Ivorian footballer Simon Adingra received valuable advice from football legend Claude Makélélé during the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech.
The encounter between the two, captured in a widely shared video, highlights Makélélé’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of African talent.
The brief but impactful interaction took place in the corridors of the Palais des Congrès, where Makélélé, a former France international and 2006 World Cup runner-up, offered Adingra guidance on honing his skills and understanding the game.
You have talent; perfect it,” Makélélé can be heard saying in the video.
Watch videos of the old guys, how they position themselves—not the new generation.
The old guys, because they didn’t need speed.
You have it—speed. Look at what Ronaldo (the Brazilian) was doing.
Makélélé’s words reflect his belief in the value of studying past legends who excelled in the technical and tactical aspects of football.
The emphasis on learning from players like Brazilian Ronaldo, renowned for his positioning and precision, underscores the importance of combining natural ability with a deeper understanding of the game.
Adingra, a rising star and African champion, stood respectfully and listened intently to Makélélé’s advice, demonstrating his eagerness to grow under the mentorship of seasoned professionals.
Une scène incroyable entre l’ancien Makelele et le jeune Adingra. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lcwuqJmKV7
— Dobe Aboubacar (@DobeAboubacar) December 18, 2024
The interaction has resonated with fans across social media, where the video has been widely circulated and praised for its display of camaraderie and the enduring spirit of mentorship in football.
For Makélélé, a player known for redefining the defensive midfield role, the gesture goes beyond simple advice.
It reflects his dedication to passing on his knowledge and inspiring younger players to reach their full potential.
For Adingra, it serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with talent and the importance of constantly striving for improvement.
The moment between the two underscores the value of intergenerational connections in football, where legends continue to shape the future of the sport by sharing their insights and experiences with those who follow in their footsteps.
