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.
Sebastien Kaercher
Technical Director
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 B 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
Academic 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
ISRAËL MAMPUTO
PSG-Certified Coach
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
- Paris Saint-Germain Youth Team – U17-U19 (France – Highest Youth Level)
- ES Wasquehal (France – National 3)
Languages spoken: English, French
KÉVIN AFOUGOU
PSG-Certified Coach
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
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
- 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
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
EMMANUEL HEUSSNER
Mental & Resilience Coach
Emmanuel Heussner, brings his 15 years of experience as a mental coach to the PSG Academy Pro Residency. Having designed a “100% Mental” program, players will receive consistent support and tools throughout the season to remain focused and achieve their personal goals.
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 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
CHRISTIAN DI DOMENICA
Physiotherapist
With a career spanning over 30 years as a specialized physiotherapist , Christian Di Domenica is a reference and leading expert in sports recovery in France. He’s been attached to the Thonon Evian Grand Genève senior teams since their iconic French Ligue 1 era, and importantly currently leads 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