Kibet Shines as Celta Vigo Youth edge Atlético to reach Copa del Rey Juvenil quarters

Kenyan forward Aldrine Kibet continues to announce himself on the Spanish stage after playing a decisive role in Celta Vigo’s youth team dramatic 4–3 victory over Atlético Madrid’s U19 side to seal a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey Juvenil.

The attacking midfielder was directly involved in two of the goals, finding the back of the net himself and providing an assist in a pulsating contest that underlined his growing influence.

The latest performance adds another highlight to what has been a rapid and impressive rise for the highly rated teenager. Kibet joined Celta Vigo in July 2025 on a four-year deal after catching the eye during the 2023 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association national championships.

His performances earned him a move to Spain through the Nàstic Sports Academy, after which Celta moved quickly to secure his signature, registering him with their youth setup while mapping out a clear pathway to the senior ranks.

Since settling in Vigo, Kibet has wasted little time making his mark. He opened his goal account for the U19 side in November 2025, netting a brace in a 7–2 rout before adding another goal soon after, confirming his status as one of the team’s key attacking outlets.

His development has not gone unnoticed within the club, earning him an invitation to train with the Celta Vigo first team in December 2025, a strong signal of how close he is to a senior breakthrough.

Beyond the youth setup, Celta Fortuna, the club’s reserve side, is enjoying an impressive campaign in Spain’s Primera Federación.

Sitting second in Group 1 after 21 matches, just behind CD Tenerife, the B team remain firmly in the promotion hunt, with recent wins such as a 3–2 away triumph over CP Cacereño highlighting their momentum.

With their next fixture against Unionistas on January 31, Kibet has already been linked to a potential promotion to the reserves as part of his development.

Off the pitch, the Kenyan’s rise has sparked growing excitement back home. The now-familiar “Where is Kibet?” chants and captions have flooded Celta’s social media platforms, with even club officials embracing Kenyan sounds and slang, a sign of the connection Kibet is forging beyond the field.

As his journey gathers pace, Aldrine Kibet’s story is fast becoming one of Kenya’s most compelling football exports.