on development and opportunity. He becomes the latest example of DME Academy’s mission—preparing players to compete at the highest level, on and off the field. Ready to take your game to the next level? Speak to one of our student admissions counselors today!
Daytona, FL. Yan Diomande, a former standout at DME Academy, continues to shine as he advances his soccer career. At DME, Yan set the standard for excellence both on and off the field, showing the dedication and drive that define our elite soccer academy.
Now, his journey has taken him to Spain’s premier league, La Liga, where he has signed with C.D. Leganés.
At DME Academy, Yan’s hard work and talent earned him national recognition. Top Drawer Soccer named him one of the ‘23 Male Players who Dominated in 2023. Additionally, he made his mark in the UPSL Soccer Playoffs by scoring in all six rounds and winning the coveted Playoffs Golden Boot. These achievements reflect the strength of his determination and the quality of our programs.
Yan, an 18-year-old Ivorian striker, now joins the Leganés family with exceptional speed, skill, and vision. As a former U-17 international for the Ivory Coast, he is ready to compete with the best talent in European soccer. His drive and technical abilities will undoubtedly make him a valuable addition to the team.
Reflecting on his path, Yan shared: “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and want to thank everyone involved in making it happen. I’m fully committed and can’t wait to get started.”
As an elite soccer academy, DME is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student-athlete. From our comprehensive training programs to the supportive environment we create, we equip players with the tools they need to excel. Yan’s success is a testament to the opportunities and guidance we provide to help our athletes reach their highest aspirations.
Ready to elevate your game? Speak with a Student Advisor today to discover how DME can guide you to success. Click here to get started!
Finding the right summer sports camp is crucial to your child’s athletic and personal development. At DME Academy, our programs are specifically designed to nurture each athlete’s potential, providing a comprehensive and enriching experience that extends beyond just sports training.
At DME Academy, we recognize the unique goals and interests of each young athlete. Our camp offerings span various sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and more. Tailored to meet athletes at every level, from beginners to advanced competitors, our camps ensure focused attention and skill development for everyone.
DME Academy Summer Camps Available in 2024:
Volleyball Gold Medal Square Camp
Lacrosse Camp powered by System Eighty-One
DME Competitive Summer Prep Camps:
Expert Coaching and World-Class Facilities
Our dedicated coaches bring their passion and expertise to our top-notch facilities, fostering an environment where young athletes can challenge themselves and excel. With access to professional training and insights, participants are empowered to reach new milestones in their athletic journeys.
Beyond the Field
We believe in the power of sports to teach valuable life lessons. Our camps emphasize values like resilience, leadership, and teamwork, creating a nurturing atmosphere for athletes to develop not just physically but also as well-rounded individuals. This approach helps participants to build character, forge lasting friendships, and become part of a supportive community.
The Benefits of Joining a DME Summer Prep Camp:
At DME Academy, we’re committed to providing a transformative summer experience for young athletes. With our comprehensive training programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated coaching staff, we offer the perfect environment for athletes to thrive. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, or any other sport, our camps focus on honing skills, fostering teamwork, and instilling values that extend beyond the field. Join us this summer and discover the difference at DME Academy! Learn more about our summer offerings by visiting our website.
The evolution of sports-focused education has increased its appeal amongst College coaches and Professional scouts. A deepened focus on a holistic approach to personal development has changed the recruiting landscape by preparing high level student-athletes to succeed at the next level. This developing model has produced some of the most recognizable student-athletes in today’s sports. While combining a purposefully academic schedule with a concentration on athletic preparation, student-athletes will now attain the utensils to achieve their personal goals. They will also possess a favorable appeal to all collegiate and professional levels. The experiences and resources that academies provide, will only ensure a greater athlete experience, a pathway towards college eligibility and acceptance while also cultivating personal development.
As the new Director of Athletics and former Director of Soccer, Todd Eason looks to implement a platform within the athletic department that has proven success. The Men’s and Women’s soccer teams have gained recognition on and off the field with the influences that Mr. Eason has implemented. The approach that Eason uses incorporates transparency, accountability and consistency, while facing extreme daily challenges. These three pillars have helped players establish sustained success while creating habits towards personal growth. Holding student-athletes to a higher standard off the playing court/field has allowed individuals to understand the importance of personal values and discipline. Furthermore, Eason’s commitment towards consistency throughout this process has shown his own discipline in valuing person over athlete.
With an understanding and experience in all levels of soccer, Eason’s team culture has provided various paths for his student-athletes and is now the foundation which he leads. His new role as Athletic Director will now provide him the opportunity to share his philosophy across the department and help influence a school identity that will help all programs find success.
In the scorching heat of Daytona, a teenage sensation named Yan Diomande emerged from the shadows. Diomande has left a mark on every game he’s played across friendlies against top soccer academies, in some of the best collegiate showcase events in the country, and even in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). In just his second year at DME Academy, Diomande’s rise is captivating the soccer world as he stands out from the crowd in all matches played helping the team to two undefeated seasons thus far.
Diomande burst onto the scene, displaying a level of skill and maturity beyond his years. The Ivory Coast U17 Forward became the driving force behind DME Academy’s National High School team, most recently going undefeated and winning the top bracket of the Tampa Bay Super Cup. He was the leading scorer across all teams in the event which featured MLS, and ECNL teams alike. In summer play, he guests for AS Frenzi’s, culminating in a 2-1 triumph over Sporting Wichita in the UPSL championship match. Diomande’s remarkable feat included scoring both goals in the final, solidifying his status as a rising star. Most recently, he was named among the 23 male players that dominated 2023 by Top Drawer Soccer.
What sets Diomande apart is his dominance on the pitch. Cool, calm, and collected he lulls the defense to sleep and then burns them in a flash. He leads the team (and the entire league in goals), consistently finding the back of the net with precision and flair. His exceptional USPL performance was rewarded with the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, a testament to his impact on the pitch.
Yan Diomande’s journey to stardom is not only defined by statistics but also by a series of skillful moments that captivated fans across social media. His extraordinary goals, dazzling dribbles, and clever assists quickly went viral on social media, earning him admirers from around the globe. Diomande’s highlight reel became a showcase of raw talent and footballing intelligence, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move and garnishing millions of views.
Off the pitch, he is a student-athlete with exceptional character. He is kind to all teammates, and DME athletes across both Daytona and Sarasota, and an excellent role model for the younger generation. Everyone loves Dio. “ On the field his change of direction is impressive. His vision to find passes is unbelievable and showcases passes that only he can see. Off the field, he is humble, respectful, and acts like an older brother to younger athletes.” Coach Thales, DME Academy
It comes as no surprise that Yan Diomande’s exceptional performances attracted the attention of Major League Soccer (MLS) and European clubs. The teenager has star potential written all over him, and no doubt will land a pro contract with the same humble attitude that he represents daily on campus.
Diomande’s play is a testament to the power of raw talent and determination. He has demonstrated that age is no barrier to success and has dominated every level of play put before him. As he stands on the precipice of a professional career, soccer enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued rise of this remarkable young talent from DME Academy.
Click here to learn more about DME’s elite, highly-developmental boys soccer program.
The recent 2023 DME Soccer Showcase at DME Academy unfolded on December 1st and 2nd, featuring high school boys’ teams like Lakeland United, Combine Academy, and Leg AZ World. College coaches and recruiters, including those from the University of Central Florida, Stetson University, and the University of Dayton, were on the sidelines, evaluating the promising young talents.
Guiding the DME teams both on and off the pitch is Head Coach Thales Peterson, spearheading a coaching staff that emphasizes holistic development.
The tournament provided a platform for players to showcase their skills, with competitive matches displaying teamwork and individual prowess.
Boys U19 Showcase
Ultimate Exposure | Elite Competition | State-of-the-Art Facilities
2 games guaranteed
Experience a soccer showcase like no other, as we bring together a select groups for this exclusive and intimate event promises to deliver top-level competition, with college coaches scouting talent from the sidelines.
DME Academy's state-of-the-art facilities will set the stage for your team's finest moments, and every participating squad is guaranteed a minimum of three thrilling matches. Don't miss your chance to compete in the Battle at the Beach and battle it out against some of the best teams in our area.
DME Soccer Academy, through a strategic partnership with the International Development Academy, a worldwide leader in international youth soccer programs, offers developmental programs for players of all ages. With state-of-the-art facilities, access to both grass & turf fields, elite training programs, and experienced coaches, DME Academy’s soccer program gives young athletes all the tools needed to excel on and off the pitch.
Our soccer-specific platform focuses on the development of a player’s technical, tactical, physical, and psychological characteristics. Through our comprehensive programs, players will be challenged with a pathway that aims towards values of respect, resilience, empathy, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
This tournament is for U 17 & U19 Teams.
Pellucid Travel will be providing affordable Daytona Beach area hotel options for traveling teams soon! Links will be shared with confirmed teams.
This is an intimate event focusing on high exposure and great competition. DME will only be hosting around 4-8 teams.
Registration for the Battle at the Beach costs $499 per team.
Teams can apply to play in the Battle at the Beach by filling out the form at the bottom of this page. Once we receive your submission, we will be in contact with acceptance status, registration information, and tournament details.
In a thrilling showcase of talent and teamwork, the DME Academy boys’ high school soccer team kicked off their home season opener in style on Thursday, September 14th. The stage was set on their pristine new turf field, creating an electrifying atmosphere that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Facing off against Ormond Beach SC, the DME boys showcased their exceptional skills, dominating the match from the first whistle to the last.
After the match, Head Coach Thales Peterson said, “having played the first-ever home match at our brand new field was such an amazing experience. We had a great crowd, and the students were super encouraging on the sidelines.”
Despite the big win, Coach Peterson maintained his focus on the bigger picture. “The most important thing was the improvement. The staff got to see some of our new players in action, and the team is coming together nicely and bonding well,” he emphasized. It’s this dedication to continuous improvement that has positioned DME Academy as a force to be reckoned with in high school soccer.
But the night was not just about soccer. In addition to their victory, the team came together to celebrate the birthdays of two of their own, Campo and Billo.
Looking ahead, DME Academy has no plans to rest on their laurels. Their next challenge awaits them on Wednesday, September 20th, at 5:15 pm when they face IdeaSport Soccer Academy’s U18 team at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. With their recent victory fueling their determination, DME Academy is poised for another exciting chapter in their promising season.
Get up-to-date scores and real-time content by following DME Soccer’s Instagram page.
