The partnership was officially announced after a visit from Kelly Key, the singer and entrepreneur behind Kiala FC, and her husband Mico Freitas to Atlético-MG's headquarters. The goal of the partnership is to strengthen the club's scouting and development of players in Africa, with the aim of bringing them to Brazil.
Kiala FC was founded in October 2023 and currently has around 70 adolescent players. The project was initially driven by a social bias, but now seeks greater visibility for its formation process. This partnership is seen as a doorway for African football talents to be discovered and developed by Atlético-MG.
Luiz Carlos Azevedo, the base manager of Atlético-MG, has a personal connection to Kelly Key's husband, having known him since their time at Vasco. In 2024, Azevedo received a visit from Mico Freitas to strengthen relations in the base at Flamengo. This partnership marks the latest step in Atlético-MG's monitoring of the African territory, which began last year.
One of the club's current jewels is Mamady Cissé, an 18-year-old midfielder from Guinea who was contracted by Atlético-MG this season. The partnership with Kiala FC is expected to bring more talented players like Cissé to the club in the future.
Atlético-MG will continue to work with Kiala FC to identify and develop African players, with the aim of strengthening the club's base and competing at the highest level.