When Olayemi Divin Sokpetin first arrived at IDA Valencia three years ago, he brought with him a clear ambition and the discipline to pursue it every day.
Now, the 2011-born midfielder returns to Valencia for his third season after completing another Benin U17 National Team preparation camp ahead of the WAFU-B Tournament. For Divin, this latest international call-up is another step in a journey shaped by commitment, adaptation, and steady growth.
Behind that progress is a story that goes beyond football. It is also the story of a family that trusted the process, a young player willing to leave his comfort zone, and an environment that helped him grow as both an athlete and a person.
A Passion That Began Early
Football has been central to Divin’s life since childhood. Long before international camps or academy seasons in Spain, the game was already part of how he saw himself.
“Football has always been much more than just a sport for me,” he says. “It is my passion and my way of expressing myself.”
His love for the sport was strongly influenced by his father, and he began playing at just five years old before joining his first club two years later.
“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.”
That commitment was clear to his family from the beginning.
“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.”
Choosing the Right Environment
Before arriving in Valencia, Divin continued his development at PSG Academy in Senegal. When the time came to look for the next step, his family wanted more than a football program. They were searching for a place that could support his overall development.
After a recommendation, research, and conversations with the academy, they felt IDA Valencia offered the right structure.
“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.”
Making that decision was not simple. Sending a young player abroad requires trust, patience, and confidence in the path ahead.
“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 decision would become an important turning point in Divin’s development.
Adapting, Learning, and Growing in Spain
Moving to Spain meant facing a new language, a different culture, and a more demanding football routine. The first weeks were not easy, but they became part of the learning process.
“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.”
Over time, those challenges helped him build confidence. Instead of avoiding mistakes, he learned to keep working through them.
“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, Divin describes himself as a player who competes “with more personality and composure” and has become “a positive leader” within his team.
As he prepares for another season in Valencia, he can also see clear progress in the technical and tactical side of his game.
“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.”
That growth has also changed the way he understands high-level development.
“I have understood that a player does not improve only through training, but also through his lifestyle, habits, and professionalism.”
For his father, the transformation has been clear.
“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.”
That personal growth has been just as important as his progress on the field.
“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.”
Representing Benin on the International Stage
Divin’s development has also opened the door to important experiences with his national team. His latest Benin U17 National Team preparation camp ahead of the WAFU-B Tournament gave him another opportunity to test himself in an international environment.
“It was a great honor,” he says. “Representing your country is one of the greatest achievements for a young player.”
Competing at that level has given him a clearer understanding of the standards required in international football.
“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 his time at IDA has helped him prepare for those demands, Divin is clear.
“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 family, seeing him represent Benin while continuing to grow in Spain is a meaningful confirmation of the path they chose.
“It also confirms that we made the right decision by trusting him and choosing IDA to support his development.”
Keeping His Goals Clear
As Divin begins his third season at IDA Valencia, his ambition remains focused on the next stage of his football career. The dream that began in Benin continues to guide him.
“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’s hopes for him are built not only around football success, but also around the values that have shaped Divin’s journey so far.
“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 who may be considering a similar experience, his father believes the key is choosing an environment that supports the full development of the player.
“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 with big ambitions, Divin’s message is rooted in the lessons he has learned through 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.”
As he continues his path between IDA Valencia and the international stage with Benin, Divin carries with him much more than experience. He carries the maturity, discipline, and belief that come from trusting the journey, even when it requires sacrifice.
