- 14:40
Athletico Sports Club, created in 2006, recently celebrated the brilliance of its young football heroes. Between national exploits, poignant tributes and shared pride, a look back at an evening like no other in the heart of Mansourieh.
In an atmosphere that was both festive and solemn, this multi-sport academy honored its various football teams during a ceremony held at Athletico Stadium in Mansourieh.
An event marked by recognition, remembrance and legacy.
Founded on September 15, 2006, the club is currently led by Robert Paoli (Honorary President) and René Matta (Executive President). Nineteen years after it was founded by a handful of passionate individuals, Athletico has established itself as a benchmark in Lebanese football, embodying discipline, development and excellence.
Born out of a parental initiative, the club was created with the ambition of offering young Lebanese players a structure that is both nurturing and high-performing. This model, based on values of respect, passion and educational commitment, has continued to grow steadily.
Since 2011, Athletico has been the official partner of Olympique Lyonnais, one of Europe’s top youth academies. Thanks to this privileged relationship, Lyon coaches regularly travel to Beirut to train local staff, while Lebanese players participate in immersion camps in Lyon.
This in-depth work has earned the club several major distinctions: in 2019, it was named the best youth academy in Lebanon by the government, and in 2021, Athletico became the first AFC-certified Level 1 Elite Academy in the region.
Champions of Tomorrow
The day’s program celebrated the 2013 Lebanese champions, their runners-up, the 2008 national champions and the 2010 runners-up. Another emotional highlight: the official graduation of the 2007 generation, true pride of the club, after 12 years of loyal service in red and blue.
Before a crowd of distinguished guests, Jihad al-Chahef (Secretary General of the Lebanese Football Federation), Fouad al-Hajj (President of the Mansourieh–Mkalles–Daychounieh Municipality), several local officials, sponsors, parents, media and the entire Athletico family, the young talents took to the stage with their coaches – to loud and heartfelt applause.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a minute of silence in memory of Rayan Raad and Hassan Kdouh, two former players of the club who tragically passed away.
A School of Discipline and Passion
Master of Ceremonies Anthony Majdalani opened the evening by retracing the history of the club. He praised “the professionalism and consistency of the administration and technical teams,” as well as the impressive track record the club achieves each year, both locally and internationally.
A similar message came from Technical Director Fouad Rizk, who highlighted the collective efforts and the quality of the club’s training program – the result of daily dedication from the entire structure.
The Future Is in Good Hands
Visibly moved, President René Matta reflected on the beginnings of the journey:
“Nineteen years ago, we were just a handful of passionate individuals. Today, we’re graduating young men who grew up with us and made the club proud. The 2007 generation represents 12 years of loyalty, battles, victories, and above all, heart. You’ve been role models for the younger players.”
A video montage followed, revisiting the achievements of this golden generation, blending local memories with international participation.
A symbolic moment of the evening was the presentation of commemorative gifts to the graduates by the special guests. Player Charles Korbani, speaking on behalf of his teammates, delivered an emotional speech and thanked the club’s management, technical staff, families and fellow players. Elie Semaan, representing the parents, also paid tribute to the club’s work.
‘Made in Athletico’
The final speech came from Honorary President Robert Paoli, who was clearly moved:
“I’m proud of our players. What they’ve accomplished is remarkable. We’ve built a serious institution here, a real family. Our players are made in Athletico!”
He thanked the Federation, the sponsors, the journalists, and especially MTV, a loyal partner of the club.
He enthusiastically concluded, “Next year, Athletico will celebrate its 20th anniversary. And believe me, we’re going to celebrate it the right way!”
The evening ended with a friendly cocktail reception in an atmosphere filled with joy, nostalgia and a touch of pride.
More than just a club, Athletico is a dream factory that continues to write its story… with the ball at its feet.
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