Michel Hidalgo International Football Academy

WELCOME TO THE Michel Hidalgo INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY

A structured year-round programme to guide players aged 14 to 22 toward the professional level.

Location : near Monaco and Nice

Join our next programme

Our next year-long programme runs August 17, 2026 – May 24, 2027 Limited spots available for talented 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. Join players from 64 nationalities and take your first concrete steps toward professional football—in the conditions of a genuine ‘centre de formation.

Apply to the next program

What we offer

Three Complete Projects in One

Success stories

See how our players succeed

Abdallah Wasfi Bashammakh

From Hidalgo Academy to UAE Division 1

Edmond Lupancu

From Hidalgo Academy to Australian Ligue 1

Nicholas McKinnon

from the Hidalgo Academy to the prestigious ELON University in NCAA D1

Matthew

from the Hidalgo Academy to MLS NEXT U19

Star Player of the Month

February 2026

Alessandro Mariani

After a remarkable run in the U17 category to the 8th federal round of the Gambardella Cup, he exited with honor against professional side SC Bastia.

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.

17 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.

Vidan’s mother, 16y, Belgrade (Serbia), defender at CDJ Antibes Juan Les Pins (U17)

Great conditions for showing and getting Football skills of young Football players

Malena Andrejic

Jerry’s father, 18y, Gatineau (Canada), scorer at CDJ Antibes Juan Les Pins (U19)

My son has been at the Academy since last August and I am pretty satisfied with the results. Thanks for the work you do.

Gérard

Mother of Greg, from Mauritius. U17, player at FC Mougins R1

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

Rupert's father, defender, U16 from Canada

I would like to offer an enthusiastic endorsement of the Michel Hidalgo Football Academy. As a young Canadian player passionate about football our son Rupert was wanting to find somewhere where he could further his training goals and immerse himself in an academy experience. The staff at the Academy have developed a wonderful program providing for daily training guided by experienced coaches and in a warm and supportive environment. Living and training with a group of young footballers from many countries is a special experience with rewards going far beyond just improvements in football skills. We've enjoyed tremendously listening to Rupert recount his weekly stories of adventures on and off the pitch with the friends he's made. He is especially proud of being accepted at a local club; training three nights per week, pushing himself to make the starting 11 every weekend, and celebrating successes with his French teammates. I would like to offer our appreciation for Laurence, Zino, John, Jeremy, Mickael, and the supporting staff who work very hard to make this academy such a special place. I recommend the Michel Hidalgo Football Academy for any parent considering an international academy experience for their young footballer.

Ryan THOMS

VIEW PARENTS’ TESTIMONIALS

EXPERIENCE FOOTBALL AND

For over 15 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 SPORTS and STUDY project focuses on personal achievement as student-athletes live their passion for football while developing their skills and talent.

Apply now

Our Players Come from All Over the World

Nationalities

Continents

Since

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

FAQs

Let´s answer some FAQs

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions

How does the academy balance football training and education?

The Academy combines intensive football training with a customized online academic program that fits each player’s age and level. Students attend structured study sessions and are supported to maintain their academic progress alongside daily training.

What type of educational support is provided?

Players aged 14–17 follow a tailored online schooling program, live virtual classes or their home country curriculum, with supervision from a dedicated academic coordinator. Older players can choose professional or language courses.

Who is legally responsible for my child during the program?

According to the registration details, the Academy acts as the moral representative of your child in France during the entire program, and parents must provide authorization and private insurance coverage.

What happens in case of injury, illness, or medical emergency?

If a player needs a medical consultation or treatment, private medical insurance is mandatory and may cover medical, hospital, and surgical costs. Parents are responsible for ensuring this coverage.

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

Applications are only considered if written and signed by the parents, a requirement linked to legal responsibility and administrative processing.

What does a typical week look like at the academy?

A typical week includes daily professional football training, physical preparation sessions, afternoon study periods such as academic or language classes, evening training with affiliated clubs, and weekend matches.

Where do the players live during the program?

Players live on-site at the Antibes high-performance sports centre (CREPS) in shared rooms with full board, or older players can stay in a nearby 4-star aparthotel with more independence.