Wally Dieng: breaking down football's barriers, from the pitch to enterprise
In 2021, the former SM Caen defender told actu.fr why he founded Football Scout Events and University Sports Talents: opening doors for players with unconventional paths, in Europe and the United States.
Wally Dieng: breaking down football's barriers, from the pitch to enterprise
Before becoming a scout and an entrepreneur, Wally Dieng was a defender shaped by the SM Caen academy. It is that path — and its detours — that shaped how he supports young players today.
Trained at SM Caen, which he describes as “one of those great families that are becoming rare today,” Wally Dieng broke into the professional squad early before being loaned to CS Sedan for game time. A classic young-player trajectory, made of steps, loans and choices.
It is that experience on the pitch, and an awareness of doors that close too soon, that led him to create Football Scout Events and then University Sports Talents. The goal: to help players with unconventional paths land a first contract in Europe, or join an American university without giving up their studies.
“Breaking down football's barriers” means refusing the idea that a single road leads to the top level. That is exactly the mission FSE has carried since it was founded in 2010: putting a network and experience at the service of players the system has sometimes left behind.
Source: interview with Wally Dieng for actu.fr (Caen), July 2021.
Keep reading
Wally Dieng: from professional footballer to football entrepreneur
In an interview with BeSoccer from Málaga, Wally Dieng looks back on his career — Caen, Sedan, Tours, Miami — and on founding Football Scout Events, the scouting structure that Ferland Mendy notably passed through.
Solidarity: Wally Dieng at the Gorges charity gala for the children of Haiti
In August 2019, Elan de Gorges held its 10th day in support of the children of Haiti. Wally Dieng was among the former professional players who took part in the gala match.
The 100 years of Malherbe: Wally Dieng and the class of 1992 back in Caen
In October 2013, for the centenary of Stade Malherbe de Caen, the players of the 1992 run reunited on the Ornano pitch. Among the listed defenders: Wally Dieng.
Take the next step
BE SEEN.
GET RECRUITED.
Advice is good. The pitch is better. Play in front of scouts from 40+ pro clubs at an FSE tryout.