The Staff
Student-athletes at the Academy Pro Residency are immersed in an environment that elevates their football skills, academic prowess, and personal development thanks to the excellence of PSG-certified staff on-site.
The dual focus on football and classroom success guarantees that each student-athlete is prepared to pursue future opportunities both on and off the field.
KÉVIN AFOUGOU
Technical Director
Kevin, originally from Paris, began his football journey at the age of 6. By 7, he was part of PSG’s youth teams in Paris, where he spent 12 seasons, progressing to train with the first team. After his time at PSG, Kevin made nearly 200 professional appearances, mainly in Ligue 2, across various French clubs. In 2020, he transitioned into coaching, starting with U9 to U11 teams, and serving as an assistant coach for U16’s over three seasons.
Education – Certifications:
- UEFA B License
Professional experience:
- Assistant Coach, Youth Teams, TEGG
Playing experience:
- Paris Saint-Germain Youth Teams – U7 to U19 National (France – Highest Youth Level)
- Competed at the highest levels in France for Pro Clubs Paris FC, LB Châteauroux, US Orléans, Stade Levallois (France – Ligue 2)
Languages spoken: English, French
Sebastien Kaercher
Head of Methodology
Sebastien Kaercher embarked on his coaching journey at the age of 18 and, over the past 12 years, has cultivated talent from youth to senior levels within France’s national leagues. Six years ago, he began his career with Paris Saint-Germain Academy, amassing a wealth of experience in developing young players. In addition, Sebastien has successfully overseen Paris Saint-Germain Academy camps across the U.S. and Europe, steering the growth of young international talent.
Education – Certifications:
- UEFA A License
- Bachelor of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
Professional experience:
- Physical Trainer FAIG (France – National 3)
- Performance Coach ASP Vauban (France – National 3)
- Reserve Coach Thonon Evian Grand Geneve (France – National 2)
- Head Coach Salesian of Paris (France – Regional 3)
- U15 Coach Paris Saint-Germain Academy France
Languages spoken: English, French
Leandro Cruz
Program Director
Leandro Cruz, from Porto Alegre, Brazil, has an impressive international football career, playing professionally in Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, France, and Argentina. After retiring, he has dedicated over 15 years to the French school system as an educator, ensuring student-athletes not only achieve academic success but also playing an instrumental role in securing college placements for high school graduates.
Education – Certifications:
- Liberal Arts Degree
- Bachelor of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
- Master’s Degrees in both Specific and Adapted Physical Activities
- UEFA B License
Teaching experience:
- Collège Privé Le Sacré-Cœur, Thonon-les-Bains, France
- Collège-Lycée St François, Ville-La-Grand, France
- Lycée Jeanne d’Arc, Thonon-les-Bains, France
- Lycée de la Versoie, Thonon-les-Bains, France
Languages spoken: English, Portuguese, French, Spanish
Lucas Pigeroulet
Head of Performance
Lucas Pigeroulet, armed with a master’s degree in training and performance optimization, launched his career by nurturing university-level talent in France. Appointed as Head Coach of PSG Academy Strasbourg in 2021, he simultaneously fulfilled the role of physical trainer for the U15 team at Ligue 1’s esteemed Racing Club of Strasbourg to excel in player development.
Education – Certificates :
- UEFA B License
- Bachelor of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
- Master’s degree in Performance Optimization
Professional experience:
- Physical trainer for RC Strasbourg U15 (France – Ligue 1)
- Physical trainer in Drusenheim (France – Regional 2)
- Head Coach PSG Academy Strasbourg
Languages spoken: English, French
Jeremy Burquier
PSG-Certified Coach
Jeremy Burquier brings a wealth of coaching experience from France, guiding players from the U10 to the Senior level in the National 3 division. Over the past 6 years, he has honed his skills in imparting strategic and tactical knowledge essential for top-tier success.
Education – Certifications:
- UEFA B License
- Coaching Certificate for Football, from Nouvelle-Aquitaine Football League
- Master of Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities
- Bachelor’s degree in Sciences and Techniques of Physical and Sports Activities – Sports Training
Professional experience:
- Assistant Coach, Youth Teams, Pau FC (France – Ligue 2)
- Team Manager and Coach, U12 through Senior Level, Pau FC (France – Ligue 2)
Playing experience:
- U19 National League – Pau FC (France – Highest Youth Level)
Languages spoken: English, French, Spanish
Antonio Barrios Moreno
PSG-Certified Coach
Antonio brings extensive experience, professionalism, and a true passion for player development to our PSG Academy Pro Technical Team. Specialized in positional play, he helps our young talents reach their full potential both on and off the pitch.
