Ex-Arsenal, Barcelona Midfielder Alex Song Finally Explains Shock Reason He Joined Djibouti Outfit Before Retirement

When Alexandre Song left Europe’s limelight for the Horn of Africa in 2020, few understood the move. 

The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder, who enjoyed considerable success at the highest level between 2005 and 2017,  opted to join AS Arta/Solar7 of Djibouti — a nation often ranked among the lowest in African football. 

The decision raised eyebrows, yet Song now openly describes it as a purposeful step toward giving back to African football. 

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“I played in Djibouti. … I had the option to go to Dubai or to Djibouti … because I want my name to be remembered in Africa. Africa gave me so much – from the love, the support, the passion – and I wanted to give something back,” Song told CAF TV on Monday.

Song’s football journey began in France, before major spells with Arsenal (2006–12) and Barcelona (2012–16).

 With Arsenal, he became a reliable defensive presence and playmaker; at Barcelona, his €15 million transfer promised stardom but instead marked the start of uneven form and reduced minutes. 

After short spells in Russia and Switzerland, song’s career appeared in decline until his move to Djibouti revived his story in unexpected fashion.

Signing for Arta/Solar7 in November 2020 on a two-year deal, Song did more than add another club to his résumé. He was given the captain’s armband and a role overseeing youth development – a transition from purely playing to mentorship and legacy-building. 

For Song, this move represented a full-circle moment: from Africa discovering his talent, to him returning with experience and influence.

“It meant everything. I wanted to inspire the young guys … to show them that you can dream big and still come back home to help football grow. … One of the best experiences of my football career.”

While some may label the Djibouti chapter as a twilight career move, Song insists it was far from it. He viewed the transition not as winding down, but as pivoting.

 He explains how African football offered him a platform to contribute in ways Europe did not — a way to leave more than legends and assists behind, but real local impact.

At Arta/Solar7, Song helped the club secure successive Djibouti Premier League titles in 2021 and 2022, bringing attention to a league with little continental success. 

While the results were unremarkable by European standards (including a 9-1 continental defeat), the symbolic value of his involvement cannot be overstated.