Yoann Damet Named Head Coach of St. Louis CITY SC
St. Louis CITY SC has officially appointed Yoann Damet as its new head coach for the upcoming MLS season. This marks a pivotal moment as the team prepares for its fourth season in Major League Soccer.
Yoann Damet’s Coaching Background
Damet, age 35, has an extensive coaching background, spanning nearly two decades. Before joining St. Louis CITY SC, he served as an assistant coach with the Columbus Crew for three years under Wilfried Nancy. During this tenure, he contributed to the Crew’s success, helping them secure both the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024.
His coaching journey began in France at just 16 years old. He held various roles at youth clubs including Beaune FC, Jura Sud Foot, and Dijon FCO. In 2014, he moved to North America to join the CF Montreal Academy.
Coaching Philosophy and Vision
- Focus on high-work-rate and proactive style.
- Emphasis on player-centered coaching and effective communication.
- Commitment to building trust and relationships within the team.
Sporting Director Corey Wray expressed confidence in Damet, highlighting his ambition and competitive nature. Wray stated, “Yoann has all the attributes we were looking for in a manager.” He underscored Damet’s ability to communicate soccer concepts effectively and his dedication to fostering player relationships.
Achievements and Future Goals
Damet’s coaching resume includes significant milestones, such as his dual interim head coach roles at FC Cincinnati in 2019 and 2020. Notably, he became the youngest coach in league history to debut and win an MLS match. His subsequent promotion to LA Galaxy II head coach further solidified his reputation as a promising young coach in North America.
“Through our conversations, it was clear that Yoann will bring an uncompromising desire to win,” stated St. Louis CITY President and GM Diego Gigliani. “We’re confident Yoann is well positioned to follow the proven path of MLS-experienced assistants.”
Upcoming Season Details
St. Louis CITY SC is set to launch its 2026 MLS campaign against Charlotte FC on February 21, with kickoff at 1:30 PM CT at Energizer Park. Fans can purchase tickets for this highly anticipated match via seatgeek.com.
In his own words, Damet expressed his eagerness to lead the team: “I’m honored to be joining CITY SC and really looking forward to getting to work with the team.” He also thanked the ownership group for their trust and expressed commitment to cultivating a competitive and entertaining style of play that resonates with fans.
