In a groundbreaking move for both European and African football, Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt announced a landmark partnership with Ghana Premier League side Accra Lions, set to take effect in June 2025.
The partnership is not merely a business deal but a bold vision to create a sustainable pipeline for young African talent while elevating both clubs’ global profiles.
“This partnership is a significant step for our club. We are proud to have Eintracht Frankfurt, a renowned Bundesliga club, on our side. Our players and coaches can benefit enormously from this collaboration – both athletically and personally. We see this as a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange between two football-loving countries, which can extend far beyond football-specific topics,” says Oliver König, President of Accra Lions FC.
Eintracht Frankfurt is also enthusiastic about the collaboration. “We are delighted to enter into a partnership with Accra Lions FC, which will open up new opportunities for both clubs. This initiative will not only help us discover talent from Africa, but also contribute to sharing our sporting and organizational experience with a dynamic club like Accra Lions,” says Sporting Director Markus Krösche.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to youth development. Eintracht Frankfurt, known for its robust academy system, has produced talents like Evan Ndicka and Jesper Lindstrøm in recent years.
Accra Lions, meanwhile, has emerged an elite club in Ghanaian football, with a reputation for scouting and developing young players from across West Africa. Founded in 2015, the club has quickly risen through the ranks of Ghanaian football, earning promotion to the Ghana Premier League in 2021.
Known for its youth-centric philosophy, Accra Lions has already produced talents like David Oduro, who attracted interest from European clubs.
The collaboration aims to combine Eintracht’s technical expertise and scouting network with Accra Lions’ deep understanding of African football to create a seamless pathway for young talents to thrive and propel Accra Lions to new heights, both domestically and internationally.
