Djibouti celebrates as FIFA unveils talent Academy and Arena mini-pitch

Djibouti has taken a landmark step in its football journey with the official launch of the FIFA Talent Academy and the unveiling of a state-of-the-art FIFA Arena mini-pitch in the heart of the capital.

Both projects were inaugurated on 13 November, marking a transformative moment for grassroots and elite football development in the country.

The Talent Academy is part of FIFA’s global Talent Development Scheme (TDS), championed by Arsène Wenger, designed to ensure that every promising young footballer has a genuine pathway to progress.

With Djibouti among the first African nations and one of only 40 countries worldwide to benefit from this programme, the initiative reinforces FIFA’s vision of raising the level of national teams and narrowing global football gaps.

In a video message, FIFA President Gianni Infantino applauded Djibouti’s progress and the commitment of its football federation.

“More than 40 FIFA Talent Academies are now in place worldwide, with many more under development,” he said. “The modern facilities of this academy make it a unique centre of excellence in East Africa.”

Before reaching this milestone, the Djiboutian Football Federation (FDF) had already rolled out several collaborative programmes with FIFA from nationwide talent identification in 2024 and the selection of 20 boys and 20 girls across six regions, to establishing regional training centres serving over 300 young players.

Fifteen local coaches have also been trained under the guidance of a FIFA Talent Coach. The inauguration of the Talent Academy stands as recognition of the FDF’s consistent adherence to the required technical and developmental benchmarks.

FIFA plans to establish 75 Talent Academies globally

Built to host nearly 50 young players in a fully professional environment, the academy aims to mould elite footballers while integrating academic education and personal development. Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, emphasised the academy’s holistic vision:

“The ultimate goal is to provide young players with top-level guidance, combining training, education and development, so they can reach their full potential and contribute to the growth of football in their country.”

FIFA plans to establish 75 Talent Academies globally by 2027. Djibouti is now the second African nation after Mauritania to officially open such an institution.

Alongside the academy, FIFA also inaugurated a modern FIFA Arena mini-pitch at Palmeraie School.

This eco-friendly pitch will provide children especially those from disadvantaged neighbourhoods with a safe, accessible and stimulating space to play football. Djibouti becomes the fifth African country to benefit from the FIFA Arena initiative, following Algeria, Liberia, Niger and Morocco.

The FIFA Arena programme is part of a wider global commitment announced by President Infantino at the Sustainable Sport Summit in Paris in July 2024.

Djibouti stands on the cusp of a new era

The project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by offering more opportunities for children to play, with FIFA targeting the installation of at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by 2031.

For Gelson Fernandes, Deputy Director of the Member Associations Division and Regional Director for Africa, these developments represent a watershed moment:

“This is a historic step for Djiboutian and African football. The new academy and mini-pitch will create opportunities for boys and girls to flourish through football and perhaps reach the highest level. These projects are the result of thorough collaboration between the FDF and FIFA, and we are extremely proud of this achievement.”

With these groundbreaking facilities now in place, Djibouti stands on the cusp of a new era, one that promises long-term growth, increased opportunity, and a stronger footballing future for generations to come.

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