At just 16 years old, Léane aspires to become a professional soccer player.
From a very young age, she has actively engaged in soccer and judo, simultaneously participating in both sports for six years.
During a training course for goalkeepers in St Barths in 2020, Léane was spotted by the head of the Guadeloupe soccer league. She then did some tests in Guadeloupe and was selected to be part of the Guadeloupe selection, marking the beginning of her adventure.
“It was a surprise for all of us. It was not in our plans, but we put everything in place to give her every chance to succeed,” said her mother, Janice.
To fully devote herself to soccer, Léane had to give up judo, since she had to train every evening. “It was a real choice because she had acquired quite a good level at only 14. She had passed the brown belt.”
Léane decided to go to France to study soccer and is currently in her second year at the Bernard Diomede academy in Issy les Moulineaux, in the Paris region. The academy offers academic, sports, and social support, preparing students for different aspects of life. There, Léane meets great players and referees and plays in the U18 R3 championship as a member of the GPSO92 Issy club.
Today, Léane is pleased with her choice and seems to be appreciated by her teammates and coaches in the U18 league. “It’s a second family, we help each other.”
After having played with boys for a considerable time in St. Barths, she now deeply values the chance to play with girls, as she was the only girl for an extended period there.
“Her integration has been challenging, as she has had to adjust to the fast pace of life and being far from her family. To support her, we visit France around once a month on average, and we also maintain regular video calls several times a week, which helps us cope with the distance.” continues her mother.
Léane was part of the overseas selection in a tournament in Clairefontaine where she made a lot of connections. This season, she is part of the District 92 selection, which reinforces her confidence and assurance.
After qualifying for the Guadeloupe selection, Léane participated in an international CONCACAF tournament in Curaçao. Although the team finished 3rd in the group, the experience was very positive.
What do you like most about soccer?
Since I was a child, I have enjoyed watching soccer games with my father. The collective game aspect of soccer is what I enjoy most, as it allows me to be part of a team and meet great people.
Playing on a boys’ team for all these years has enabled me to assert myself and develop the confidence necessary for the goalkeeper position.
As a goalkeeper, I appreciate being able to see the whole field and serve as the last line of defense for the team, despite the significant responsibility it entails.
How are your studies going?
The transition to high school in France from St. Barths has been challenging due to the differences in educational level. However, being in boarding school and having mandatory study hours has helped me balance my time between training at the academy and club and focusing on my studies.
What are your greatest successes?
This sports year has been exceptional for me. My club finished first in the Regional 3 championship, and we are set to move up to the Regional 2 next season.
Additionally, I will participate in the finals of the French academic championship of Futsal in La Rochelle with the Bernard Diomède Academy.
With the U16 selection of District 92, we won a match against the U17 selection of the league of Mayotte.
I also had the opportunity to participate in the qualifying tournament of the international championship CONCACAF U20 with the selection of Guadeloupe, where we finished in the third position.
Each of the competitions was fantastic, but the last one stood out to me, as I had the chance to sing the Marseillaise in a stadium.
What are your plans?
After high school, I plan to continue my studies in human resources or sports management. As for soccer, I want to continue to improve and reach higher levels in the sport. It would be wonderful if I could combine my studies with playing soccer in the United States for a few years.
I am also hoping to be selected to play for Curacao in the 2024 World Championships.
Your biggest dream?
To sing France’s national anthem once more in a stadium is my greatest aspiration, this time while proudly wearing the jersey of the French team.
