From Foam Ball Dreams to Stardom: Desire Doue’s Untold Story

Desire Doue’s story runs deeper than dazzling footwork and his highlight reels, which are running on social media platforms. Widely hailed as one of the brightest young talents in European football, he isn’t just another wonderkid making headlines.

Born into a football-loving family, Doué was quite literally raised with the game in his hands and under his head. As a child, he slept with a foam football by his side, much like a young Kylian Mbappé once did. This Foam Sponge Football wasn’t just a toy; it was a dream in motion.

Think of his name: Desire Doue. It has a beautiful meaning, but first, we are proud to tell you that his name is a tribute to his uncle, who officiated matches in the 2014 World Cup. By knowing that, you’ll agree with me that the beautiful game of football isn’t just played in the Doué household; it’s lived, breathed, and even refereed.

But everything did not come that easily. At one point, young Désiré almost walked away from the game entirely. You might wonder why he almost gave up on football. This article tells the story of a boy from a football family, driven by legacy and passion, who faced tough choices early on but chose to fight for his place in the beautiful game.

Stick around as we explore the journey of Désiré Doué from backyard dreams to becoming one of Europe’s most promising prospects.

We want to whet your appetite for great football stories, and Doué’s journey is one that deserves to be seen and felt. So before we dive deeper, let’s walk through the moments that shaped him, from his earliest days as a football-obsessed child, through his fast-track development years, to the heroic rise that’s now turning heads across Europe.

Here’s a photo gallery that captures it all: the boy, the dream, and the rising legend of Désiré Doué.

The Beginnings:

Let’s kick things off with the basics. His full name? Désiré Nonka-Maho Doué. But most people just call him by his nicknames “DD” or “Dez.” Born on June 3, 2005, in Angers, France, Désiré comes from a mixed background. His dad, Mr Maho Doué, is Ivorian, and his mom is French. He’s not an only child either. Désiré has siblings, including his older brother, Guéla Doué, who also plays professional football. In fact, there’s a special photo of Guéla and their dad on the day he signed his contract with Stade Rennes, a proud family moment.

Désiré Doué spent most of his childhood in Le Rheu, a small town just west of Rennes. From an early age, he started to understand his purpose. Even as a kid, he knew there was meaning behind his name—and it mattered. In fact, his destiny felt written from day one. His parents named him after his uncle, Noumandiez Désiré Doué, a respected FIFA referee and pharmacist. Big name. Big legacy. And young Désiré was ready to live up to it.

There’s something playful and powerful about his name, one that always makes Désiré smile. Think about it: Désiré Doué. In English? That’s “Desired” and “Gifted.” Pretty cool, right? Even the French Wikipedia page refers to him that way: “a desired, gifted talent.” Almost like fate stamped it on him from birth. His last name, Doué, literally means “gifted” in French. A coincidence? Maybe. But he doesn’t think so. With those bold initials—”DD”—he always felt a spark.

When Désiré Doué first met Didier Deschamps after getting called up to the French national team, something cool happened. Deschamps smiled and said, “I love your initials—DD, just like me.” It was a small moment but a big deal for Désiré. A nod of approval from the boss himself. And a reminder that he was right where he belonged.

As a kid, Désiré Doué fell in love with football early—thanks to his older brother, Guéla and cousins who led the way. Their bond was strong, and Guéla was like a guiding light on and off the pitch. Désiré’s dad, Maho Doué, once shared a sweet detail: his son used to sleep with a foam ball every night. That’s how deep the love for the game ran. And when the ball wasn’t in his bed? You’d find him in his room, kicking it around, lost in his own little world of football dreams.

But it wasn’t just Guéla and Maho cheering him on. His whole family, both close and extended, played a role in lifting him up. One big influence? His uncle, Noumandiez Doué, a FIFA referee and living proof that football was in the family blood.

Noumandiez Désiré Doué, you might not know the name right away, but chances are, you’ve seen him on TV before. Noumandiez, now in his mid-50s, is a former international football referee from the Ivory Coast. He made history as the first Ivorian referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup back in 2014. A true trailblazer. And a powerful inspiration for young Désiré, who proudly carries his name.

