Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy has cemented its status as a global leader in football development by securing the ‘Best Academy’ title at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards.
The recognition, announced on Sunday, December 28, in Dubai, marks a historic milestone for African football. By beating out some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, the Akrade-based academy has proved that its unique model is now the global gold standard for nurturing elite talent.
On a night typically dominated by the multi-million-pound giants of European football, Right to Dream’s victory resonated as a powerful endorsement of long-term investment in African infrastructure.
The academy’s success is built on a holistic philosophy that sets it apart from traditional football schools. Rather than focusing solely on the pitch, the institution integrates high-level tactical coaching with rigorous formal education and character-led leadership training.
Founded in 1999, the academy has evolved from a small-scale project into a sprawling international network. It has become a prolific talent incubator, consistently graduating players who have transitioned to top-flight European leagues and become mainstays of their national teams.
Following the win, the academy’s leadership expressed their gratitude in a statement, dedicating the trophy to the staff and students who drive the institution’s mission.
“This award reflects the choices made every day, across academies, teams, classrooms, and communities, by people committed to giving young talent the chance to dream, grow, and pursue their potential,” the statement read.
“To everyone across the Right to Dream community, thank you for making dreams possible every day.”
The Globe Soccer Awards are among the most respected accolades in the sport, and this win places Ghana at the heart of the global football conversation.
For an institution that started with just a few players on a dusty pitch, being named the world’s best academy in 2025 is a testament to nearly three decades of consistency and vision.
As the football world looks towards a future of more diverse talent pathways, Right to Dream’s triumph in Dubai sends a clear message: the next generation of football icons is being shaped right here in Ghana.