Education – Certifications:
UEFA Pro License
Coaching Certification Positional Play
Master’s Degree in Scouting and Attacking Positional Play
Professional experience:
Assistant Coach, Youth Teams, Levante UD (Spain – U19 National)
Assistant Coach, First Team, Jura Sud Foot (France – National 2)
Technical Director, First Team, CD Alcoyano (Espagne- Division 2)
Head Coach, Youth Teams, Hercules CF (Spain – U16 National)
Languages spoken: Spanish, English, French
Paul Devarewaere
Assistant Coach
After several years as a player at Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC, Paul has transitioned his on-field experience into coaching. As an Assistant Coach at PSG Academy Pro Greater Geneva, he plays a key role in individual player development, helping young talents refine their technical skills and reach their full potential.
Combining his strong understanding of the game with a calm and structured approach, Paul helps young players improve their technique, decision-making, and confidence both on and off the pitch. His playing background and dedication to player development make him a valuable member of our coaching staff.
Professional experience:
Assistant Coach, PSG Academy Pro Greater Geneva
Coach, PSG Academy Pro Greater Geneva Summer Camps
Playing experience:
Thonon Évian Grand Genève FC
Dijon FCO
Olympique Lyonnais
Stade Brestois
Languages spoken: French, English
MELVIN ADRIEN
Goalkeeper Coach
Melvin, originally from Réunion Island, began his football journey at AS Jeanne d’Arc at age 6, where he played until 18 before heading to mainland France. Since 2017, he has earned over 26 caps for Madagascar’s national team, including reaching the quarterfinals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Education – Certificates :
- FFF Certified Pro Goalkeeper Coach
Professional experience:
- Goalkeeper Coach, PSG Academy Pro Greater Geneva Summer Camps
Playing experience:
- International Goalkeeper for Madagascar Senior Team (26 Caps)
- Quarterfinalist of Africa Cup of Nations in 2019
- Goalkeeper for several elite clubs including US Creteil Lusitanos (France – Ligue 2), AC Amiens, and Royal Mouscron (Belgium)
Languages spoken: English, French
Mody Ba
Goalkeeper Assistant Coach
After several years as a player at Thonon Évian Grand Genève, Mody Ba has transitioned his on-field experience into coaching. As Goalkeeper Assistant Coach at PSG Academy Grand Genève, he plays a key role in guiding the next generation of goalkeepers.
Combining his deep understanding of the game with a calm and structured approach, Mody helps young players refine their technique, improve their decision-making, and build confidence both on and off the pitch. His professional background and dedication make him an essential part of the academy’s coaching staff, contributing daily to the growth and development of aspiring athletes.
Professional experience:
Goalkeeper Coach, PSG Academy Pro Greater Geneva Summer Camps
Playing experience:
Goalkeeper for several elite clubs including Thonon Evian Grand Genève (France – National 3).
Languages spoken: English, French
ISRAËL MAMPUTO
Video Analyst
Israël Mamputo, with a Master’s degree in International Sport Management, began his coaching career at the young age of 14, mentoring youth talents who later became top-tier players in world-renowned leagues, including France international William Saliba (Arsenal). Having also worked with youth teams at Paris Saint-Germain, Mamputo is well-versed in imparting his knowledge and the PSG methodology for the development of talented youth players.
Education – Certificates :
- Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resources Management
- Bachelor of Sport Management
- Master’s Degree in International Sport Management
Professional experience:
- Assistant Coach, Youth Teams, AS Bondy (former players: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), William Saliba (Arsenal)
- Football Development Manager and Coach, U14 to U19, AS Hellemmes (France – Regional 2)
- Coach, PSG Academy Pro Greater Geneva Summer Camps
Playing experience:
- Paris Saint-Germain Youth Team – U17-U19 (France – Highest Youth Level)
- ES Wasquehal (France – National 3)
Languages spoken: English, French
Elise Commandré
Data Analyst
Elise brings a strong combination of sports science, data analysis, and a genuine passion for football to our PSG Academy Pro Technical Team. With a Master’s Degree in Digital Sciences and Sport and experience as a Data Analyst within a professional football club, she supports our staff through data-driven analysis and contributes to the development and performance of our young talents.
