St. Louis CITY SC makes a bold move, appointing Yoann Damet as their new head coach, sparking excitement and debate among fans. But who is this young coaching prodigy, and why is his appointment so significant?
Yoann Damet, a 35-year-old French coach, has been chosen to lead St. Louis CITY SC into their fourth MLS season. His journey to this role is nothing short of remarkable. With nearly 20 years of coaching experience, Damet has been an influential figure behind the scenes, working with some of the biggest names in the sport. And this is the part most people miss: he's been doing this since he was just 16 years old!
Damet's resume is impressive. He spent three years as an assistant to Wilfried Nancy at Columbus Crew, contributing to their MLS Cup (2023) and Leagues Cup (2024) victories. He also worked closely with Greg Vanney at LA Galaxy and stepped up as interim head coach at FC Cincinnati on two occasions. And here's where it gets controversial—at just 29 years old, he became the youngest coach to debut and win an MLS match during his time at FC Cincinnati.
Sporting Director Corey Wray is confident in Damet's abilities, praising his experience, ambition, and exceptional communication skills. Wray believes Damet's player-centered approach and tactical prowess will enhance the team's style and competitiveness. But the real icing on the cake is Damet's focus on building relationships and his shared history with Wray, which could be a game-changer for the team's dynamics.
St. Louis CITY President and GM, Diego Gigliani, echoes this sentiment, highlighting Damet's unwavering desire to win and his alignment with the club's values. Gigliani also acknowledges the work of interim head coach David Critchley, ensuring his continued development within the club.
Damet's coaching journey began in France, where he held various youth coaching roles before moving to North America and joining CF Montreal Academy. His success there led him to FC Cincinnati and eventually to LA Galaxy II, where he was promoted to the first-team staff. The Crew's decision to acquire his services from LA Galaxy further emphasizes his talent and potential.
As St. Louis CITY SC prepares for their 2026 MLS campaign opener against Charlotte FC, fans can expect an exciting season ahead. Damet's appointment raises intriguing questions: Will his youth and progressive approach be a recipe for success? Or will his inexperience as a head coach in the MLS prove challenging? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this move has the potential to shape the team's future in a big way.
