Sergiño Dest is keeping soccer skillful by not just focusing on his recovery but also by giving back to the community. As the U.S. national team’s disappointing summer of 2024 unfolded, he found himself watching from afar, reflecting on how his absence impacted the team’s performance.
Dest, a talented 23-year-old right back for the USMNT and a veteran of the 2022 World Cup, was sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained the previous spring. His absence was felt acutely during two recent friendly matches and the Copa América, where the team struggled without his dynamic presence.
The U.S. team became the first Copa host to exit in the group stage, a setback that ultimately led to the dismissal of former coach Gregg Berhalter. Following this, they faced further disappointment, losing to Canada and drawing with New Zealand in their subsequent matches.
Watching the Copa debacle unfold from his home in the Netherlands, Dest expressed confusion over the team’s low energy levels. “We’re a good team, but we all know that we’re not the best individually,” he shared in an exclusive interview with FOX Sports. “Our biggest strength is intensity, chemistry, and working hard for each other. Without that, victories are hard to come by.”
While eager to return to the pitch, Dest has kept busy during his rehabilitation with PSV Eindhoven, where he has made significant progress. He is on the club’s 2024-25 Champions League roster and anticipates a return to action in January. Additionally, he has poured his energy into a personal project: the opening of a mini-pitch in Almere, the city where he grew up.
Dest is renowned for his extraordinary ball skills, which have dazzled fans and left defenders bewildered. His journey through prestigious clubs like Ajax, Barcelona, AC Milan, and PSV has showcased his talent on some of Europe’s grandest stages, where he has dazzled audiences with his audacious moves.
In a memorable Champions League match against Arsenal, a clip of Dest nutmegging defender Jakub Kiwior went viral, capturing the excitement of his teammates and fans alike. Such instinctive plays are reminiscent of his childhood, where he learned tricks from older kids on the streets of Almere.
“I think that’s why we all love soccer,” Dest remarked. “We admire players for their skills and think, ‘I want to be like him.’ That inspires kids to get out on the field and play.” This passion for the game led him to invest his own resources into creating the Sergiño Dest Court, which officially opened on September 27.
The mini-pitch aims to foster skill development in a fun, accessible environment. “It’s small, so you can go alone or with friends,” he explained. “You learn to control the ball in tight spaces, rather than just kicking it and running.” This initiative reflects his desire to provide a better playing experience for young athletes.
Last season, Dest excelled while on loan at PSV, leading to the club’s decision to purchase him outright. Despite his flair for the dramatic, Dest emphasizes that his skills serve a functional purpose on the field. “It was a beautiful way to get past my opponent,” he noted about his nutmeg on Kiwior, highlighting the effectiveness behind his style.
The mini-pitch is not just about soccer; it also aims to cultivate friendships. “I used to ask older players for tricks, and they would teach me,” he recalled. “It was a way to connect with others who shared my passion.” His hope is to create spaces that encourage camaraderie and skill-sharing among young players.
Motivated by his own experiences, Dest aims to replicate this project in the U.S., with aspirations to open similar courts before the 2026 World Cup. He believes that having well-maintained facilities can significantly enhance the youth soccer experience.
In the short term, Dest’s focus remains on returning to full training with PSV. If all goes according to plan, he will join the new USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino for a camp in March, where the team will aim for a fourth consecutive Concacaf Nations League title. His last international appearance was in the Nations League final against Mexico, where he left a lasting impression on fans.
As the U.S. team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Dest’s electrifying playing style and leadership will be invaluable. “I haven’t met him yet, but I believe Pochettino can be a great coach for us,” he said, looking forward to his potential role in the new setup. “I hope to see how I can contribute.”
