Few players encapsulate perseverance, growth, and ambition quite like Yaya Dukuly. The Adelaide United winger has walked a unique footballing journey—one that has taken him from his hometown to Melbourne, across to France, and back to the club where his football career began.
Through it all, the 22-year-old has embraced every challenge, and under the guidance of head coach Carl Veart, he is finding his place as a key figure in the Reds’ squad.
A Relationship That Shaped Him
For Dukuly, his connection with Carl Veart extends far beyond their time together at Adelaide United. The pair’s first encounter dates back to the youth ranks, where Veart played a pivotal role in Dukuly’s early development in their days in the Football SA program. Now, reunited at the senior level, that bond remains strong.
“A lot of my friends always say they can hear Carl shouting at me from the sidelines,” Dukuly said with a smile. “But if you know Carl, you know he just loves to win. He expects a certain level from me and knows how good I can be. He’s always pushed me to be better, both as a player and a person.”
Veart’s faith in Dukuly is second to none, challenging the young winger to maximise his potential while providing the necessary support to help him succeed. It’s a relationship built on mutual respect and shared ambition—one that has shaped Dukuly into the player he is today.
Lessons from France: Growth On and Off the Pitch
Dukuly’s decision to leave Australia for France was bold, but he views it as one of the most defining experiences of his career. While his time with Stade de Reims’ presented its challenges, it also provided invaluable lessons.
“Moving to France was one of the best things I’ve done,” he said. “If I could do it again, I would. I was progressing, getting into the first-team setup, but at my age, the most important thing is game time. I needed to play regularly, and I realised that coming back to the A-League would allow me to develop further.”
Beyond football, living in a foreign country forced Dukuly to mature quickly.
“When you leave, you’re a bit naive. You think the world is a nice place and that everyone cares about you,” he reflected. “But you quickly learn that the world doesn’t wait for you, and neither does football. You have to go out there and chase it.”
Embracing a new culture and learning a new language, he developed resilience and adaptability—qualities that now define his approach to the game.
The Bold Decision to Return Home
After nearly two years in France, Dukuly made the tough call to return to Adelaide. For some, it may have seemed like a step back; for him, it was a calculated decision to elevate his career.
“The A-League is a great level, and I knew coming back would push me to be better—as long as I was playing,” he explained. “I wanted to be somewhere I could contribute and grow.”
With his second stint at the club, he has had to be patient, working tirelessly to earn his place in the team. Coming off the bench, he has made an impact, proving his worth in key moments, such as his dynamic performance against Auckland where he set up Archie Goodwin with a crucial goal.
“I never feel like I’m too far away from playing,” he said. “No matter how it looks, I tell myself I’m just one step away. I stay ready because when your chance comes, you have to take it.”
A Competitive but United Squad
While competition for spots is fierce, Dukuly thrives in the challenging environment. His close relationships with fellow wingers Ben Folami and Austin Ayoubi are built on mutual respect and a shared desire to push one another.
“Ben and I sit next to each other in the change room. I look up to him and Austin because they’ve got different qualities that I can learn from,” he said. “We all want to win, and that healthy competition drives us. The gap between the starters and the bench is smaller now, and that’s what makes a strong team.”
Dukuly believes this internal battle for places is a key reason for Adelaide United’s success this season.
“Everyone stays accountable. The guys starting know that if they don’t perform, there’s someone right behind them who can do the job just as well. It raises the standards for the whole squad.”
The Future: Chasing Greatness
While still only 22, Dukuly has lofty ambitions. In the short term, his goal is clear—becoming a player Adelaide United can rely on.
“I want to be someone the team looks to this season. I can feel it from the squad, from the crowd—there’s an expectation for me to create and perform, and I love that responsibility.”
Long term, he remains focused on the present, believing success will follow naturally.
“I’m just enjoying my football. I don’t want to think too far ahead, but one thing I do know is that I want to lift a trophy. I have friends and family who have done it, and I want that feeling.”
Whether he’s making an impact off the bench or fighting for a starting spot, one thing is clear—Yaya Dukuly’s journey is just getting started. And for Adelaide United, that can only mean exciting things ahead.
