Celta Vigo’s New Kenyan Star Aldrine Kibet: ‘I Won’t Stop Until I Play for Barcelona

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Celta Vigo’s New Kenyan Star Aldrine Kibet: ‘I Won’t Stop Until I Play for Barcelona

Mark Kinyanjui 14:35 - 19.07.2025

The Harambee Stars prospect recently put pen to paper on a four year deal with Celta Vigo, but has an even bigger dream within La Liga.

Earlier this week on Wednesday, 16th July,  Kenya’s rising football prodigy Aldrine Kibet completed a milestone move to Spanish La Liga side Celta Vigo, signing a long-term deal through 2029. 

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder joins Celta Fortuna (Celta B) and will be registered with the Celta Juvenil squad as he begins his journey toward first-team football.

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From Kakamega to La Liga

Celta Vigo’s New Kenyan Star Aldrine Kibet: ‘I Won’t Stop Until I Play for Barcelona
Rising Stars' Aldrine Kibet. Photo credit || Aldrine Kibet Rising Stars' Aldrine Kibet. Photo credit || Aldrine Kibet

Kibet’s journey began with a standout performance at the 2023 KSSSA games in Kakamega, where he was crowned MVP.

 His sharp displays led to a stint at Nastic Academy in Tarragona, Spain. While there, he also impressed at the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys’ Championship, finishing as top scorer and helping Kenya to the final.

At Nastic, he honed his skills for the next two years, during which he was able to learn the dynamics of different positions within the pitch from all central midfield positions to even the center forward role.

He also helped Kenya’s Rising Stars qualify and take part in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in history.

Following the tournament, he caught the attention of Celta Vigo scouts.

Upon confirming the signing, Celta Vigo praised Kibet’s creativity, pace, and goal-scoring instinct, calling him “an 18-year-old attacking winger” with the potential to make an impact beyond the youth ranks. 

The club confirmed he arrives on a free transfer but with clear intentions to develop him into a senior team player.

“Celta Vigo is proud to welcome Aldrine Kibet to the Canteira Celeste,” the club stated on its website. “The player arrives free and will initially join Celta Fortuna. Welcome, Aldrine!”

Kibet’s Barcelona Ambition

Celta Vigo’s New Kenyan Star Aldrine Kibet: ‘I Won’t Stop Until I Play for Barcelona
Aldrine Kibet Speaks for the First Time After Celta Vigo Signing Image source: Celta VIgo

Despite joining a La Liga rival, Kibet hasn’t shied away from expressing his lifelong dream to play for Barcelona — inspired by their tiki-taka style and Guardiola-era dominance.

“Barcelona has always been my dream since I was young. I aspire to play for them,” he told Citizen TV in early 2024. “My dream is not to watch Barcelona — I have to go and play with them.”

His admiration for Barça has fueled his relentless work ethic, even as he finds himself in the ecosystem of one of Spain’s elite clubs. Reports suggest that Real Madrid scouts have already taken notice of his talent, but Kibet’s goal remains clear: earn a move to Barcelona.

Kibet’s rise symbolizes a turning point for Kenyan football. Few Kenyans have made it into top-tier European systems—Victor Wanyama being a notable example—and Kibet’s story offers hope for future stars.

“I’m here in Vigo, ready for a new challenge,” Kibet told fans. “Thank you for the support. You can follow us at RCCelta.”

With talent, discipline, and clear vision, Aldrine Kibet is not just chasing his dream—he’s forging a path for others to follow.