Ibrahim Ba, the former French international footballer, has recently made headlines by joining a new club as he embarks on the next chapter of his career. At 52, Ba, who was once part of the illustrious AC Milan team and has played for renowned teams such as Bordeaux and Marseille, is not only stepping back onto the pitch but is also aiming to address significant issues within football coaching.
Having obtained his UEFA Pro License, Ba is well-prepared to take on coaching roles and influence the future of the sport. His recent club signing, announced on February 17, 2025, marks his return to the football world after nearly two decades away from playing professional matches. Ba's rich history as both player and coach ensures he brings valuable experience to the team.
Ba's insights go beyond the tactical dimensions of football; he is deeply concerned with the representation—or lack thereof—of coaches from diverse backgrounds, particularly those of African descent. He recently featured in a sports journal discussing the sensitive issues surrounding racial representation within French football. "It’s about culture. There’s one mindset from some representatives making them manage without commitment to give responsibility to non-white people," Ba stated, illuminating the biases entrenched within coaching decisions. This perspective is particularly urgent considering France's rich history of producing black and mixed-race footballing talent.
Despite the presence of many players of color, Ba notes there remains disproportionately few coaches who have successfully transitioned from playing to managing, particularly at professional levels. He emphasizes this disparity, particularly around coaches who have established themselves post-playing careers, pointing out the need for systemic change. His assertion, "It’s still slow to change these concepts, but progress is happening," encapsulates the challenge and hope within the sport's hierarchy.
There are notable advancements, as figures such as Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have begun to forge paths through the coaching ranks, though Ba urges for continued momentum. He observes how names like Liyaam Rosenier and Habib Beye are stepping up to positions of influence, signaling potential shifts within the coaching arena. Yet, many aspiring coaches from diverse backgrounds still face barriers, with only isolated success stories breaking through.
Adding to the conversation, Ba decided to pursue his coaching studies primarily in Italy—a country often criticized for its lack of diversity. This choice demonstrates his commitment to redefining the boundaries and creating opportunities where they did not exist before. The experiences Ba amassed during his own career have informed his approach to coaching and mentorship, as he aims to create environments where all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed.
Football has seen changes over the years, with clubs slowly beginning to recognize the value of diversity. Despite this shift, Ba insists on the need for broader representation within the coaching staff. He notes, "Currently, most club leaders don't come from diverse backgrounds. We need to align our actions with our words and create openings for new voices at the top."
Ba’s narrative serves not just as one of personal advancement but as part of a broader movement needing urgent attention. Engendas of change exist, and as more clubs acknowledge the importance of diversity, the prospect for aspiring coaches from underrepresented communities brightens. It is this shared vision of inclusion, supported by former stars like Ba, which could redefine the future of football coaching in France and possibly beyond.
Through these efforts, Ibrahim Ba not only seeks to revitalize his own career but also to inspire many others amid the rich backdrop of football development. His new club signing may just be the spark needed for greater representation and opportunity within the coaching fraternity, making him not just a participant but also a pioneer for change.