Houston Dynamo will be looking to kick off the 2026 MLS season in winning fashion as they host Chicago Fire on March 21, and one player who will be seeking to make a positive impression is Diadié Samassékou.
Born in Bamako, Mali, Samassékou emerged as a revelation in midfield for Mali during their run to the bronze medal in the 2015 U-20 FIFA World Cup in New Zealand, earning a transfer to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.
He established himself as a vital cog in midfield, helping them win three league titles and two Austrian Cups, before making the move to German outfit TSG Hoffenheim. Samassékou quickly announced himself as one of the most exciting young African prospects in Europe alongside Emmanuel Gyasi, only to fall down the pecking order and try his luck out on loan with Greek side Olympiacos and Spanish side Cádiz.
And after an injury-plagued 2024/25 season, Samassékou made the move across the Atlantic and joined MLS outfit Houston Dynamo, making his debut against Portland Timbers on September 21.
At 30 years old, Samassékou has already cemented his status in Austria and Germany, playing 134 and 97 times for Salzburg and Hoffenheim, respectively, as well as 41 appearances for Mali and four participations in the Africa Cup of Nations. But now, can he establish a legacy in Texas and return to the Malian national team for the first time since June 2024? WFi spoke to Samassékou about a number of topics.
How do you balance football with family life?
“My wife and I live with our two kids, while my parents and the rest of my family members are back in Mali. But we remain connected and always talk and decide everything together.
“As a person, for sure, you have more responsibilities to take care of the kids: my son is 26 months old, and my daughter is 12 months old. It’s the best, although it’s also not easy, but I like it. My kids are really, really easy: they sleep at night, which is the most important thing.”
You’ve played in Mali, Germany, Austria, Greece, Spain, and now the USA… how would you describe your style of play as a footballer?
“I come from the Red Bull family, where it’s more about pressing, counter-pressing, playing the ball forward, and putting intensity in the game and biting on everything. I’m like a warrior on the pitch: I’m not the one who will get the highlights, but I will just work for the team, and this is my style.”
Lastly, it’s been 11 years since you first broke onto the footballing scene. How do you think you’ve evolved since then?
“When you arrive in Europe, you want to see everything and are a bit anxious. But as you grow up, you learn that there are things that are more important than football.
“Now, really, right now, I’m a bit calmer, I stay at home more with my family, with my kids, I’m resting and eating well, and I’m just focusing on my job and my family.
“You start to see the importance of having positive and good people around you, and right now, that’s what I’m doing. I’m just trying to build a strong team, a team that can push me to be the best version of myself.
“When you are a kid, you don’t realize who is there for you, but as time goes by, you see what’s best for you. That’s why, right now, I’m just happy to be here today. It has been a long journey, but I am happy with what I am and who I am right now.”
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