FC Barcelona are considering the addition of two highly rated Malian youngsters, Aboubacar Maïga and Moustapha Traoré, as part of their long-term strategy to strengthen ties with African football development.
The Catalan giants, who have consistently shown interest in emerging talent from across sub-Saharan Africa, are closely monitoring the progress of Maïga, 16, and Traoré, 15.
According to reports from Les Aigles du Mali, both attacking prospects have impressed scouts and are expected to undergo trials with Barcelona’s Juvenil teams in the coming weeks.
Should they succeed during their assessment period, the plan would see both players commit to Barcelona, officially joining the club’s youth academy upon turning 18, in accordance with international transfer regulations.
Following the Path of Ibrahim Diarra
The potential recruitment of Maïga and Traoré follows the recent arrival of another Malian prodigy, Ibrahim Diarra. The 18-year-old winger, who trained at the renowned Africa Foot Academy in Bamako, signed for Barcelona in late 2024 and is currently tied to the club until 2028.
Diarra first gained international attention at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Under-17 tournament, where he captained Mali to a fourth-place finish. His leadership and attacking flair marked him as one of the standout performers of the competition.
Later that year, he showcased his talent on the global stage at the FIFA U17 World Cup, delivering five goals and four assists in seven matches. His performances secured Mali a bronze medal and earned him the tournament’s Silver Boot.
Barcelona wasted no time in moving for Diarra, and the youngster has already made an impact within the club’s youth system. Notably, he produced a memorable display in the UEFA Youth League final, scoring twice and providing an assist. His promising rise, however, was recently interrupted by a leg injury suffered during pre-season training, temporarily halting his momentum.
Barça’s Long-Term Strategy in Africa
The pursuit of Maïga and Traoré reflects Barcelona’s wider ambition to tap into the talent pool across Africa. The club has made no secret of its commitment to scouting in the region, seeing it as both a sporting and strategic investment.
Over the past decade, African football academies have consistently produced players who have gone on to excel in Europe’s top leagues, and Barcelona appear determined to ensure they remain at the forefront of this trend.
By targeting younger prospects such as Maïga and Traoré, the Blaugrana are building a pipeline of talent with the potential to strengthen the club’s future. Both players are seen as versatile attacking options, capable of adding depth and creativity to Barcelona’s youth system as they mature.
A Bright Future for Malian Football
Mali continues to establish itself as a breeding ground for football talent, and the interest shown by major European clubs highlights the progress being made within the country’s academies.
Should Maïga and Traoré secure deals with Barcelona, they would not only follow in Diarra’s footsteps but also raise hopes of a new generation of Malian players making their mark on the global stage.
For Barcelona, the prospect of securing three promising Malian attackers within their academy underscores their vision of blending global scouting with long-term development. For Mali, it represents another step towards cementing the nation’s reputation as a rising force in youth football.
