A historic moment for African football unfolded in Nouakchott as Mauritania became the first country in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) region to host a FIFA Talent Academy. The launch, held on February 25, 2025, was a pivotal occasion for the Fédération de Football de la République Islamique de Mauritanie (FFRIM) and marks a groundbreaking development in the continent’s youth football structures. This new academy, part of FIFA’s global initiative, represents a giant leap in football development for Mauritania, positioning it as a model for other African nations.
The FIFA Talent Academy in Mauritania is the first of its kind in the CAF region and aligns with FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS), a visionary program that aims to bridge the gap in talent identification and youth football development worldwide. With backing from FIFA, the academy aims to scout, nurture, and train young footballers, offering them the necessary tools to progress to elite levels of the sport.
A Global Commitment to Talent Development
Launched in 2022 under the leadership of Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) is designed to ensure that every talented young player, no matter their region, has access to world-class training. With over 200 FIFA member associations already benefiting from the program, FIFA has committed a substantial $200 million for the 2023-2026 cycle to improve youth development structures across the globe.
As part of its ambitious vision, FIFA aims to establish 75 elite FIFA Talent Academies by 2027. Mauritania’s academy is the first in Africa, and it will serve as a model for future initiatives in the region, elevating the development of youth football across the continent.
Transforming Mauritania’s Football Landscape
The FIFA Talent Academy in Mauritania will serve as a hub for developing the next generation of football stars. FIFA has recruited top coaches from around the world to staff the academy, working in collaboration with local experts to create a high-performance environment. The academy’s program will be focused on three key pillars:
- Talent Identification – Spotting the brightest young players.
- Elite Training & Development – Providing world-class coaching and facilities.
- Match Opportunities – Offering players competitive experiences to hone their skills.
Beyond football training, the academy will place a strong emphasis on education, player safeguarding, and holistic personal growth, ensuring the players receive a well-rounded development.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement over the academy’s opening: “This is a great day for football in Mauritania, a country that is deeply passionate about the game and making remarkable strides in its development. The opening of this FIFA Talent Academy marks a major milestone for the future of football in the region.”
Paving the Way for African Football’s Growth
FFRIM President Ahmed Yahya hailed the opening of the academy as a milestone in the country’s footballing journey. “Today is a historic moment for Mauritanian football,” Yahya said. “This academy not only showcases FIFA’s confidence in our vision but also marks a decisive step towards a more ambitious future for our federation.”
Arsène Wenger, speaking on behalf of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme, underscored the importance of these academies. “The aim of FIFA Talent Academies is to provide young players with world-class training and opportunities to reach their full potential,” Wenger stated. “This academy will be a significant contribution to the growth of football in Mauritania.”
Oumar Ndiaye, Director of FFRIM Academy, who has returned to Mauritania after a successful playing career in France, expressed his excitement about the academy’s impact. “This is a turning point for Mauritanian football,” Ndiaye said. “Thanks to FIFA’s support, we now have the resources and infrastructure to elevate our youth development programs and create a high-performance environment for our young players.”
A Bright Future for African Football
The FIFA Talent Academy in Mauritania is not just a milestone for the country, but also for the entire African continent. As FIFA continues to expand its Talent Development Scheme, this academy is expected to inspire more African nations to invest in youth football, raising the standard of the sport across the region.
Mauritania’s entry into this global network of FIFA Talent Academies marks a significant step forward for African football, with 24 academies already established globally. This new initiative promises a brighter future for football in Africa, helping nurture the next generation of football talent.