Aldrine Kibet
Kenya’s Aldrine Kibet Signs 4-Year Deal with Spanish Giants Celta Vigo: A New Chapter for Rising Star
By Samtash Media | July 17, 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya
In a move that has lit up the Kenyan football scene and inspired thousands of young athletes across the continent. Kenya U20 star Aldrine Kibet has officially signed a four-year contract with Spanish top-flight club Celta Vigo, running until 2029.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder will initially join Celta’s B team, Celta Fortuna, with long-term plans in place for integration into the senior La Liga squad. The deal represents not just a personal milestone for Kibet, but a major breakthrough for Kenyan footballers on the international stage.
Aldrine Kibet From Kitale to Spain
Born on June 13, 2006, Aldrine Kibet’s journey from St. Anthony’s Boys High School in Kitale to one of Spain’s top clubs is nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, he captained St. Anthony’s to victory in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national championship. Notably, netting 25 goals and delivering 27 assists, earning both Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors.
His dazzling performances caught the eye of international scouts, and by September 2023, he joined the Nàstic Sports Academy in Tarragona, Spain. This elite youth academy, linked to third-tier Spanish club Gimnàstic de Tarragona, played a crucial role in shaping his transition to professional football in Europe.
The €6 Million Transfer Game Changer
According to multiple sources, Celta Vigo paid a reported €6 million (KSh 864 million) to Nàstic for the transfer of Kibet — a figure that has turned heads across both Spanish and Kenyan football circles. It is important to note, however, that this amount was paid to his former club as a transfer fee, not directly to the player. For Kibet, the value lies in the new contract, which includes salary, performance-based bonuses, and immense career development opportunities in the competitive European football landscape.
Though the financial figures for Kibet’s personal contract haven’t been disclosed, sources close to the club affirm that it includes “structured bonuses and progression clauses” a clear sign that Celta sees him as a long-term investment.
Reactions from Kenya as Nation Celebrates
Back in Kenya, the news was met with joy and national pride. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris hailed the move as “a major milestone” in Kibet’s football journey.
“The move by the 18-year-old marks a major milestone in his football journey, elevating him from local hero to a rising force on the global stage,” she said in a statement.
Kenyan social media lit up with congratulatory messages from fans, celebrities, and fellow athletes. Levy Msika, a popular football content creator, tweeted,
“Congratulations, our star. Keep pushing!”
In Kitale, where it all began, locals describe Kibet’s rise as a beacon of hope.
“He may have arrived as a student, but he leaves as a legend,” one fan shared on X (formerly Twitter). “His presence alone could bring our town to a standstill.”
A Future with Celta Vigo
Real Club Celta de Vigo, commonly known as Celta Vigo, is one of Spain’s most respected football clubs. Founded in 1923, the club is nicknamed “Os Celestes” (The Sky Blues) and plays home matches at Estadio de Balaídos in Vigo, Galicia, with a capacity of approximately 24,870.
Though the club has yet to lift a La Liga or Copa del Rey title, it has enjoyed memorable seasons, including a 4th place La Liga finish in 2002-03 and a UEFA Europa League semi-final run in 2016-17. In the 2024-25 season, Celta finished 7th in La Liga, earning a spot in the 2025-26 Europa League.
Under the leadership of head coach Claudio Geraldes, the club has been investing in youth talent, and Kibet’s signing fits perfectly within their long-term vision.
National Team Aspirations and Mentorship
Kibet has also made appearances for the Kenya U20 national team and is widely expected to feature for the senior Harambee Stars squad in the near future. Recently, Harambee Stars head coach Ben Imma praised Kibet’s work ethic, though details of the coach’s own new contract remain undisclosed.
Football pundits believe Kibet could become a key part of Kenya’s efforts to qualify for AFCON 2025 and potentially the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Message to Young Africans to Dream Big
Aldrine Kibet’s story is not just about football. It’s a tale of resilience, raw talent, and the power of belief. In a country where many young athletes face limited opportunities, his success sends a powerful message: with discipline, mentorship, and the right platforms, global dreams are possible.
In a recent statement shared with Pulse Sports, Kibet said:
“We’re ready to make history.”
And history, it seems, has already begun.
Quick Facts:
- Name: Aldrine Kibet
- Date of Birth: June 13, 2006 (19 years)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Current Clubs: Celta Vigo B (Spain), Kenya U20 National Team
- Previous Clubs: St. Anthony’s Boys High School, Nàstic Sports Academy
- Height: 1.78 meters
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Transfer Fee: €6 million (Paid to Nàstic)
- Contract Length: Four years (2025–2029)
- Contract Length: Four years (2025–2029)
Kibet’s story is a living example of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. As he steps into the next chapter of his journey in Spain, Kenya watches with pride, hopeful that this is just the beginning of a long and decorated career.
