Mouphtaou Yarou

11/08/2026

A young person's voice becomes powerful when it is heard, challenged and encouraged.

Les Voix de Demain helps young people develop confidence, public-speaking skills and the courage to share ideas that can strengthen their communities.

07/08/2026

An athletic career can end suddenly; an athlete's value does not.

“Pro et après ?” creates space for honest conversations about identity, education, finance and professional preparation beyond sport. My own transition reinforced a simple lesson: preparing for the future is part of being a professional today.

04/08/2026

Basketball can teach much more than the game: discipline, confidence, teamwork and responsibility.

At the MY BARIKA camp in Parakou, young athletes trained, learned and built community with coaches and mentors committed to their development on and off the court.

31/07/2026

Villanova taught me to play hard, play together and play with pride.

I finished my Wildcats career with 1,068 points, 836 rebounds and 101 blocks—one of only eight players in program history at the time to reach 1,000 points, 800 rebounds and 100 blocks. The numbers matter, but the values and relationships have lasted much longer.

Official Villanova story: https://villanova.com/news/2013/4/17/Yarou_Leads_2013_Villanova_Basketball_Award_Winners.aspx

28/07/2026

Opportunity begins when young people have the tools, support and confidence to keep learning.

In N'Dali, MY BARIKA supports students with educational materials, scholarships and practical assistance. These images are not simply moments from a program; they represent young people working toward futures they can choose for themselves.

Learn more and support the mission: https://www.mybarika.com/

24/07/2026

At HEC Paris, I found a community that saw more than the basketball player. The MBA helped me translate lessons from elite sport—preparation, resilience, teamwork and accountability—into a new professional chapter.

Serving as an MBA Ambassador and later speaking at the Class of 2024 graduation were reminders that our transitions can become platforms for service.

HEC Paris profile: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba/news/from-the-basketball-court-to-mba-ambassador-coordinator

Graduation feature:https://hecstories.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/yearbook_2024_magazine-2.pdf

21/07/2026

Basketball gave me a platform. Education gave me new possibilities. Reinvention taught me how to connect the two.

Poets&Quants told the story of my journey from Benin and Villanova to professional basketball, HEC Paris and the work of MY BARIKA. I hope it encourages athletes and young professionals to prepare for every chapter—not only the next game.

Read the profile: https://poetsandquants.com/2023/10/30/mbas-doing-great-things-from-west-africa-to-pro-basketball-to-becoming-one-of-europes-elite-mbas/

Mouphtaou Yarou grew up in Benin and played college basketball in the U.S. and pro hoops in Europe before enrolling in business school.

17/07/2026

From Natitingou to Villanova, from professional basketball in Europe to HEC Paris and finance, my journey has always been about discipline, reinvention and creating opportunity.

Today, I bring those lessons to investment and strategy, to conversations about life after elite sport, and to MY BARIKA—an initiative helping young people in Benin grow through education, leadership and basketball.

This Page is where I will share the people, ideas, books and experiences shaping that work.

Discover the full journey: https://mouphtaouyarou.com/en/about/

09/10/2025

Le samedi 20 Septembre 2025, l’énergie était au rendez-vous à Kandi !
12 jeunes basketteuses de Kabas BBC ont reçu des kits scolaires & équipements sportifs grâce à l’engagement de l'association MY BARIKA.
Un immense merci à :
Coach Yarou Mouda
L’expert Moustapha Keita
Et à tous les coachs présents pour leur soutien inestimable !
Merci aux parents, aux bénévoles et à toute la famille MY BARIKA
📸 Swipez pour revivre les meilleurs moments !

16/09/2025

✨🏀 Retour sur le MYBARIKA Basketball Camp 2025 à Parakou ! 🏀✨
Du 4 au 6 août, 40 jeunes (filles et garçons) ont vécu trois jours intenses au CAS Parakou, encadrés par le coach principal Alassane Zoulkifouli (2e VP FBBB), les Experts Amadou et Keita.
Au programme : perfectionnement des fondamentaux, ateliers sur le leadership et valeurs du sport, jeux et discussions inspirantes !
Merci à tous les participants, coachs, bénévoles et partenaires pour leur énergie incroyable.
MYBARIKA poursuit sa mission : offrir aux jeunes l’opportunité de grandir, s’épanouir et s’engager à travers le basketball.