La Masia’s new prodigy: Nike signs 12-year-old after 145 goals in 52 games

Nike have secured one of Barcelona's most exciting young prospects, signing 12-year-old Destiny Kosiso to an endorsement contract that reflects the extraordinary buzz surrounding the Nigerian-born striker. 

Kosiso, the youngest son of former Nigerian footballer Ejike Paschal, has been producing remarkable goalscoring numbers at La Masia, where two of his brothers, David Obinna (17) and Divine Ikenna (16), have also played. 

Barcelona's academy, renowned worldwide for producing legends like Leo Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Andres Iniesta—and today nurturing talents such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin, and Gavi—continues to uphold its reputation as football's greatest talent factory.

Its philosophy of combination play, tactical intelligence, and technical refinement has shaped generations, and Kosiso is emerging as the latest name to embody that legacy.

Gol International Ltd, the agency led by famed representative Pini Zahavi, revealed the Nike deal, noting that "a new journey begins for Destiny Kosiso. 

At just 11 years old, Destiny signed her contract with Nike last week." Although Kosiso has not signed with Gol, Zahavi serves as an informal advisor to the family, guiding them as attention intensifies around the youngster. 

Zahavi explained the fascination surrounding the striker: "The story is very simple… He's held in very high regard at Barça's youth academy. Last season, if I'm not mistaken, he scored 145 goals in 52 games." 

It was those numbers that sent his videos viral on social media, drawing interest from brands and representation agencies. His rapid development has continued this year, scoring 16 goals in 9 matches in 11-a-side football and reinforcing the belief that he may be one of La Masia's next great forwards.

The signing of a 12-year-old to such a high-profile deal raised questions around Zahavi's involvement, but the agent dismissed concerns: "I'm sorry, I don't see any problem." FIFA's regulations prevent Destiny from signing with a representation agency at his age, though he is allowed to receive advice. Zahavi clarified the situation, saying, "Alex is helping the family. We can't make money with him, there's no contract. It's the way to build the contact for the future." 

That guidance, through Alex Zahavi—a relative of the legendary agent—helped secure the Nike contract that now ties Destiny's immediate future to one of the world's biggest sports brands.

Kosiso, also referred to as Destiny Ejiofor in some reports, is still at the very beginning of his footballing journey. 

But with La Masia's enduring production line behind him, a historic legacy ahead of him, and Nike already placing their bet on his potential, he is undoubtedly a name the football world will be hearing much more about in the years to come.