Djibouti has officially joined the global football development elite with the launch of its FIFA Talent Academy on 13 November, marking a historic step for the country’s football ambitions.
Part of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) led by Arsène Wenger, the academy is set to identify and nurture the next generation of football stars, giving young players a real pathway to the top.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the milestone, saying the Djibouti academy is “a unique centre of excellence in East Africa,” and applauded the Djiboutian Football Federation (FDF) for meeting FIFA’s high standards.
Already, the FDF has been laying the groundwork: scouting 20 boys and 20 girls from six regions, setting up regional centres training over 300 youngsters, and mentoring 15 local coaches with the guidance of a FIFA Talent Coach.
The new academy will accommodate nearly 50 promising players in a professional environment, combining top-level football training with education to build not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals.
Arsène Wenger emphasized the academy’s mission: “The ultimate goal is to provide young players with world-class guidance, combining training, education and development, so they can reach their full potential and contribute to football in their country.”
Djibouti is now the second African nation, after Mauritania, to host a FIFA Talent Academy, and FIFA plans to roll out 75 academies worldwide by 2027.
The celebrations didn’t stop there. FIFA also unveiled a FIFA Arena mini-pitch at Palmeraie School in the capital.
The modern, safe, and sustainable facility gives children from underprivileged neighborhoods a place to play, learn, and fall in love with the game.
Djibouti is the fifth African country to benefit from the FIFA Arena project, which is part of FIFA’s global plan to install 1,000 mini-pitches by 2031, supporting grassroots football and social inclusion.
For Gelson Fernandes, FIFA’s Deputy Director of Member Associations and Regional Director for Africa, the academy and mini-pitch represent a “historic step for Djiboutian and African football, opening doors for young talents to chase their dreams and possibly play at the highest level.”
