Aldrine Kibet’s rise in Kenyan football has been nothing short of spectacular, and it all started with his childhood admiration for Lionel Messi. Known as the “Kenyan Messi,” Kibet’s journey from idolizing the Argentine legend to earning a move to Spanish club Celta Vigo and securing his first call-up to the Harambee Stars is a testament to his immense talent and dedication.
Kibet’s love for football began at a very young age. Inspired by Messi, he started calling himself “Messi” as a child and would even sign his schoolbooks with the name. His mother recalls buying him football jerseys for birthdays instead of throwing big parties, which fueled his passion for the sport. By the time he was 10, Kibet had already caught the attention of local coaches, and his skills on the pitch quickly became evident.
At just 16 years old, Kibet rose to national prominence during the 2023 Kenya Secondary School Sports Association games, playing for St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale. His performance helped him secure a spot at the Nàstic Sports Academy in Spain, alongside fellow young talents Alvin Kasavuli and Amos Wanjala. His strong performances continued as he shone for Kenya’s youth teams, including top-scoring at the CECAFA U18 Boys’ Championship and playing a key role in the U23 squad during the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
Kibet’s move to Celta Vigo in the summer of 2025 marked a significant milestone in his career. Originally signed for the reserve team, Kibet impressed during the preseason and has since been playing for the club’s U19 squad in the División de Honor. His potential didn’t go unnoticed, with Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy naming him in the senior squad for Kenya’s November friendlies against Madagascar and Comoros.
McCarthy, who took over as coach in March 2025, has emphasized the importance of integrating young talent into the national team. Kibet’s inclusion is part of McCarthy’s long-term plan for the Harambee Stars, with a focus on building a competitive squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. McCarthy has praised Kibet’s mindset, readiness, and immense potential, highlighting that the midfielder’s rise is just the beginning of a promising international career.
As Kibet embarks on this exciting new chapter, his dream of playing for Barcelona, the club he has supported since childhood, continues to drive him. His story is one of talent, hard work, and the unwavering belief that with dedication, anything is possible.
