Real Madrid to launch youth football academy in Arba’ilo (Erbil), Kurdistan Region of Iraq, this August

ARBA’ILO, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — Madrid Club de Fútbol announced plans to open a youth football academy in Arba’ilo (Erbil), Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), this August. 

The announcement was made by Naeem Saddam, Real Madrid’s official spokesperson in Iraq, during an interview with Rudaw Network. Saddam stated that preparations for establishing the Real Madrid Academy are progressing smoothly, with plans to build a stadium and high-quality sports facilities in Erbil that reflect the club’s renowned prestige. 

The academy will focus on training children aged 6 to 14, utilizing the same programs and methodologies employed by Real Madrid in Spain. “The club aims to nurture talented players,” Saddam emphasized. 

Real Madrid has a history of engaging in Iraq, having opened its first football academy in the country in 2023. This initiative is part of a global network of over 70 academies operated by the Spanish club across 40 countries. 

The announcement follows closely on the heels of rival Barcelona’s recent statement that it will launch six football academies in North and East Syria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).