ALIMAACADEMY · CONGOPlayer trials THE ACADEMY
Rooted in Congo. Looking ahead.Football opens doors.
Education opens up the world.
In Oyo, Alima Academy is helping a new generation of Congolese talent find its feet — in football and in life.
An initiative launched by Blaise Matuidi alongside Playse Congo and the Congolese government.
What drives usCreating the right environment to learn, work hard and improve.
Giving young people a chance, based on potential and merit.
Sharing experience. Supporting the next generation.
PASSING IT ON
Blaise Matuidi · FounderA World Cup winner in 2018, Blaise Matuidi is bringing his experience to a project built around football, education and the strength of a team.
Alima marks a new chapter in Congo: helping young talent develop, with the support to grow on and off the pitch.
His France careerTroyes · Saint-Étienne · Paris Saint-Germain
Juventus · Inter Miami
Born in Toulouse on 9 April 1987, Blaise Matuidi grew up in the Paris region. His early football journey took him from Fontenay-sous-Bois to Vincennes and Créteil, then to the renowned Clairefontaine academy. He went on to Troyes, making his professional debut in 2004 at the age of 17. A move to Saint-Étienne followed in 2007, where he established himself over four seasons.
Matuidi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 and became a key figure in midfield. His stamina, ball-winning ability and forward runs helped the team at both ends of the pitch. He won four consecutive French league titles with Paris between 2013 and 2016. In 2017, he moved to Juventus, where he collected three Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and an Italian Super Cup.
Matuidi made his senior France debut in 2010 and went on to earn 84 caps, scoring nine goals. After reaching the Euro 2016 final, he helped France win the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Tactical discipline and a willingness to work for his teammates were central to his contribution.
Following a final playing spell with Inter Miami, which he joined in 2020, Matuidi announced his retirement on 23 December 2022. As the founder of Alima Academy, alongside co-founder Nanga Ibata, he is now helping shape a different kind of football journey in Oyo, Republic of the Congo. The academy brings football development, education and support for young people together, placing experience gained at the highest level within reach of the next generation.
Wikipédia · FFF · Juventus — 2017 · Juventus — 2020 · FIFA
FIVE CLIPS. IN HIS OWN WORDS.
Interviews are in their original language, without English subtitles. The Google Drive player loads when you press play. If it does not play, select “Open video”.
OUR STORY
Each milestone makes
the next one possible.
The project is introduced in Brazzaville, with football, education and citizenship at its heart.
The first young players join the academy in Oyo. Learning, training and living together become part of everyday life.
Development continues, with trips and new encounters giving players a broader view of the game and the world.
Alima wins the Européen Mérois U14 tournament, defeating Stade de Reims 1–0 in the final.
ONE BELIEF BRINGS US TOGETHER