Three years ago, Olayemi Divin Sokpetin arrived at IDA Valencia with a dream that had already guided every step of his young life.
Today, after completing another Benin U17 National Team preparation camp ahead of the WAFU-B Tournament, the 2011-born midfielder returns for his third season at IDA with another valuable international experience behind him. His latest call-up is more than a personal milestone – it reflects years of dedication, sacrifice, and development in an environment designed to help ambitious student-athletes reach their potential.
For Divin and his family, the journey has never been just about football. It’s about trusting the right people, embracing new challenges, and growing both on and off the pitch.
Football has been part of Divin’s life for as long as he can remember.
“Football has always been much more than just a sport for me,” he says. “It is my passion and my way of expressing myself.”
Inspired by his father’s love for the game, he began playing at the age of five before joining his first club at seven.
“I realized at a very young age that I wanted to make football my profession. Since then, every decision I have made has been guided by this goal.”
His family saw that determination early.
“We started noticing his potential at a very young age,” his father recalls. “Football played a central role in his life. What stood out the most was his passion for the game from the age of five, along with his determination and constant desire to learn and improve.”
After developing at PSG Academy in Senegal, Divin’s family began looking for an environment that could help him take the next step. Following a recommendation, extensive research, and conversations with the academy, they chose IDA Valencia.
“What convinced us above all was the professionalism of the project and the quality of the environment offered by IDA,” his father says.
“We were looking for a structure that could support Divin not only in his football development but also in his education and personal growth.”
Leaving home at such a young age wasn’t easy.
“It was a very difficult decision emotionally,” he says. “However, we also understood that it was an important opportunity for both his personal and athletic development. We saw his motivation, commitment, and determination to pursue his dream. Although the separation was challenging, we chose to trust him and support his journey.”
That trust has defined the last three years.
Adapting to life in Spain meant learning new languages, embracing a new culture, and stepping outside his comfort zone.
“My first weeks in Spain were challenging but very rewarding,” Divin says. “I had to adapt to a new language, a new culture, and a more demanding lifestyle.”
Looking back, he believes those early challenges helped shape the player and person he is today.
“The biggest change has been my confidence. When I first arrived, I was sometimes afraid of making mistakes. I never gave up. I kept working hard, and my efforts eventually paid off.”
Today, he says he plays “with more personality and composure” and has become “a positive leader” within his team.
As he prepares for his third season at IDA, he believes he has grown significantly both technically and tactically.
“I have improved a lot both technically and tactically. My awareness, passing ability, first touch, and my ability to handle pressure have all improved significantly.”
Training every day in Spain also changed his perspective on what it takes to succeed.
“I have understood that a player does not improve only through training, but also through his lifestyle, habits, and professionalism.”
His father has witnessed that transformation firsthand.
“We sent a young boy to Spain, and today we see a young man.”
“He has become far more independent, responsible, and mature. He has learned to manage his daily life, make decisions, and make sacrifices in pursuit of his goals.”
For the family, those changes are exactly what they hoped IDA would provide.
“IDA has provided him with an environment that supports his daily development. He has improved his technical, tactical, and mental qualities there. Beyond football, he has also learned discipline, commitment, and professionalism – essential attributes for reaching the highest level of the game.”
That daily development has continued to translate onto the international stage.
After completing Benin’s latest U17 National Team preparation camp ahead of the WAFU-B Tournament, Divin returns to Spain with another valuable experience that has reinforced his ambition to continue progressing.
“It was a great honor,” he says. “Representing your country is one of the greatest achievements for a young player.”
International football has also brought new lessons.
“I have learned that the international level requires total concentration and great discipline. Every detail matters, and every player must be ready to give their best physically, tactically, and mentally at all times.”
When asked whether IDA has helped prepare him for those moments, his answer is immediate.
“Yes, definitely. My experience at IDA has helped me stand out in several areas, especially my tactical understanding of the game, my composure under pressure, and the maturity of my decision-making. It has helped me adapt quickly to the demands of international football.”
For his father, seeing Divin wear Benin’s colors while continuing his development in Spain validates their decision.
“It also confirms that we made the right decision by trusting him and choosing IDA to support his development.”
As he begins his third season at IDA Valencia, Divin’s ambitions remain as clear as they were when he first started kicking a ball in the streets of Benin.
“My main goal is to join a professional football academy and take another important step in my career. I want to continue developing at the highest level possible, keep improving every day, and prove that I am ready for the next challenge.”
His father hopes to see him continue that journey while staying true to the values that have guided him from the beginning.
“Our greatest hope is to see him achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer. We hope he continues to work hard, improve every day and, above all, remain true to the values that have guided him so far: humility, discipline, respect, and determination.”
For families considering a similar path, Divin’s father offers one final piece of advice.
“Do not be afraid of giving your child an opportunity. The most important thing is choosing a serious environment that can support the young player in every aspect of their development. IDA is not just a football academy; it is also a place where young people learn to become responsible, independent, and well-prepared to face the challenges of life.”
And for young players dreaming of following a similar path, Divin leaves them with the words that have come to define his own journey:
“Believe in your dreams and never lose sight of your goals. Above all, you must understand: talent alone is not enough. You need discipline, patience, and the willingness to make sacrifices. Daily hard work is always rewarded: football always gives back what you are willing to give to it.”
*Photos courtesy of the Sokpetin family
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