Education – Certifications:
Master’s Degree in Digital Sciences and Sport
Professional experience:
Data Analyst Intern, IF Elfsborg, Borås, Sweden
Data Analysis Project, French Athletics Federation
Languages spoken: French, English
Hugo Techer
Physical Trainer
Hugo brings strong expertise in physical preparation and a genuine passion for player development to our PSG Academy Pro Technical Team. As Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, he supports the physical development and performance of our young talents, helping them build the physical qualities needed to perform at their best both on and off the pitch.
Education – Certifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in STAPS – Sports Training
Certification in Dietetics and Nutrition
Professional experience:
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Thonon Evian Grand Genève FC
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Thonon Evian Grand Genève FC Women’s Team
Experience working with youth players and coaches, developing and improving physical abilities in football
Languages spoken: French, English
EMMANUEL HEUSSNER
Mental & Resilience Coach
Emmanuel Heussner brings his professional tennis career and 15 years of experience as a mental coach for elite athletes to the PSG Academy Pro Residency. He works year-round with Academy players, implementing a mental development program that provides consistent support and guidance in mental preparation. He equips players with tools to achieve both their personal and team goals. The program focuses on real-world challenges players may face throughout their football journey.
Education – Certifications:
- NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
- Emotional Intelligence Certification
- Mindfulness Certification
Professional Experience:
- Professional Tennis Player on the ATP Tour
- Captain/National Coach of Monaco’s Davis Cup Team
- Mental Coach at MTA (Mouratoglou Tennis Academy)
- Mental Coach at ALL IN Academy
- Tennis Coach for ATP/WTA players
- Speaker at the University of Nice
Languages spoken: English, French
Romain Lespinasse
Assistant Coach
Specializing in Training and Optimization of Sports Performance, Romain brings expertise in physical preparation and development. He supports the Head Coaches and acts as a link between the performance department, technical staff, and physical training teams to ensure a cohesive and efficient development process.
Elvis Rodriguez
PSG-Certified Senior Head Coach
With a UEFA A License and over 20 years of experience in youth coaching and development, Elvis has held key roles such as Head Coach and Head of Development for French clubs, as well as Instructor for the Ligue de Football des Pays de la Loire. Passionate about both athletic and personal growth, he now serves as Senior Head Coach at PSG Academy Pro, where he directly supervises the team of Head Coaches. His mission is to provide young talents with a structured, demanding, and supportive environment that fosters success both on and off the pitch.
Steven Leick
Physical Trainer
Steven Leick ensures players develop key physical attributes tailored to their specific field positions throughout the season. His expertise encompasses high-athletic performance, strength, endurance training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
Education – Certifications:
- Degree in Physical Preparation
- Degree in Sciences and Techniques of Physical Activities and Sports
- Bachelor in Sciences and Techniques of Physical Activities and Sports
Languages spoken: English, French, Spanish
RUBEN KITOS
Assistant Coach
Education – Certificates :
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science (STAPS)
Diploma from FC Porto Science Institute – Coaching and Scouting
Languages spoken: English, French, Portuguese
CHRISTIAN DI DOMENICA
Physiotherapist
With over 30 years of experience as a specialized physiotherapist, Christian Di Domenica is a leading expert in sports recovery in France. He has been a key figure with the Thonon Evian Grand Genève senior teams since their iconic Ligue 1 era and currently oversees all recovery phases for players at the Academy Pro.
Education – Certifications:
- Masters in Physiotherapy
Professional experience:
- Physiotherapist French National Ski Team
- Clinical Physiotherapist with 20+ years of experience
- Head Medical Manager for Thonon Evian Grand Genève FC (France – Ligue 1)
Languages spoken: English, French, Italian
ROMAIN GIROUD
Sports Nutritionist
Romain Giroud, brother and nutritionist of FIFA World Champion Olivier Giroud, embodies the creed “Nutrition at the service of Excellence.”
With a lifestyle dedicated to the importance of a healthy diet, Romain empowers our student-athletes to perform to their best on the field. Leveraging his 25 years of experience, Romain specializes in crafting nutritional programs that not only optimize physical health but also advance competitive capabilities.
Education – Certifications:
- Certified Nutritionist
Professional experience:
- Nutritionist for AS Monaco (France – Ligue 1)
- Nutritionist for FC Grenoble Rugby (France – Rugby Pro)
- Nutritionist / Dietitian for professional players including Olivier Giroud
- Educator at the University of Grenoble
Languages spoken: English, French
