WELCOME TO
MICHEL HIDALGO INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY

An immersive year-round training programme to guide players aged 14 to 22 toward the professional level.

Location : near Monaco, Nice and Cannes

2027 SEMESTER PROGRAM

New semester program now open

January 4, 2027 – May 25, 2027 — Registration now open.

Registrations

One year to prove your talent

Our next year-long program runs September 1, 2027 - May 23, 2028 for players aged 14–22

Seize the opportunity to transform your talent into professional-level performance. At the Michel Hidalgo International Football Academy, ambitious young players from around the world combine intensive training, real club competition, and academic excellence in one complete year. Players from 64 nationalities have already experimented our programme ! Take your first concrete steps toward professional football — in the conditions of a genuine ‘centre de formation’.

Apply to the next programme

What we offer :
3 Complete Projects in 1

OUR METHOD

A structured training approach that blends technical skills, tactical awareness, and personal development

CRAFTING CHAMPIONS

Our training approach combines technical mastery, tactical intelligence, and mental resilience. Every student participates in trials with our FFF partner clubs, earning a license to compete in official French Championship matches. This isn't theoretical training—it's real competition in the professional pathway. Players receive ongoing video analysis, individual coaching feedback, and strategic interviews to ensure continuous improvement aligned with your professional goals.

BALANCING FOOTBALL AND ACADEMICS

We believe your future extends beyond the pitch. Every student balances intensive football training with flexible, personalized academic support—whether that's completing your secondary studies, preparing for university, or pursuing sports-related qualifications. Your education never takes a backseat; it's carefully integrated into your year with us.

18 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

For nearly two decades, the Michel Hidalgo International Football Academy has been transforming talented young footballers from across the globe into elite athletes ready for professional demands. Located on the stunning French Riviera between Monaco, Nice, and Cannes, our academy combines world-class training facilities, FFF-licensed club partnerships, and personalized academic support for players aged 14–22. We don't just teach football—we create pathways to professional careers, real European club experience, and genuine personal growth.

Individual Potential

No two players are identical. We reject the "conveyor belt" approach. Every member of our academy receives personalized attention, custom development plans, and coaching that recognizes their unique strengths and challenges.

Feeling of Privilege

Every player deserves to feel the privilege of membership at an elite academy. We treat each athlete as a valued individual—because that's what Michel Hidalgo believed: talent thrives when players feel respected and trusted.

Our Human Values

Technical skill matters—but character matters more. We develop confident, resilient young people who play with purpose, integrity, and joy. That's the Hidalgo legacy: football that builds better humans.

Success stories

See how our players succeed

Abdallah Wasfi Bashammakh

Origine : UAE, Dubai

Edmond Lupancu

Origin: AUSTRALIA, Melbourne

Nicholas McKinnon

Origin: CANADA, Vancouver

Mathew

Origin : USA, Kansas City

Star Player of the Month

September 2026

Edgar HERRERA GOMEZ

Born on 28 September 2011 in Panama, Edgar Herrera Gomez plays for AS Fontonne’s U16 Regional team. Named the Michel Hidalgo Academy’s Player of the Month for September, Edgar has impressed with his ability to adapt quickly to both his club and the Academy. With four goals in five matches, he has made a strong contribution to his team’s performances. This recognition also reflects his commitment, disciplined approach and positive attitude throughout daily life at the Academy. Congratulations to Edgar on a promising start to the season.

EXPERIENCE FOOTBALL AND

For almost 20 years, the Michel Hidalgo Academy has welcomed young players aged 14 to 22 worldwide, providing a fulfilling year of sports, culture, and language immersion in France.

Our SPORT - STUDY project focuses on personal achievement as student-athletes live their passion for football while completing their academic year.

Apply now

OUR PLAYERS COME FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

Nationalities

Continents

Since 2008

Since 2008, the Academy has hosted players of 68 different nationalities.
Boys proceeding from : South Africa, Algeria, Germany, England, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bahrein, Belgium, Benin, Bermudas, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Colombia, Congo, Ivory Coast, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirghizistan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg,
Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Mauricius Island, Mexico, Monaco, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, USA, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Guadeloupe (F), New Caledonia (F), Reunion (F) and Tahiti (F).

Roan’s father, USA Iowa, midfielder at FC Antibes & FC Mougins, U14D

We have been extremely pleased with the Academy. The staff was and continues to be incredibly welcoming and accommodating to us. My son has been very happy with the coaching, and he really enjoys living and training with the other players (who come from all over the world). It has been a wonderful experience for him so far and was excited to be back at the Academy after winter break back home.

Dave SHRIVER

Malik’s parents, Guadeloupe, striker midfielder at OAJLP, U19D

Thank you to the entire Michel Hidalgo Academy team for the warm welcome, guidance, professionalism, and kindness. The young players are in an exceptional environment and can enjoy this beautiful region while doing what they love: football ! Our son is happy and thriving in this structure, which feels like a little family. Thank you all for your attentiveness and everything you do.

Fatima and Willy TAULIAUT

Benjamin’s father, Canada, Vancouver, goalkeeper at Cavigal FC, U17Nat

This year our second son is fortunate enough to attend Michel Hidalgo International Football Academy and is having an amazing experience, as was our previous experience for our eldest son. Our eldest son attended the Academy 3 years ago and he was so happy with the experience that our second son was eager to do the same. Hidalgo's facilities in beautiful Antibes are breathtaking! The facility has everything the boys need to train, eat, study, make friends from around the world, and generally grow into fine young men. The experience has truly been life changing for our boys and the Academy has supported them above and beyond. Laurence, Zino and Jeremy have been amazing sports leaders and advocates for our sons. They have helped develop the boys in soccer but have also helped to open doors to opportunities we could not have accessed on our own. While we are from Vancouver, Canada, my eldest son still communicates with the friends he has made across the globe during his time at Hidalgo. They will surely be lifelong friends as they experienced such key bonding moments at a coming of age point in their lives. The fluency in French my eldest son developed after a single year that was fully immersed in this great environment has had a significant impact on his education and college path. My second son is already speaking purely in French with his team and the locals and is my guide when I am fortunate enough to visit him in Antibes. I highly recommend this programme for those that have sons interested in developing their skills not only in soccer and French but also in life in general.

Steve KUMP

Greg’s mother, Mauritius, defender at AS Cannes, U17R

Honestly, I would have given anything to be with you at the Academy. It’s clear that the young players are very well taken care of. By the way, I will never stop thanking you for your dedication to Greg. Congratulations to the entire team for all the work, and long live the HIDALGO Academy! Hats off to the team!

Joyce CHAN CHUNG FONG

VIEW PARENTS’ TESTIMONIALS

Ready to discover what separates elite academies from the rest? Our year-long programme is designed for serious young players ready to commit to professional development - on and off the pitch.

Learn More About Our Programme

They trust us

FAQ's

Where is the Michel Hidalgo International Football Academy located?

In Antibes, on the French Riviera, between Nice and Cannes, near Monaco.

How old are the players who join the Academy, and what nationalities are they?

Between 14 and 22 years old, coming from all over the world.

What type of educational support is provided?

Each player follows their own online schooling adapted to their age, grade level, and native language, using the study platform chosen by the parents. This method—applied at a rate of 10 hours per week and supervised by an educational manager—has proven a 100% success rate. All courses and diplomas are recognized in the player's home country.

Does the Academy organize trials?

Yes, only for players registered at the Academy for the following season. They are presented to FFF (French Football Federation) clubs according to their position and the technical staff's evaluation of their skill level. They sign a license (under certain conditions) in agreement with the club's coach.

When are the trial periods with clubs?

We invite players registered at the Academy to come in May if possible. Otherwise, trials take place in August and September. At the end of the season, trials with higher-level clubs take place around April–May, depending on their match performance throughout the year.

Do players compete in official matches?

Yes, with their club, they play in French championship matches on Saturdays or Sundays, provided they are selected by their coach.

My child does not speak French. Can they still join the academy?

A lack of French fluency is not an obstacle to a young player's integration. 4 hours per week are dedicated to learning French, at beginner or intermediate levels. Daily immersion naturally encourages progress in the language.

Why must the registration form be submitted by a parent or legal guardian?

Applications are only reviewed if written and signed by parents, a requirement tied to legal liability and administrative procedures.

What are the Academy's goals?

To support the harmonious development of young players, help them gain maturity, and give them the opportunity to approach professional football. To offer them a unique experience in high-level football alongside peers of their age from all over the world, while succeeding in their studies.

WELCOME TOMICHEL HIDALGO INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY