Daytona Beach, Fla. – Former DME Academy standout Yan Diomandé continues to make headlines across Europe as both Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning UEFA Champions League (UCL) winners, reportedly prepare to compete for the 18-year-old RB Leipzig forward ahead of the January transfer window.
According to multiple reports, including Sky Deutschland, both European giants are closely monitoring Diomandé’s progress after his rapid rise through the Bundesliga this season. Known for his explosive pace, composure in front of goal, and tactical maturity, Diomandé has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young attackers.
The Ivorian international, who recently scored in his first two senior appearances for the Ivory Coast, joined RB Leipzig this summer after a successful stint with CD Leganés in Spain. Since then, he has become a central figure in Leipzig’s long-term plans, with the club reportedly valuing him at €100 million and securing his future with a contract running through 2030.
Despite Leipzig’s reluctance to sell, both Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be weighing potential offers as they look to bolster their attacking options with young, high-upside talent.
As global attention on Diomandé intensifies, his story continues to inspire DME athletes worldwide, proving that with talent, discipline, and opportunity, the path from Daytona Beach to world football’s biggest stages is wide open.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – The awards keep rolling in for DME Academy’s Mamadou Billo Diop. The Class of 2025 graduate was recently named both Player of the Year and Golden Boot Winner for Colorado Rapids 2 following a standout season in MLS NEXT Pro competition.
Diop’s impressive campaign comes just weeks after being named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month for August, capping an incredible debut season at the professional level. The 18-year-old striker led Rapids 2 in both goals (12) and goal contributions (14) this season, earning recognition as one of the most dynamic young players in the league.
Known for his speed, strength, and composure in front of goal, Diop’s highlight performances included a two-goal outing against defending MLS NEXT Pro champions North Texas SC and the first hat trick of his professional career against Austin FC II, which secured him Player of the Matchweek (Week 23) honors.
Diop’s success reinforces DME Academy’s mission of preparing student-athletes for success at the highest levels of competition, with alumni now thriving in NCAA Division I programs, professional leagues, and national teams around the world.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy alumnus Yan Diomandé has made an unforgettable start to his international career, scoring in each of his first two matches for the Ivory Coast National Team and helping the Elephants secure qualification for their first FIFA World Cup since 2014.
Diomandé, who currently plays for RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga, made his senior debut on October 10 in a 7–0 win over Seychelles, where he announced himself on the world stage with a stunning left-footed strike into the far corner in the 55th minute. Just four days later, on October 14, Diomandé found the back of the net again, this time with a right-footed rocket from outside the box in a 3–0 victory over Kenya, sealing Ivory Coast’s World Cup berth.
The goals showcase Diomandé’s technical skills, pace, and finishing ability with both feet, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in African football.
Diomandé’s success continues to reinforce DME Academy’s mission of preparing student-athletes to compete at the highest levels of the game, whether in college, professional leagues, or on the world’s biggest stage.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – The DME Academy Boys’ Soccer National Team delivered a strong performance at the Orlando City Cup, making an impressive run all the way to the tournament final. DME battled Inter Gainesville to a 2-2 draw in the championship match before ultimately falling in a hard-fought penalty shootout.
The result capped an outstanding weekend of competition that showcased the team’s depth, technical ability, and resilience against elite-level opponents. Notably, DME defeated Inter Gainesville in the previous day’s competition.
The team’s strong showing adds to an already successful stretch for DME Soccer, which remains unbeaten in UPSL play this season. Their only setback came in a competitive 2-1 loss to the Orlando City MLS U-19s, a result that underscored just how far the program has progressed.
“We’re extremely proud of our group,” said David Proctor, DME Academy Men’s Soccer Director. “We truly competed against some of the best professional academies in the country.”
With a strong foundation of returning players, international talent, and top-tier competition, DME’s National Team continues to solidify its reputation as one of the premier developmental programs in the nation. The team’s continued success reflects DME Academy’s mission to prepare student-athletes for the next level, on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to announce that senior winger Jack Proctor recently earned the opportunity to train and compete with Middlesbrough FC, a professional club competing in the second tier of English football.
Proctor joined the team for a trial period and appeared in Middlesbrough’s 4-0 win over York City. The experience marks an exciting milestone in the young player’s career and serves as another example of DME Academy’s growing international reach and reputation for developing elite soccer talent.
Middlesbrough FC, one of England’s historic clubs, competes in the EFL Championship and has a long tradition of player development and competitive success. For Proctor, the opportunity to train in a professional European environment is a major step in his ongoing growth as both a soccer player and a person.
DME Academy continues to provide a platform for student-athletes to pursue their goals at the highest levels of the game, whether in college soccer, professional academies, or international trials like this one.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy alumnus Yan Diomandé has earned his first call-up to the Ivory Coast Men’s National Soccer Team. The 18-year-old winger, now playing for RB Leipzig in Germany, was selected for the Elephants’ October camp and is eligible for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles (October 10) and Kenya (October 14).
Born in Abidjan, Diomandé trained at DME Academy from 2022 to 2024 before moving to Spanish LaLiga side CD Leganés in 2025. His performances there led to a transfer to RB Leipzig, where he has already made six Bundesliga appearances and scored his first professional goal.
“He’s a left winger with outstanding speed, can dribble, is very athletic, and can finish,” said Leipzig Managing Director Marcel Schäfer. “He also never gives up the ball and works for the team.”
At DME Academy, Diomandé’s growth and commitment were evident, and it was clear from the beginning that he possessed the potential to reach the top levels of the game.
“Dio’s journey at DME Academy has been nothing short of exceptional,” added Thales Peterson, former Director of Soccer at DME. “We are incredibly proud of his achievements, and we believe this is just the beginning of an extraordinary career.”
Diomandé’s call-up continues DME Academy’s track record of producing student-athletes who compete at the highest levels of college, professional, and international competition.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
Daytona Beach, Fla. – DME Academy is proud to celebrate a former soccer standout, Mamadou Billo Diop, who was recently named the MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month for August after a breakout performance with Colorado Rapids 2.
The 18-year-old striker delivered a dominant month, scoring six goals and recording one assist across five appearances. Diop kicked off August with a brace against defending MLS NEXT Pro champions North Texas SC and followed it up with the first hat trick of his professional career in a win over Austin FC II. That three-goal performance also earned him MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek (Week 23) honors.
Since signing his first professional contract with Colorado Rapids 2 in March 2025, Diop has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers. He has tallied 12 goals and two assists this season, leading his team in both categories and ranking tied for fourth overall in MLS NEXT Pro for goals scored.
“The recognition Billo has earned speaks volumes about both his individual progress and the competitive environment within Rapids 2,” said Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 General Manager. “His ability to grow into a key contributor at such a young age is a testament to his work ethic and the support system around him.”
Diop’s rapid rise from DME Academy standout to MLS NEXT Pro star underscores DME’s mission of preparing student-athletes to succeed at the next level, whether in college athletics or the professional game.
About DME Academy
DME Academy, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, is a nationally recognized sports academy dedicated to developing the next generation of student-athletes through elite training, competition, and academic support. Ready to elevate your game? Explore our program or schedule a call with our team today.
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.
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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!