That unforgettable World Cup? It was 2014 in Brazil. And yes, Noumandiez Désiré Doué, Désiré’s uncle, was right in the middle of the action. He officiated two matches on the world’s biggest stage: Chile vs. Australia (3–1) in the group stage and, later, France vs. Ecuador (0–0). A proud moment, not just for his family, but for all of Ivory Coast.

Noumandiez isn’t just a former top-level referee, he’s also a pharmacist by profession. And since 2022, he’s been leading the way as CAF’s Head of Refereeing. Now imagine carrying that legacy in your name. That’s exactly what Désiré Doué does. And he wears it with pride.

Family Background:

In the Désiré Doué household, it’s believed that being gifted is one thing, but talent alone isn’t enough. He comes from a home that values discipline every day. This rule of life was passed down to him through his upbringing. Désiré inherited a strong sense of rigor from his parents, who always worked tirelessly to ensure he lacked nothing. He comes from a family where both his mum and dad are deeply dedicated to their children’s progress. They’ve been focused on their growth, not by being constantly present at every turn, but by trusting in the work of their educators, whether at school or at the Stade Rennais football academy.

In the words of Mathieu Le Scornet, a French football manager who knows the Doué family inside and out, they’re a household of sportsmen. Why, you ask? Well, it’s interesting to note that Désiré Doué’s dad, Maho Doué, laid the foundation of the family’s sporting dynasty. Turns out, Mr. Maho Doué wasn’t just any dad, he was a former boxer at a high level, even semi-professional. He also spent time with the veteran team of Stade Rennais. A sporting legacy runs deep in the Doué family, and it all started with Maho Doué.

His Dad, Maho Doué, was more of a “stopper” in his boxing days—a fighter known for ending matches early with his knockout power. A true KO artist, he made a name for himself by finishing bouts before the final bell. But Désiré Doué, his brother, and his dad aren’t the only ones with a passion for sports in the family. Research shows that Désiré’s little sister is also giving football a try!

And the family’s sporting legacy doesn’t stop there. Désiré’s brother and cousin, Yann Gboho, both play in Ligue 1, making it a family affair in the top tier of French football. Another of his cousins, Marc-Olivier Doué Séné (born October 11, 2000), is carving out his own path in Belgium, while Ponferradina (a Spanish club based in Ponferrada) is the home for yet another talented cousin.

As for the head of the family, Maho Doué was never the type of dad to hold his kids back. Instead, he built a family united by hard work and incredible physical predispositions.

How Désiré Doué was Found:

There’s a saying that one talented player can hide another, and that’s exactly what happened between Désiré Doué and his older brother, Guéla. One day, Désiré’s mother took her sons to Stade Rennais for a trial. The goal? To give Guéla a chance to join the U9s at the club.

While Guéla was being tested by the coaches, little Désiré, just five years old, was off to the side, playing with his ball, enjoying his time. Little did he know that’s when he caught the attention of the scouts.

Thanks to Guéla, Désiré was spotted. During his brother’s trials, young Désiré would always tag along, eager to follow his older sibling to his football commitments. While Guéla trained, Désiré stayed at the edge of the pitch, keeping himself busy, jogging the ball around.

At that moment, a five-year-old boy was simply having fun with a ball. But a few meters away, Guéla was trying to impress the Stade Rennais coaches, hoping to secure a spot in the U9s. Florent Bourcier, a former coach at Stade Rennais, noticed young Désiré and told him, “Come train with us on the technical aspects, rather than just playing on your own.” That was the beginning of a new chapter for Désiré Doué—and it all started thanks to his older brother, Guéla. It was a playful moment like this that lead to a football journey of his own.

The Battle to get him into Stade Rennais:

Mathieu Le Scornet, then head of the Stade Rennais football school, quickly noticed that Désiré Doué had a special touch with the ball. Even at such a young age, he could juggle it effortlessly—something most kids his age wouldn’t even dare to try.

But there was a catch: Désiré wasn’t old enough to join the academy just yet. In his desire to keep such a promising talent, Le Scornet spoke to Désiré’s parents and said, “You can bring him to us as soon as he’s ready.”

At that time, players usually had to wait until they were in U8 or U9 to join. But Mathieu Le Scornet saw something special in young Désiré, and he wasn’t about to let him slip through the cracks.

Landry Chauvin, the former sports director of the Stade Rennais training center, recalls Désiré Doué vividly. He said, “From the football school, we sensed immense technical potential in him, well above the other kids.” However, signing the always-smiling young Désiré Doué into the Stade Rennais academy wasn’t an easy task.

“We initially received an instant refusal from his parents,” Chauvin explained. “The peculiar thing about the Doué family is that there was always an order to respect.”

At first, the club was eager to bring Désiré on board, but his parents had a clear message: “You take care of Guéla (the older brother) first.” Despite the club’s interest, the Doué family never budged an inch, sticking to their values and priorities.

At Stade Rennais, the age categories started at U9 at the time. But Désiré Doué’s talent was so undeniable that he signed his first license at just seven years old, allowing him to play his first games with the U9s—and even get upgraded to his older brother’s team.

Florent Bourcier, his first coach at Stade Rennais, remembers clearly: “He was so above his age category in U7! We also allowed him to do sessions with Guéla’s team, who was three years older, focusing on the technical side.” In no time, words quickly spread about this young kid who had something special. He was the kind of player who stood out, even among those who had been at the academy longer.

From the moment Désiré Doué started playing football, it was clear he was well above average for his age. It was innate, pure talent! While he’s always been a hard worker, focusing on perfecting his game, his technique and motor skills were something he was born with. Mathieu Le Scornet agrees: “Like all the kids who join Stade Rennais, there’s a certain footballing skill at play. Technically, most of them have the basics, but Désiré had very strong qualities in ball handling and individual expression.

An Early Trophy Winner:

In 2012, just a year after joining Stade Rennais’ academy, Désiré Doué was already seen as a leader. The cameras couldn’t stop filming him because, quite simply, he was special.

One of those moments was when, at just 7 years old, he was seen juggling on the sidelines of the FCGM Champions League U10 pitch. Wherever he went, people knew Désiré Doué was the kid with the extraordinary talent.

When Stade Rennais’ academy teams played in his age group, everyone knew they’d be tough to beat with Désiré on the field. Though not the loudest or most dominant kid, he was the one who always outclassed his opponents.

“Dez,” as his teammates called him, helped lead Stade Rennais’ academy to multiple victories, including trophy finals, often single-handedly turning the game in their favour.

Doué had such a range and a shot that was above the rest,” confides Florent Bourcier, one of his youth coaches. Désiré’s journey began by learning how to become a versatile player. His movements on the pitch even resemble that of N’Golo Kanté, though they don’t share the same role. In fact, he can play as a mezzala (a wide central-midfield player in a trio or diamond) or even in a more advanced position, as an attacking midfielder or winger. But despite his early success, something very difficult happened one day. It was something that almost made Désiré Doué quit football.

Why he almost quit Football:

In an interview for the RMC Scouting podcast, Désiré Doué’s father, Maho Doué, revealed a pivotal moment in his son’s early career. During his time with the Stade Rennais U11s, one of the coaches decided to place him in defense. That decision almost ended his football journey. “He didn’t want to play football anymore,” Maho said. The shift to a defensive role was tough for Désiré, who was used to being in the spotlight as an attacking player.

But after a brief period of frustration, Désiré was moved back to midfield, and his passion for the game quickly reignited. Mathieu Le Scornet, one of his former coaches, explained to So Foot:

“There was a desire to install him as a box-to-box midfielder to help him improve his efforts and withdrawals. We had to give him the culture of going back and forth, which perhaps made him lose some of his freshness and spontaneity at that time.”

It was a challenging period for Désiré, but he didn’t let it stop him. Despite the frustrations of being placed in a new role, he worked hard to adjust and refine his game. Le Scornet continues:

“When we moved to eleven-a-side, we wanted him to play box-to-box to improve his versatility. There was a short period where we had to digest this learning, but it was a valuable experience for his development.”

As he grew, Désiré continued to shine. “He played upfront and helped his team score goals to fetch titles,” Le Scornet notes. “It’s a joy to work with a player like him, a brilliant kid who puts his heart into everything he does.”

For the next two and a half years, Désiré Doué blossomed, turning a corner in his development.

