Belgian-Beninese defender Aaron Ibrahim signs first professional contract with Royal Antwerp

Royal Antwerp have confirmed that teenage defender Aaron Ibrahim has signed his first professional contract, rewarding the Belgian-Beninese youngster after an impressive first season at the club.

The announcement was made through Royal Antwerp’s official Instagram account, with the 17-year-old left-back taking a significant step in his career by committing his future to the Belgian side.

The agreement reflects the club’s belief in his long-term potential and continued development.

Ibrahim only arrived at Royal Antwerp a year ago after leaving Standard Liège, but he quickly established himself as one of the standout performers within the club’s academy.

His rapid progress has been recognised with a professional deal after a season in which he consistently impressed at youth level.

During the last campaign, the defender made 35 appearances across all competitions for Royal Antwerp’s Under-18 and Under-23 teams.

He also contributed two assists while becoming an important figure in the academy setup through his reliable performances.

His development has been driven by a combination of technical ability, maturity and tactical versatility. Although naturally a left-back, Ibrahim is capable of operating in several positions along the left side of the pitch, giving coaches greater flexibility when selecting their team.

Those qualities quickly attracted the attention of Royal Antwerp’s first-team coaching staff, who closely monitored his progress throughout the season. His consistent performances earned him an opportunity to train with the senior squad during the club’s pre-season preparations.

The teenager was included in Royal Antwerp’s first-team training camp, highlighting the confidence the club already has in his ability to compete at a higher level despite his young age.

He also made an immediate impression during pre-season. Three days ago, Ibrahim scored a spectacular volley in a friendly match against PSV Eindhoven that ended in a 1-1 draw.

The goal was later shared by Royal Antwerp across the club’s official social media platforms, further underlining the growing excitement surrounding one of the academy’s brightest prospects.

With his first professional contract now secured, Ibrahim has reached another important milestone in his development.

The defender will now look to continue his progress and build on the confidence shown in him as he works towards establishing himself in Royal Antwerp’s first team.