Meet Dembele, coach at the french football academy !

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Mali, where I joined a soccer academy at the age of 5. From a very young age, soccer became my passion and my life. I later had the honor of representing the Mali U17 National Team. My career then took me across Spain, and Belgium, where I gained valuable playing experience and developed a deep understanding of different football cultures that now influence my coaching style.

What type of coaching degree do you have and where did you get it? 

I hold a US Soccer D License and have completed several coaching courses and certifications in Spain through the training programs I attended there.

Tell us about your soccer player experience
I played at a semi-professional level in Spain, and Belgium. These experiences allowed me to develop tactical awareness, adaptability, and leadership that I now bring into my coaching.

When did you join the FFF?
I joined the French Football Academy in August 2024.

I will be coaching
I am currently coaching the Benzema 2013 team in Brooklyn and the Griezmann 2009 team in Manhattan.

What is your coaching philosophy?
My coaching philosophy is centered on helping children enjoy the game while improving their technical skills and understanding of soccer. I value teamwork, discipline, and intelligent play. I believe in a style of football where players play together, think together, and grow together — inspired by coaches like Pep Guardiola who emphasize collective play and technical quality. My goal is for every child to leave the field more confident, more skilled, and more passionate about the game.

What is your favorite team and best player?
I am a proud Real Madrid supporter, and my favorite player of all time is Cristiano Ronaldo for his mentality, discipline, and constant desire to improve.

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