MANAMA — The FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) marked a significant milestone with a celebration at the FIFA Talent Academy in Manama, Bahrain.
The event highlighted Bahrain's achievements under the TDS, which aims to elevate football standards worldwide by fostering young talent.
A view of training session during the FIFA Talent Academy Bahrain Milestone Event on January 16, 2025 in Manama, Bahrain. (Photo by Christophe Viseux - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, attended the ceremony alongside Bahrain Football Association President, His Excellency Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Since its 2022 launch, the TDS has supported over 200 FIFA Member Associations, helping them identify and develop players to enhance national teams across genders.
The TDS envisions establishing 75 elite FIFA Talent Academies by 2027. Bahrain’s academy, one of 20 operational globally, has set a benchmark for integrating world-class training with education and safeguarding. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the program’s broader role in instilling values like teamwork and leadership, creating well-rounded individuals who excel on and off the pitch.
“This initiative ensures players develop holistically while advancing the global game,” Wenger said. Bahrain’s progress underscores FIFA’s commitment to a sustainable football ecosystem, blending sport with education to create tailored pathways for growth in every member association.
This event is the first of many planned celebrations as FIFA continues to expand its global talent development framework.
Kawasaki Frontale beat Al Sadd 3-2 after extra time to become the only East Asian club in the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals.