Kenya’s Under-20 football sensation Aldrine Kibet has made a historic La Liga move, signing with Spanish club Celta Vigo in a €6 million (KSh 864 million) deal, as confirmed by multiple sources on July 14, 2025.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who rose to prominence with St Anthony’s Boys Kitale, marks a significant milestone for Kenyan football, becoming one of the country’s most valuable exports to European football.
Kibet’s transfer, celebrated across social media platforms like X, is seen as a proud moment for Kenya, inspiring a new generation of players and elevating the nation’s football profile on the global stage.
Born on June 13, 2006, in Baringo County, Aldrine Kibet, often referred to as “Alvine”, first captured national attention during the 2023 Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) Games in Kakamega.
Representing St Anthony’s Boys Kitale, he smashed records with 25 goals and 27 assists, earning MVP honours and leading his team to a national title. His exceptional performances continued at the Valladolid International Cup in Spain, where he scored six goals and provided three assists, catching the eye of European scouts.
Kibet’s journey took him to Nàstic Sports Academy, the youth arm of Gimnàstic de Tarragona, before securing his high-profile move to Celta Vigo, a La Liga club that finished seventh in the 2024–25 season, earning a 2025–26 Europa League spot.
The €6 million transfer, equivalent to approximately KSh 864 million, represents a landmark achievement for Kenyan football, which has historically struggled to produce players for Europe’s top leagues.
Former Harambee Stars coach Twahir Muhiddin hailed the move as a “game-changer”, noting that Kibet’s success could open doors for other Kenyan talents.
“This is a massive step for our football ecosystem,” Muhiddin said, emphasising the potential for improved competitiveness in national teams.
Social media reactions reflect widespread pride, with users like @CarolRadull and @EstherPassaris calling Kibet a “local hero” and a “rising force” in global football.
Kibet’s La Liga move comes at a time when Kenya is preparing to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2025) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently confirmed the readiness of venues like Kasarani Stadium, where Kibet’s former teammates in the U20 squad are training.
His transfer is seen as a boost for national morale, aligning with efforts to showcase Kenya’s sporting potential. Sports journalist Ole Teya noted on X that Kibet’s signing has made him a “local icon” in Kitale, with his presence capable of “bringing business to a standstill”.
The deal also shows the growing influence of grassroots football in Kenya, with St Anthony’s Boys Kitale emerging as a talent hub.
While Celta Vigo has not yet clarified whether Kibet will join their senior squad or develop through their youth system, which has nurtured stars like Iago Aspas, the club’s investment signals confidence in his potential.
The transfer, finalised after Kibet’s parents travelled to Spain to complete negotiations, includes performance-based clauses that could increase its value.
This move places Kibet among a select group of African talents in La Liga, following the likes of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen. However, challenges remain, as Kibet must adapt to the competitive demands of European football while carrying the weight of national expectations.
The broader impact of Kibet’s transfer extends beyond the pitch. His success is expected to inspire investment in Kenya’s football infrastructure, including academies and scouting programmes.
With CHAN 2025 approaching, the government is prioritising sports development, as evidenced by upgrades to facilities like Nyayo Stadium.
Kibet’s journey from rural Baringo to La Liga highlights the potential for talent identification in underserved regions. Fans have celebrated the deal as “breaking good news”, while others urge Kibet to remain disciplined to maximise his potential in Spain.
As Kibet prepares for his La Liga debut, his story resonates as a beacon of hope for Kenyan youth.
The €6 million deal not only elevates his career but also positions Kenya as an emerging force in global football. With the world watching, Kibet’s La Liga move is a testament to the power of perseverance and the growing influence of African talent in Europe’s elite leagues.
