Bahia is poised to elevate its football program with the development of the City Football Academy Bahia, a new training center spearheaded by the City Football Group (CFG). Construction officially began on February 26th, marking a milestone for the sport in the region.

State-of-the-Art Facility Planned

The expansive complex, covering over 560,000 square meters, will cater to all levels of the club, encompassing professional men’s and women’s teams, youth categories, and administrative functions. Key features include 12 football fields, a mini-stadium with a 1,000-person capacity, a hotel, an administrative center, 144 accommodation spaces, and 500 parking spaces.

The design mirrors the successful City Football Academies already established in Manchester, New York, Montevideo, and Melbourne, emphasizing comprehensive athlete development.

Government Support and Economic Impact

Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues was present at the groundbreaking ceremony, expressing his enthusiasm for the project.

Since I started my government, I have been talking to Esporte Clube Bahia through Grupo City for this type of support. I am happy to see the investments that this group is making in sport. This will modernize Brazilian football

Jerônimo Rodrigues.

Raul Aguirre, CEO of Esporte Clube Bahia SAF, highlighted the project’s positive economic impact, noting the creation of both direct and indirect jobs. He likewise emphasized ongoing collaboration with public management to explore education-focused initiatives.

Ferran Soriano, CEO of CFG, praised the swift response from the State Government, stating,

I have never seen such a quick response anywhere in the world

Ferran Soriano.

A Hub for Sports and Tourism

Rui Costa, Minister of the Civil House, underscored the potential for Bahia to become a prominent sports and tourism destination.

Bahia has a mark in many sports. What makes young people shine is dreaming, and here they will have that opportunity

Rui Costa.

Project Timeline

Construction commenced in February 2026, with completion anticipated in 2027. The project will adhere to sustainable practices aligned with the City Football Group’s global standards.