Spain is home to several football academies that have produced stars like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernadez, Andres Iniesta, and others.
So, if you are an aspiring pro footballer, Spain is a great country where you can develop your soccer skills and talent.
Below is a look at some of the top football academies in Spain for international students that you can consider.
1. Barca Academy
The Barcelona Academy is the official soccer development academy for the Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona.
It is located in Sant Joan Despí, Barcelona, Spain, although it has several other locations worldwide, including the U.S.A, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the Pacific.
Also known as La Masia, the Barca Academy was established in 1979 to house young footballers outside of Barcelona.
It has since grown into a global powerhouse, famous for producing some of the big names in the football world.
The Barca Academy accepts boys and girls from ages six up to 18. The training programs cost about €2,255 a week, though the academy offers regular scholarships to deserving youngsters.
Some famous names who have graduated from the academy include Lionel Messi, Mauro Icardi, Hector Bellerin, Lamine Yamal, Andres Iniesta, Takefusa Kubo, and Adama Traore.
2. Real Madrid Academy
The Real Madrid academy, also known as the La Fábrica (The Factory), is the official soccer development academy of the Spanish La Liga club, Real Madrid.
The academy is based in Real Madrid Sports City in Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain.
Established in the 1950s by Miguel Malbo, the academy accepts youth footballers (both boys and girls) between the ages of 7 and 17.
The Real Madrid Academy offers training programs that cost between €1,599 and €2,049 per week.
Some notable alumni include Iker Casillas, Juan Mata, Jose Callejon, and Borja Valero.
3. Spanish Rush SPF
Spanish Rush-SPF is a football academy that is based in Valencia, Spain. The academy was founded in 2016 and has quickly established itself as one of Spain’s top football development centres.
The academy arranges regular trials for its players with several Spanish football. Therefore, it is one of the top academies to attend if you want to get scouted for football in Spain.
Spanish Rush-SPF charges tuition fees of around €33,500 with the price inclusive of soccer training, an academic program, and world-class sports resort accommodation.
Some of the top academy graduates include DJ Taylor (Minnesota United), Ori Cohen (Israel and Alboraya U-19), Syahrian Abimanyu (Indonesia and Madura United), and Rudra Ved (India and FC Mare Nostrum).
4. Sevilla FC Soccer Academy
Sevilla FC Soccer Academy is the official football development program of the Spanish club Sevilla FC. It is based in Seville, Spain, and has several other international locations, including the United States.
The academy offers a comprehensive football training program for both boys and girls, attracting young talent worldwide.
The training costs vary depending on the length and type of programs, but they can be as low as $170 per month.
Sevilla FC Academy has produced some top names in the football world. These include World Cup champions Sergio Ramos, Carlos Marchena, and Jesus Navas.
5. RCD Espanyol
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RCD Espanyol is another one of the top football academies in Spain for international students. It is based in Barcelona, Spain, and is the official youth development academy for the Spanish football club RCD Espanyol.
Founded in 1993 in Spain, the academy has several international academies in South Africa, the U.S.A, Iraq, Sweden, Finland, and others.
The academy’s fees vary depending on the program and location, but a few days of camp can cost up to $249. It offers comprehensive training programs, including full-season residency and summer camps.
RCD Espanyol Academy has developed several youth players who have turned pro.
Some of the top academy graduates include Raúl Tamudo, Sergio González, Toni Soldevilla, Pedro Nieto, and Joan Capdevila.
6. Spain Soccer Academy
Spain Soccer Academy is an international football academy based in Seville, Spain. It was established in 2013 and offers a comprehensive training program to international players.
The academy offers several training programs, from an annual football & academic program to short-stay programs and summer camps. The full-year training program costs between €24,950 and €40,570.
Spain Football Academy has developed several players who have turned professional. Top alumni include Ricardo Oliveira, Sergio Garcia, Dani Martin Alexandre, Achille Emana, and Toni Doblas.
7. Kaptiva Sports Academy
Kaptiva Sports Academy is an elite youth development centre based in Barcelona, Spain. It was founded in 2012 to offer training for international student-athletes from all over the world.
Kaptiva offers a comprehensive training program encompassing a football and academic program. It is open to boys and girls between 12 and 18 years.
The Kaptiva Sports Academy training program costs between €495 (trials) and €44,995 (a full-year academic program).
The academy has developed several top footballers, including Jose Masllorens, Joseph Lahoud, Matteo Valotto, and Anirudh Jain.
8. ACFC Academy
Alicante City FC Academy is a top football development academy based in Alicante, Spain. It was established in 2018 as a partner club of the Soccer Smart Academy.
The academy offers several programs with training fees starting at €1,500 per month, making it one of the cheapest cheap football academies in Spain for international students.
ACFC has developed several players who have gone on to play at professional levels. Top alums include Chaim Roserie, Felipe Acosta, and Hugh Alban Jones.
9. Alicante Football Academy
Alicante Football Academy is another youth football development school based in Alicante, Spain. The academy offers a comprehensive football training program for boys and girls between 16 to 23 years.
The academy has a full season (10 months), six months, four months, and one-month training packages. The training fees range between €2,100 and €2,500 per month.
Like many Spanish football academies, Alicante Football Academy has produced several professional footballers.
Top alums include Harsh Hanumant (India), Zizwa Mcpetrie (Malawi), Nicolai Elton (Norway), and Emanuel Foba (Ivory Coast).
10. FC Malaga City Academy
FC Malaga City Academy is another excellent option if you want to join a football academy in Spain. It is based in Calle Puerto de la Cruz, Almuñécar, Spain.
The academy was founded in 2013 to provide elite professional football development to international youth players looking to play in a European setting.
FC Malaga City offers football training for both boys (from the age of 14) and girls (from the age of 16).
It offers three full-time residency programs: 1 month (€2,750), five months (€13,000), and nine months (€22,500).
The academy has produced several popular players, including Dante Gilbert (Trinidad and Tobago), Elliot Simmons (Vancouver FC, Canada), Acacia Edwards (Malaga CF women), and Sofia Grace Iaderosa.
The above are some of the top football academies in Spain for international students.
They range from youth development programs for top clubs in the country to elite soccer academies that have nurtured hundreds of youngsters into professional players.
You’re on the right track—13 is the perfect age to start chasing your dreams Keep pushing your limits and don’t be afraid to stand out. Your passion and commitment will take you far
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