Inside the Best Football Academies in Africa 2025

The top-tier academies in Africa, which are contemporary centres where undeveloped talent meets organised training, education, and international exposure, are largely responsible for the continent's football rebirth.

From Ghana's Right to Dream to Senegal's Génération Foot, these institutions have transformed lives and created top athletes.

Sport Blot discusses the top academies on the continent, discovers their distinct methodologies, and commemorates their achievements in 2025.

Mohammed VI Football Academy (Morocco)

This cutting-edge centre, located near Salé, was opened in 2009 with royal sponsorship by King Mohammed VI and a €13 million investment, placing a strong emphasis on a "sport-study" approach. It offers top-notch training and a comprehensive curriculum with dorms, classrooms, and several fields. At the FIFA 2022 World Cup, alumni like Yousef El-Nesyri and Nayef Aguerd helped Morocco shine.

Génération Foot (Senegal)

Génération Foot is a pioneer in young scouting and development, having been founded in 2000 by Mady Touré and collaborating with FC Metz. It is based in Dakar and prioritises academic education, tactical discipline, and early national league competition. Ismaïla Sarr, Papiss Cissé, Sadio Mané, and Ibrahima Niane are among the alumni. It continues to serve as a model for African academies.

Right to Dream Academy (Ghana)

Right to Dream was established in 1999 and provides a comprehensive, character-based training program that combines football with education and leadership. Graduates like Ernest Nuamah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Mohamed Kudus have connections to American and European universities in addition to enjoying professional football careers. The academy's collaboration with San Diego FC and FC Nordsjælland even extends its effect abroad.

Kadji Sports Academy (Cameroon)

Kadji has fostered exceptional talent since 1995, including Carlos Kameni, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Aurélien Chedjou, Stéphane Mbia, and Samuel Eto'o. Kadji, which occupies a 40-hectare plot of land in Douala, places a strong emphasis on academic balance, technical training, and physical conditioning. It keeps up relationships with clubs in Europe, facilitating graduates' smooth international move.

Mimos Sifcom Academy (Ivory Coast)

This institution, which was founded in 1993 and is supported by ASEC Mimosas and SIFCA, is the birthplace of Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, Yaya Touré, Didier Zokora, Bonaventure Kalou, Emmanuel Eboué, and Kolo Touré. With an emphasis on long-term player development even after founders leave, it combines top-notch training with a nurturing academic setting.

Diambars Academy (Senegal)

Diambars, which was founded in 2003 by figures like Patrick Vieira, combines social training, education, and excellent football. It fights age fraud and supports dual-track personal development, with renowned graduates like Pape Souaré, Kara Mbodj, and Idrissa Gueye. Senior teams and expanded alliances are also hosted there; NBA Africa even ventures into basketball.

Brasseries du Cameroun Academy (Cameroon)

This Douala-based academy, which has fostered discipline since 1989, has produced notable figures including Vincent Aboubakar, Geremi Njitap, and Rigobert Song. Cameroon's national and club teams still rely on it because of its reputation for tactical intelligence and physical prowess.

Kwara Football Academy (Nigeria)

This school, which was established in 2005 by the Kwara State government, combines rigorous training with education for males ages 9 to 21. It has several courts, pitches, hostels, and a gym, and its alumni, like Emmanuel Dennis, have played overseas.

Pepsi Football Academy (Nigeria)

Founded in November 1992 in Lagos and sponsored by Pepsi since 1994, this esteemed school has developed into one of Africa's most prominent young football academies. More than a dozen athletes have furthered their education and football careers abroad thanks to a UK scholarship program that was started in 2006. 

Global stars like Sunday Mba, Elderson Echiéjilé, Peter Odemwingie, Joseph Akpala, John Obi Mikel, and others are alumni. Numerous people have played for the Nigerian national team and elite European clubs.

Ligi Ndogo Academy (Kenya)

Nairobi, Kenya's Ligi Ndogo Academy, was founded in January 2002 with the goal of nurturing the country's youth. The most well-known football academy in Kenya is located on a 4-acre site and provides a stimulating educational environment. 

With numerous graduates playing for teams both domestically and abroad as well as the Kenyan national team, Ligi Ndogo Academy in Kenya has a robust alumni network. Notable alumni players for the Kenyan national team include Edwin Lavatsa, Jesse Were, Humphrey Mieno, and Ayub Masika. This academy's teams compete in national and international tournaments.