PRONUNCIATION: JI-OPE
POSITION: Defender
BIRTHDATE: Dec. 26, 2001
HEIGHT: 6-1
WEIGHT: 180
HOMETOWN: Dakar, Senegal
PREVIOUS TEAMS: San Diego FC (MLS), Čukarički (Serbia), Charlotte FC (MLS), Crown Legacy FC (MLSNP)
PROFILE
Diop signed with Rhode Island FC on Sept. 9, 2025, joining the Ocean State club following stints with Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC and San Diego FC. Diop’s professional career began in 2023, when he was selected first overall in the MLS SuperDraft by Charlotte FC after a standout three-year collegiate career at Clemson University. The Dakar, Senegal, native spent his first two seasons in Charlotte, splitting 15 appearances between the first team and the MLS Next Pro reserve team, Crown Legacy FC. He tallied the first two assists of his professional career with Crown Legacy FC in 2023. Midway through the 2024 season, Diop joined Serbian SuperLiga club Čukarički, making nine appearances before returning stateside in January, when he was selected in the 2025 MLS Expansion Draft by San Diego FC. In 2025, the defender made eight appearances across all competitions for the newest MLS club, helping San Diego get off to a historic start as an expansion team. Prior to his professional career, Diop enjoyed a decorated three-year collegiate career at Clemson University. Starting 40 of his 42 appearances and logging 3,443 minutes in three seasons, the defender netted seven goals and tallied three assists, and was a critical part of a historic 2021 season that saw Clemson lift its third NCAA National Championship. Diop had his most productive season in 2021, starting all 20 games he played in the heart of a defense that held nine shutouts. He scored three goals and added three assists while playing nearly every minute of The Tigers’ championship run.
