Gambian U-17 national team captain Alieu Drammeh has taken a major step in his career after signing his first professional contract with Spanish giants FC Barcelona.

The 16-year-old winger has been a standout player for Barcelona’s Cadet A side, where his pace, creativity, and technical ability have drawn praise from coaches and scouts.

His performances have now earned him a three-year professional deal with the Catalan club.

Drammeh officially signed the contract in the presence of Barcelona’s Director of Youth Football, José Ramon Alexanco, marking his promotion into the youth category — the next stage in the club’s world-famous academy, La Masia.

Speaking after the signing, Barcelona officials described Drammeh as one of the brightest prospects in their academy system.

He is expected to feature prominently in the Youth A team, which competes in Spain’s top youth competitions and the UEFA Youth League.

For Gambian football, Drammeh’s rise represents another significant breakthrough.

He captained the Gambia U-17 team during their international campaigns, showcasing leadership qualities and technical skill that caught the eye of Barcelona’s youth coaches.

His move into the professional ranks at one of the world’s biggest clubs is seen as a major boost for the country’s growing football reputation.

Drammeh joins a select group of Gambian players who have made their mark in European football, though few have risen through the ranks of a club as prestigious as Barcelona.

His progress will be closely followed both in Spain and back home in The Gambia, where fans are already celebrating his achievement as a moment of national pride.

The young winger will now continue his development at La Masia, where he will work under some of Europe’s best youth coaches.

If his trajectory continues, Drammeh could one day follow in the footsteps of Barcelona academy graduates such as Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Ansu Fati.

By Ebrima KB Sonko