Auxerre tie down Ivory Coast talent Zaddy with long-term professional deal

French side AJ Auxerre have taken a significant step in their long-term planning by handing promising midfielder Yvan Zaddy his first professional contract, rewarding the 19-year-old’s rapid rise through the club’s development system.

The Ivory Coast-born talent, who arrived in France in 2024 from the Centre d’Apprentissage de Football (CEAF) in Abidjan, has committed his future to Auxerre until June 2029. His progression has been closely monitored since his arrival, with club officials convinced of his potential to grow into a key figure for the senior side.

Zaddy’s development has been steady but impressive. Initially featuring prominently for the reserve team, he quickly earned promotion into the senior setup thanks to his technical ability, discipline, and consistency in training.

His breakthrough moments arrived earlier this season when he made his first-team debut in a Coupe de France clash against Monaco in December 2025, before later featuring in Ligue 1 McDonald’s against Metz on matchday 22.

In a statement confirming the deal, Auxerre highlighted the midfielder’s dedication and maturity since joining the club, noting that his transition from academy prospect to professional status was a reflection of his commitment and steady development.

The club said: “AJ Auxerre is delighted to announce the signing of Yvan Zaddy’s first professional contract. The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the club in 2024 from the Centre d’Apprentissage de Football (CEAF), founded by Olivier Kapo in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, has signed until June 2029.”

Zaddy now becomes part of a squad fighting to secure survival in a tense Ligue 1 campaign. Auxerre currently sit in 16th place with 25 points from 31 matches, hovering in the relegation playoff zone and just above Nantes, who are five points behind with three fixtures remaining.

Their immediate focus shifts to a crucial home encounter against Angers on Sunday, May 3, a match widely viewed as vital in their bid to avoid slipping further into danger.