Kenya’s Aldrine Kibet Signs Four-Year Deal with Spanish La Liga Side Celta Vigo
Kenya’s football scene is celebrating a historic milestone after 18-year-old rising star Aldrine Kibet signed a four-year contract with Celta Vigo, a top-tier Spanish La Liga club. This move marks a major leap in the young midfielder’s promising career and signifies growing global recognition for Kenyan football talent.
From School Hero to Global Prospect
Kibet first drew national attention while playing for St. Anthony’s Boys High School, Kitale, where he delivered an outstanding performance during the 2023 Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) games. He finished the tournament as Most Valuable Player and top scorer, registering 25 goals and 27 assists, and helping his school clinch the national title.
His talent did not go unnoticed. In September 2023, Kibet was selected to join Nàstic Sports Academy in Spain through the Talanta Hela initiative, a program by the Kenyan government aimed at nurturing youth talent in sports and the creative economy. While at the academy, he continued to impress—earning MVP honors at the Valladolid International Cup and even scoring a hat trick against AC Milan’s youth team.
Journey to Celta Vigo
Kibet’s rapid development culminated in a formal agreement with Celta Vigo, announced on July 16, 2025. The club signed him on a free transfer, and he will initially join Celta Fortuna, the reserve team that plays in Spain’s third division, Primera Federación. He will also be registered with the Juvenil side, giving him room to grow before potentially joining the senior squad.
The club highlighted Kibet’s “exceptional speed, ball control, creativity, and goal-scoring instinct” as major assets that align with their long-term strategy of grooming young talent. Reports indicate Kibet has a market valuation of €6 million (approximately KSh 900 million), underlining the high expectations around his future.
International Brilliance
Beyond his school and academy career, Kibet has also shone on the international stage. He played for Kenya’s U-18 team at the CECAFA tournament and netted four goals in five matches during the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he played a crucial role in helping Kenya qualify for the continental tournament.
These achievements significantly boosted his international profile and cemented his place as one of the most exciting football prospects from East Africa.
National Recognition and Support
Kibet’s signing has sparked celebrations across Kenya. Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga took to social media to congratulate him, encouraging the youngster to remain focused and disciplined. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also lauded the move, calling it “a proud moment for Kenya.”
In a message to his fans shared through Celta Vigo’s official TikTok account, Kibet expressed deep gratitude and urged Kenyans to follow his journey, promising to make the country proud.
Now in Spain, Kibet is expected to start training immediately with Celta Fortuna under the watchful eye of coach Fredi Álvarez, as he prepares to climb the ranks. If he continues to develop at his current pace, the young midfielder could soon feature in La Liga matches, joining the ranks of Kenyan footballers like McDonald Mariga and Michael Olunga, who have made their mark in top European leagues.
