Benin: Assessment of the infrastructure and professionalization of football under Talon

Under Patrice Talon, the government undertook an ambitious reform marked by the construction and rehabilitation of sports facilities to international standards. Among the major achievements is the construction of 22 sports stadiums in municipalities and departments, equipped for several disciplines such as football, handball, volleyball, basketball, athletics. These local infrastructures promote grassroots sports and the early detection of talent.

The major stadiums have also benefited from major modernization works. The Stade de l'Amitié Général Mathieu Kérékou has been renovated and notably hosted the final of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2021. Work is underway or planned for the René Pleven stadium in Akpakpa, the Charles de Gaulle stadium in Porto-Novo and the Parakou stadium, with lawns to FIFA standards, renovated stands and efficient lighting.

Flagship projects are in preparation, including the construction of an Olympic swimming pool at the Stade de l'Amitié Général Mathieu Kérékou, the development of an international golf course in Avlékété and the study of a large national sports complex. These investments are accompanied by the creation of a stadium management office and the extension of sports classes in colleges as well as departmental academies.

These advances are welcomed by the stakeholders of Beninese football. Charles Titigoueti, president of the Atlantic Departmental Football League, declared:

 "Talking about achievements in sports under the regime of President Talon is truly one of the total satisfactions of youth. We can say total, because what was done before, there was no comparison until 2016. The construction project for 22 stadiums in Benin. Stadiums where you can practice all disciplines. Have we had that in the past? These are things that boost development. And this, you go to countries, you travel, everyone says hats off to you.”

Subsidies: a key financial support

The government has significantly increased the budgets allocated to sport. In 2025, more than 4.6 billion FCFA were released for federations, clubs, and associations. Nearly 8 billion FCFA were allocated to the federations in 2024, with specific bailouts for international competitions. Charles Titigoueti highlights the extent of this change: 

"In terms of subsidies, we will not even make a comparison since it did not exist before. That’s a lot of billions, 4 billion and more today, that the state throws into sports. Clubs are subsidized at almost all levels. It’s colossal.”

These subsidies have allowed for better remuneration of players, the commitment of qualified technical staff and a more regular participation of clubs in the championships. However, the president of the Atlantic League notes one point for improvement: "It will remain that the authorities will find the mechanisms to implement these subsidies so that they are as effective and efficient as possible [...] Because these subsidies come, unfortunately, with a bit of delay."

The professionalization of football: a committed dynamic

Professionalization is one of the most structuring projects. Since 2021-2022, the creation of a Professional League, the requirement of contracts for players, the structuring of clubs and the development of training centers have marked a break. Charles Titigoueti analyzes this evolution:

 "In terms of professionalization, we can say that many indicators allow for a lot of things [...] Today you have the players of a professional rosary, all are on contract. We have the structure of the city, all the clubs today already attract much more players from neighboring countries. You have young Beninese who play in the Benin championship and earn salaries well above the average [...] 150,200,000 and more, 300,000 salary.”

 This emerging professionalization attracts regional talent and improves the visibility of the Beninese championship.

Celtiis Ligue 1 of Benin
Several former figures and officials of Beninese football unanimously welcome the action of President Talon. Ousmane Makarimi, a former international from Benin:

 "Honestly, I’m really happy with everything the president has done. In all areas of sport, he has done a remarkable job. Thanks to him, there are the fields or infrastructure, and player monitoring. The payment of players is at least regular. This regularity has made our championship somewhat recognized.”

 Khaled Adénon, former captain of the national team: 

"If today Benin is here, whether it be in football or in other areas, it is thanks to him. Especially footballistically, it’s thanks to Patrice Talon.”

 Djidogbé Pulchérie, women’s football manager for the Atlantic League:

 "I think he did well, especially in women’s football. Honestly, he’s been great. Thanks to him, the players are really comfortable. We have stars now thanks to him. It’s very beautiful what he did for our football in Benin.”

Football and sports in Benin, under the leadership of Patrice Talon, have undergone a major transformation, driven by a clear vision: modern infrastructure, substantial subsidies, and the beginning of professionalization. If challenges persist, stakeholders agree on a generally positive assessment and the need to continue this dynamic.

As summarized by Charles Titigoueti: 

"If a country has all its infrastructure, it is quite logical that this country will be classified among the reference countries and ready to apply to host competitions in the international environment of CAF and FIFA."

This report illustrates how sport, supported by an ambitious infrastructure policy, becomes a lever of social cohesion, public health and international influence for Benin.