Barcelona partners with Mali's Academie Africa Foot

FC Barcelona has taken a significant step in its efforts to tap into Africa’s rich talent pool by formalizing a collaboration with the Academie Africa Foot in Mali.

This new agreement, which builds on the club’s growing presence on the continent, promises to benefit both parties. Under the partnership, Barcelona will provide financial support to the academy, while gaining preferential rights to some of its most promising young players.

This collaboration has already yielded results, with talents like Ibrahim Diarra emerging from the academy.

Although Diarra had to return to Mali after his visa expired, Barcelona is closely monitoring his development, awaiting his 18th birthday to complete the signing.

Other recent African recruits to the Catalan club include Mamadou Mbacke, David Oduro, and Abdul Aziz Issah, highlighting Barcelona’s commitment to nurturing future stars from Africa.

Barcelona’s delegation, including Sergi Barjuan and Bernat Villa, the Technical Director of Barcelona Academies, attended the formalization ceremony in Mali, alongside local figures such as Moussa Kone, the club’s main scout in Africa, and Antonio Guillen Hidalgo, the Spanish Ambassador to Mali.

The partnership reflects Barcelona’s broader strategy to enhance its youth recruitment from Africa, solidifying ties with grassroots academies and developing young talent for the future.

With this formalized agreement, Barcelona is positioning itself as a major player in African football development, ensuring a steady pipeline of top-quality players who will continue to enhance the global game.