VIGO, Spain – Aldrine Kibet, one of Kenya’s brightest young football talents, has signed a four-year deal with Spanish side Celta Vigo in a move that marks a major step in his fast-rising career.
The transfer, valued at approximately €6 million (around KSh900 million), will see the 18-year-old midfielder start out with Celta Fortuna, the club’s reserve side, before aiming for a spot in the senior team. It’s a bold move for a player who, just two years ago, was making headlines in Kenyan school football.
“This is a big moment for me and my family,” Kibet said during the signing ceremony in Vigo. “I’ve worked hard, and now I want to show I can play at the highest level.”
A meteoric rise from Kitale to Europe
Kibet made his name in 2023 as captain of St. Anthony’s Boys High School, leading the team to a national title in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) finals. He didn’t just lead—he dominated. He finished the season with 25 goals and 27 assists, scooping up both the Most Valuable Player award and the Golden Boot.
His performances drew the attention of David Kenga, a former Harambee Stars midfielder based in the United States. Kenga, known for mentoring young African players, helped Kibet join Spain’s Nàstic Sports Academy—a feeder institution for Gimnàstic de Tarragona.
It wasn’t long before scouts from Celta Vigo came calling.
“Celta have been watching him for months,” said a source close to the club. “They see him as one for the future, but also someone who can contribute very soon.”
A club known for nurturing youth
Celta Vigo, founded in 1923, are based in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo. While they’ve never won La Liga or the Copa del Rey, they are respected for their commitment to developing young talent. Their home stadium, Estadio Municipal de Balaídos, is known for its passionate fans and close-knit football culture.
The club confirmed Kibet’s signing through its youth programme, Canteira Celeste, on Tuesday. The plan is for Kibet to get regular minutes with Celta Fortuna before eventually stepping up to the first team.
“He’s young but has great awareness and a strong attacking instinct,” said a Celta academy coach, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “There’s a lot of excitement about him.”
A proud moment for Kenya
Kibet’s move has been widely celebrated back home. Photos shared on social media showed his parents beaming with pride as they accompanied him to Spain for the signing.
The teenager, who turned 18 in May, is now among a small but growing number of Kenyan players making the leap to top European football.
“It’s not just about me,” he said. “It’s about showing young players in Kenya that it’s possible.”
As he begins training in a new country and a highly competitive league, all eyes will be on how he adjusts—and whether he can meet the high expectations that now follow him.
For Kibet, the journey is just beginning. But already, he’s made history.
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