Mady Sissoko Turns NIL Earnings Into Hope for His Village in Mali

In a college sports landscape where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals often mean personal luxuries or material perks for athletes, California Golden Bear’s Mady Sissoko has taken a refreshingly different approach. Rather than using his NIL earnings for himself, Sissoko has channeled them into building essential resources for his village of Tangafoya, Mali, creating a lifeline for a community in need.

Growing up in Tangafoya, Sissoko was no stranger to challenges. His village, home to fewer than 1,000 people, had no cars, no electricity, and, until recently, no school. Most residents rely on farming to survive, and resources are scarce. Children like Sissoko once walked hours to the nearest school, a commute that left many exhausted and ready to give up on education. These experiences shaped Sissoko’s vision for his village, even as he navigated a challenging journey in the United States, learning English, attending school, and eventually playing Division I basketball.

When the NCAA approved NIL compensation, Sissoko saw an opportunity to give back, even while on a student visa, which prevented him from earning money for himself. With the help of fans and supporters of the Michigan State Spartans, he established the Mady Sissoko Foundation and began funding projects that would transform his village. His first goal? To build a school so the children of Tangafoya wouldn’t have to make that 90-minute trek. Thanks to donations, Sissoko opened the Mady Sissoko Foundation School, giving local children easy access to education and a brighter future.