European football giants are expanding their reach in Africa, with Real Madrid launching its inaugural soccer academy in South Africa. This move reflects a growing trend among European clubs to establish academies across the continent to tap into its abundant football talent and incorporate young stars into their global networks.
The recent inauguration of Real Madrid’s first soccer academy in South Africa underscores the increasing presence of European clubs in Africa as they aim to harness the continent’s wealth of football talent.
Emeka Enyadike, the project director of The Sports Apprentice, views this development as part of a larger trend that has been unfolding across Africa for the past three decades.
“Africa has been a cornerstone of talent production for the European market over the last 30 years, with the establishment of academies giving them early access to talent in specific markets,” he explained in an interview.
Launched in January 2025, the academy offers top-notch training for young players, combining athletics, academics, and personal development. The academy, situated at Generation Schools’ Imhoff campus, caters to children of all age groups from 6 to 17 years, as per the Real Madrid Foundation SA website.
“We have designed an annual curriculum with defined learning phases to ensure consistent development throughout their tenure in our Educational Football Program… Our methodology is based on 6 key areas: physical, technical, tactical, mental, competition, and Real Madrid Foundation values,” the website states.
The academy will be overseen by UEFA Pro-licensed coach Alberto Giménez, who brings over 20 years of experience to guide the academy’s growth in South Africa.
Looking forward, the academy plans to field elite teams in the upcoming 2025 Local Football Association season and is scheduled to open a second facility in Modderfontein, Johannesburg, later this year.
This initiative aligns with the broader pattern of European clubs establishing academies across Africa to leverage its vast football talent pool. Clubs like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Ajax have also made similar investments with the goal of nurturing young players while integrating them into their global networks.
Enyadike notes, “Academies also function as international marketing platforms for the Clubs as they aim to expand their brands internationally.”
“The African football fan base is too significant to overlook, given our massive population of over 1.3 billion, with a majority youth population deeply engaged and passionate about football, particularly European football. The clubs can see the real-time data,” he added.
Real Madrid’s academy in South Africa is part of a growing movement by European clubs. For example, FC Barcelona has been actively involved, launching the FCBEscola in Lusaka, Zambia, in April 2018. The FCBEscola, modeled after Barcelona’s soccer schools, caters to both boys and girls, focusing on comprehensive player development.
Similarly, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) established the PSG Academy Pro in Senegal in 2023, offering high-level training for young African footballers. The academy has already made an impact, with one of its trainees, Mohamed Malang Toure, recently signing with Serie A side Venezia FC.
A press release from the academy on February 7, 2025, highlighted Toure’s journey, stating that the 18-year-old benefited from extensive training at the PSG Academy Pro Residency Senegal, which contributed to his signing with Venezia FC.
However, Enyadike points out that the impact of most academies may not be as productive due to their business-driven and short-term focus.
Beyond club-led initiatives, African-founded academies have also made significant strides, with Ghana’s Right to Dream leading the way. The academy has nurtured young talent in West Africa for over two decades, producing top footballers like Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus and Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Right to Dream also emphasizes academic excellence, helping student-athletes reach their full potential. Notable alumni include Ousseni Bouda, a senior at Stanford, and Shakur Mohammed, a Duke University graduate now playing for MLS side Orlando City.
According to Alex Asiedu, the academy’s CEO, “Through football, schooling, and character development, we aim to shape these student-athletes into extraordinary individuals who will bring smiles to their families and communities. It is a privilege to be part of this journey.”
The academy recently celebrated another milestone by signing Egypt’s Laila El Behery, 21, with FC Nordsjælland’s women’s team, making her one of the first Egyptian women to join a top European league.
The success of these academies underscores Africa’s growing influence in global sports, particularly in women’s football.
This is further exemplified by the recent record-breaking transfer of Ethiopian-born, US-based footballer Naomi Girma. The 24-year-old defender became the most expensive female footballer in history with her £900,000 move from San Diego Wave to Chelsea, breaking the previous transfer record.
Enyadike believes that the primary driver behind European clubs’ interest in Africa is the marketing opportunities they seek to exploit.
“African talent will continue to gravitate towards Europe, as that is the aspiration of many young players… Europe offers numerous viable clubs and academies, which attract the brightest talent,” he explained.
“However, there is potential for greater collaboration, which could enhance the development pipeline and elevate the quality of football both in Africa and internationally,” he added.
Credit: Bonface Orucho, Bird Story Agency
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