St. Louis City Coach Yoann Damet Welcomes New Challenges

New St. Louis City coach Yoann Damet is ready to rebuild a team that missed the playoffs for the second year in a row in 2025.

“This is an ambitious club, and we’ll work hard every day to be competitive and play an entertaining style of soccer that our supporters will enjoy,” said the 35-year-old Frenchman after taking his first full-time head coaching role.

Damet was previously an assistant coach with Wilfried Nancy at the Columbus Crew, where he won the MLS Cup in 2023 and the Leagues Cup in 2024.

Before that, he worked under Los Angeles Galaxy coach Greg Vanney and managed FC Cincinnati on an interim basis twice.

“He brings valuable experience from some of the top teams and coaches in the league, which will help him get the best out of our players,” said St. Louis City sporting director Corey Wray.

“Yoann is ambitious and competitive, and he communicates his ideas well. Most importantly, he values people and relationships. Our previous collaboration has built a foundation of trust, which will aid us as we advance the team.”

St. Louis City parted ways with head coach Olof Mellberg in March, with interim manager David Critchley finishing the season. The team ended up in 13th place with 32 points in the Western Conference.

However, there are key players remaining from the 2023 expansion team that topped the West, including goalkeeper Roman Burki and designated player Joao Klauss. Midfielder Marcel Hartel, also a designated player, is set to return for his second season in 2026.