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.
