European football giants are strengthening their presence in Africa, with Real Madrid launching its first soccer academy in South Africa. This move aligns with a growing trend of European clubs establishing academies across the continent to harness its rich football talent and integrate young stars into their global networks.
The recent launch of Real Madrid's first soccer academy in South Africa highlights the growing presence of European clubs in Africa as they seek to harness the continent's rich football talent.
According to Emeka Enyadike, the project director of The Sports Apprentice, this move is part of a broader trend that has been unfolding across Africa over the past three decades.
Africa has been a bedrock of talent production for the European market over the last 30 years and establishing Academies, which sometimes gives them first access to talent in certain markets, he explained in an interview.
Opened in January 2025, the academy promises world-class training for young players, integrating athletics, academics, and personal development. According to the Real Madrid Foundation SA website, the academy welcomes children of "all age groups from 6 to 17 years."