Atlético seals partnership with Kiala FC

In partnership with

Clube Atlético Mineiro

·18 August 2026

Atlético seals partnership with Kiala FC

On the morning of last Sunday (16), Atlético’s youth academy director, Luiz Carlos de Azevedo, welcomed the owners of Kiala FC, Kelly Key and her husband, Mico Freitas, and showed them the youth facilities at Cidade do Galo.

The visit formalized the partnership between Galo and the Angolan club for the recruitment and development of African athletes by Alvinegro.

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The project will include a permanent Galo scout on the African continent, in addition to presenting the youth academy methodology to Kiala’s professionals. In return, Atlético hopes to receive more players from the African continent in the coming years.

In an interview with GaloTV H2BET, Luiz Carlos spoke about the unprecedented partnership in Brazilian football.

Photo: Arthur Henrique / Atlético

“I don’t recall any partnership like this between a Brazilian and an African club. The objective is clear: recruiting and developing athletes. We want to have an increasingly stronger focus on the African continent, and we needed a partner for that. (…) We know that, by law, no athlete under 18 can permanently transfer to another country, and because of that, Kiala will have our support in maintaining a structure capable of developing athletes for Galo.”

Kelly Key and Mico got to see the fields, the gym, physiotherapy facilities, and accommodations. They also visited the construction site of the new youth academy building and then watched the match between Galo and Grêmio in the Brasileirão. The owner of the Angolan club spoke about the afternoon she spent at Cidade do Galo and at the Arena.

Photo: Arthur Henrique / Atlético

“Being here today, seeing the structure of one of the biggest clubs in Brazil, is something unimaginable for us. This partnership gives us the opportunity to look toward new horizons.”

Mico Freitas also spoke about the importance of the partnership for Kiala.

“Angolans consume a lot of Brazilian culture. So for athletes to be able to see a real opportunity to come here and play football, especially at a club like Atlético, will certainly bear a lot of fruit.”