Emmanuel Ziro, a 16-year-old Kenyan-born forward, has signed a scholarship with Manchester United's Under-18 academy, marking a significant milestone for Kenyan football.

The young talent, who joined the club in December 2024 from the Cre8tive Football Academy in West London, was among 15 academy prospects honored at a ceremony at Old Trafford's Manchester Suite.The scholarship will see him train with the U-18 side ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Ziro, who plays as a forward and prefers the left wing, is part of a cohort that includes notable names like Jacey Carrick (son of manager Michael Carrick) and Kai Rooney (son of Wayne Rooney).Each player received personalized gear, including shirts with their names and number 26, a blazer, and commemorative items.

The move highlights Manchester United's commitment to developing young talent, with Ziro's scholarship representing a key step in his journey.The academy's pre-season preparations will see the team train in Germany at adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach.

This achievement could pave the way for Ziro to become the first Kenyan to represent the club at senior level, underscoring the growing global recognition of Kenyan footballers.