Aldrine Kibet’s meteoric rise through the ranks of Kenyan football has captured the imagination of fans across the country. At just 19 years old, the promising forward is on the cusp of signing with Spanish La Liga outfit Celta Vigo, marking a significant step in his budding career.
Kibet first made headlines during the 2023 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports national championships in Kakamega County, where he represented St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale. His performance was nothing short of spectacular scoring seven goals in the tournament, including a brace in the final. His exploits earned him the Most Valuable Player award and opened the door to international opportunities.
Soon after, Kibet joined Nastic Academy in Spain, where he began to hone his craft at a more competitive level. His development was evident during the 2024 CECAFA U20 qualifiers in Tanzania, where he netted five goals and played a vital role in helping Kenya’s Rising Stars secure a second-place finish and qualification for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite not scoring at the AFCON tournament in Egypt, Kibet impressed with his sharp technical skills and maturity on the ball. His confidence, vision, and ability to read the game stood out, further raising his profile on the continental stage.
Now, with Celta Vigo showing strong interest, Kibet’s career is taking a major turn. The Spanish side, which secured a seventh-place finish in La Liga during the 2024/25 season, sees Kibet as a potential asset to bolster their attacking options. The young midfielder brings flair, agility, and creativity qualities that could serve him well in one of the world’s toughest football leagues.
Currently in Vigo with his father to finalize the move, Kibet is on the verge of becoming one of Kenya’s latest exports to European football. His story is not only one of talent but also of perseverance and effective local development systems. From dusty pitches in Kitale to training grounds in Spain, Kibet represents a new generation of Kenyan footballers chasing their dreams abroad.
His journey also serves as inspiration to young players across the country, proving that grassroots football and school competitions remain critical talent incubators. If he continues to develop at this pace, Kibet could become a key figure both in Europe and in the Kenyan national team setup for years to come.