Road to Becoming a Professional:

Having joined Stade Rennais at just 6 years old, Désiré Doué, now 11 and approaching his teenage years, had already made a name for himself. The fans at Roazhon Park loved him for his goals and explosive style. He wasn’t just about passing or controlling the ball; that’s what made him stand out. He wasn’t built to perform mechanically—he wanted to play with his opponents and have fun with the game. In just over four years, Désiré Doué, at 11, was no longer a stranger to the stadium crowd. The U13s were making waves, and he, alongside Joël Matondo (the top scorer), was voted the best player of the tournament.

Under-17 Championship Win:

In May 2022, while most of his peers were focused on studying for their high school diplomas, Désiré Doué was in Israel, playing in the European Championship for his age group. On his team were rising stars like Zaïre-Emery, Mathys Tel, and Elyaz Zidane (son of the legendary Zinedine Zidane).

Désiré made an instant impact, scoring two goals on his debut and providing an assist in the final. His contribution helped secure the victory, and the young “Galletti” took home the title for the third time. The joy was unmistakable, and he couldn’t contain his excitement.

Just a few months later, Doué played a pivotal role in securing the U17 Euro with the French team, providing an assist in the final against a strong Netherlands team which had stars like Dean Huijsen. With his skills on full display and winning the trophy, the midfielder caught the attention of many in the big leagues.

Rising as a Pro:

Désiré Doué made his professional debut with a bang, scoring his first goal against Brest, a moment made even more special as it fell on his mother’s birthday. With that goal, he became the first player born in 2005 to score in the five major European leagues. Just a month later, Doué had a dream week. On Thursday, he scored a composed goal to secure Rennes’ victory over Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League, and on Sunday, he sealed Rennes’ success in the derby against Nantes with a stunning piece of skill.

Benjamin Bourigeaud, his veteran teammate, couldn’t help but praise him after that masterpiece, saying, “He’s just like his goal. He still has a lot of progress to make, but he’s a very good young player.”

In Rennes, the comparisons to Ousmane Dembélé and Eduardo Camavinga started to flow. Both were former academy products who had made waves on the world stage, and now, Doué was being touted as the next big talent to emerge from the prestigious training ground.

The PSG Love Connection:

The French giants, eager to strengthen their squad with talented youngsters, saw Désiré Doué as a true Swiss Army knife for their midfield—someone who could offer flexibility and provide Luis Enrique with valuable options throughout the season. Enrique was drawn to Doué’s speed and dribbling ability, recognizing that the 19-year-old poses a constant attacking threat whenever he steps on the pitch.

In his final season with Stade Rennais, Doué was among the best in Europe across various metrics, including shots, crosses, and dribbles, constantly creating danger for the opposition. He also stood out defensively, with 172 successful tackles and 20 aerial duels won, showing his versatility and work rate.

Désiré Doué joined PSG in a blockbuster €50 million move, leaving behind the club that shaped his story, Stade Rennais, and stepping onto one of football’s biggest stages. His transfer marked not just a shift in his career but the fulfillment of a journey that started in Brittany, one made possible only after his family’s values and conditions were respected from day one.

At just 19 years old, Doué was already mature beyond his years, filling critical gaps in PSG’s midfield with a calm head and electric feet. Whether stationed centrally or drifting out wide, his ability to burst forward, beat his man, and create chaos in the final third fit seamlessly into Luis Enrique’s system.

His first big test in Parisian colors? The ultimate challenge was to help PSG conquer both Haaland‘s Manchester City and Mo Salah‘s Liverpool in the 2024/2025 Champions League rounds. And he did it in flying colors, delivering match-winning performances that left fans stunned and pundits praising his name.

Loss for Ivory Coast:

Even though Ivory Coast, his father’s homeland, kept sending friendly signals, Désiré Doué chose to stick with France, and it paid off. He became a key part of Thierry Henry’s squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It was a wild ride, which the coach and Legendary player himself called “a crazy human adventure with a group of friends.

France battled their way to a thrilling Olympic final, only to fall to Spain in a dramatic 3-5 loss, led by Abel Ruiz. Doué wasn’t always a starter, but when his moment came, he delivered. He scored in the third group match against New Zealand and later provided a decisive assist to Michael Olise in the semi-final against Egypt.

Barely a year after the 2024 Olympics, Ivory Coast’s dream of seeing Désiré Doué wear their jersey, just like his brother Guéla Doué, came crashing down. On March 18, 2025, it became official. Didier Deschamps called him up to the French national team. It was a big moment. At Clairefontaine, during his first press conference as a Blue, the PSG midfielder finally spoke about his choice.

