Mohamed Dabone's FC Barcelona Promotion Ignites Debate Over 13-Year-Old Prodigy's True Age

Mohamed Dabone, widely regarded as one of basketball's most exciting global prospects, has reportedly been promoted to FC Barcelona's senior team, a significant step that has further intensified discussions surrounding his precise age. The Wall Street Journal highlighted his burgeoning talent, stating in a recent tweet that Dabone "is one of the most exciting basketball prospects in the world—and he just became a teenager." This advancement comes amidst ongoing speculation about whether the young athlete is truly 13 years old, as officially listed.

Dabone, a native of Burkina Faso, stands at an imposing 6'11" (2.11m) with a remarkable 7'4" (2.24m) wingspan. His physical development, combined with an advanced skill set and basketball IQ, has drawn comparisons to NBA superstars like Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo. He showcased his potential at the NextGen EuroLeague Finals in Abu Dhabi, where he averaged 12 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks against older competition.

Despite his official EuroLeague profile listing his birthdate as October 21, 2011, which would confirm his teenage status, a FIBA 3x3 profile previously listed him as 17 years old. This discrepancy, coupled with the challenges of birth documentation in his home country of Burkina Faso, has fueled skepticism among some observers and scouts. Many question how a 13-year-old could possess such mature physical attributes and on-court poise.

Regardless of the exact age, analysts agree that Dabone remains a high-level prospect. His reported promotion to Barcelona's top squad signifies the club's confidence in his abilities and rapid development. If his 2011 birthdate is accurate, he would be eligible for the NBA Draft in 2030, marking a long road ahead for the promising talent. The debate surrounding his age underscores the extraordinary nature of his talent and the high expectations placed upon him as he continues his professional journey.