Levante UD Expands Its International Reach with ID TALENT in Azerbaijan
Levante UD Expands Its International Reach with ID TALENT in Azerbaijan
Levante Unión Deportiva continues to strengthen the international projection of its brand and training model through its ID TALENT program, an initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talent worldwide. On January 27 and 28, Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, hosted an unprecedented football event, where more than 120 young players born between 2006 and 2014 took part.
This event is part of Levante UD’s strategic international training plan, supported by its global partner, Global Football Total, a key ally in the club’s expansion into new markets. Thanks to this collaboration, Levante UD successfully launched a new project in Azerbaijan with the crucial support of Atlético Baku, whose president, Khalid Haji, along with Gyulnara Babaeva and Fátima Babaeva, worked closely with the Spanish club to bring this initiative to life.
ID TALENT: Development, opportunities, and core values
During two intensive days of evaluation in Baku, young participants showcased their skills in front of Levante UD’s technical staff and coordinators. The program not only focuses on identifying technical, tactical, and physical abilities but also emphasizes values such as effort, discipline, and teamwork. As part of this commitment, Levante UD awarded scholarships to the most outstanding players, granting them a unique football experience in Valencia, within the club’s international training program.
"We are very pleased with the level of talent displayed by the participants and, above all, with the warm welcome we received in Azerbaijan. Initiatives like these allow us not only to identify promising players but also to create personal and professional development opportunities for these young talents," stated Daniel Pastor, Director of International Training at Levante UD.
Strategic relations with federations and elite clubs
Following the ID TALENT event, the Levante UD delegation, led by Daniel Pastor and Aritz Lira, sports coordinator, continued with key meetings from January 29 to February 1. These meetings aimed to establish strategic partnerships with the AFFA (Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan) and Qarabag FC, the country’s most successful club and an international football benchmark.
These discussions focused on future collaborations in academy development, sports exchanges, and joint events, reinforcing Levante UD’s position as a key player in the global football landscape. Additionally, these efforts align with LaLiga’s global expansion strategy, particularly through the LaLiga Impulso Plan.
Commitment to international growth
Levante UD’s presence in strategic markets such as Azerbaijan reflects a long-term vision aimed at strengthening the club’s brand and diversifying its influence in the global football industry. Under the LaLiga Impulso Plan, this strategy seeks to create new sporting, commercial, and cultural opportunities in emerging regions, positioning Levante UD as a reference in training, innovation, and social responsibility.
With the success of ID TALENT in Baku, Levante UD once again proves that football is much more than just a sport—it is a driver of development, a cultural bridge, and a tool for transforming lives. The club’s future relies on forging strong international partnerships, always focusing on comprehensive player development and sustainable institutional growth.