Born in Angers, to a French-Ivorian family, Désiré had been courted by both nations. But for him, the decision was clear. “It was mostly a discussion at home. I’ve been part of the French setup since the U16s,” he said, smiling. And just like that, France gained a new gem.

Could the Brothers Meet at the 2026 World Cup?

If things keep going the way they are, Désiré Doué is set to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad for France. And if fate truly loves a good story, we might just get a Boateng-style showdown.

Just like Kevin-Prince and Jérôme Boateng faced off in 2010 and 2014 (Ghana vs. Germany), Ivory Coast vs. France could bring Guéla vs. Désiré Doué to life on the world stage. Two brothers. Two countries. One family. One dream.

Though their paths have taken different turns, Désiré has never forgotten who first inspired him to chase the game. His big brother, Guéla, was the spark. And now, the world waits for the clash that could become one of football’s most poetic moments. The rest, as they say, could soon be history in the making.

Untold Facts:

In the final chapter of Désiré Doué’s biography, we uncover the lesser-known truths behind the rising star. Let’s dive in.

FIFA Profile:

Truth is, it’s rare to find a 19-year-old this complete. Désiré Doué ticks almost every box—movement, power, flair, mentality—you name it. The only thing he’s still working on? Heading. At 19, his stats are stacked. A+ across the board. He’s got the drive of Valverde and the class of Beckham.

If you’re into FIFA Career Mode, this is your guy. Build your team around him, and you’ve got a beast in midfield who can also light up the wings. Here it is; Désiré Doué’s elite FC 25 SOFIFA card.

Salary Breakdown:

In PSG’s salary power rankings, Désiré Doué is sitting pretty, especially for a 19-year-old. According to Capology, he earns around €115,385 per week, which adds up to about €6 million a year. Not bad at all for someone who just hit his teenage exit. Another young baller, Bradley Barcola, edges him slightly with €126,923 weekly, but both are clearly swimming in serious numbers for their age.

Of course, there’s still a gap between Doué and PSG’s top earners like Kvaratskhelia (€314K/week), Marquinhos (€258K), and Hakimi (€253K). But let’s be real… if Désiré keeps developing, keeps delivering, and his family-run agent circle plays their cards right, those bigger checks will come.

After all, this kid is part of the future of French football, and the future deserves a raise. Here’s where he ranks in PSG’s salary table, according to Capology.

Is Désiré Doué Christian? Exploring His Religion

While there’s no official confirmation, all signs point toward Désiré Doué likely being Christian. Here’s why: none of the names in his family carry Islamic origins, and many of his relatives bear names traditionally associated with Christian heritage—names like Marc-Olivier, Lewis, and Alexandre.

These names have strong Latin and European roots, commonly found in Christian households, especially in French-speaking regions where Christianity has deep cultural influence.

So, while it’s just an educated guess, the odds seem to lean more toward Désiré Doué being raised in a Christian background.

End Note:

Désiré Doué’s rise in football has been nothing short of remarkable. As observed in this article, it is clear that his talent shone through from a very young age. His early journey at Stade Rennais saw him quickly surpass his peers, playing with players older than him, even starting his U9 career at just seven years old. From the moment he first kicked a ball, it was clear that his exceptional technique and innate skills would take him far.

His progression into the professional ranks was swift, and by 2022, he was named one of the world’s top 60 footballing talents born in 2005 by The Guardian. His technical prowess, combined with his impressive work ethic, helped him debut in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League, scoring goals and catching the eyes of football fans across Europe. At just 19 years old, he has become a prominent player for PSG and a rising star in the French national team.

While his career is still young, the future looks bright for Désiré Doué. With the right consistency and development, especially in areas like aerial duels and defense, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy on the game. Désiré Doué’s story is just beginning, but one thing is clear: His name will continue to make waves in the world of football for years to come.

Appreciation Note:

We appreciate you joining us on this incredible journey through the life and rise of Désiré Doué,  from a fearless academy kid juggling on the sidelines to one of France’s brightest football stars.

Your time, curiosity, and love for the game mean everything. Whether you’re here for the inspiration, the stats, the behind-the-scenes moments, or just to celebrate young talent, we’re glad to have shared this with you.