Aristide Zossou: AJ Auxerre tie down rising winger to long-term 2030 deal

AJ Auxerre have moved to secure one of their most promising young talents by extending the contract of 21-year-old winger Aristide Zossou until 2030.

The French club confirmed the new long-term deal after the Beninese forward’s rapid rise since arriving in Burgundy less than two years ago.

Zossou, who joined Auxerre in September 2024 from Africa Football Elite in Mali, has impressed club staff with his pace, direct running and ability to win one-on-one duels, convincing the Ligue 1 side that he is a key part of their future.

From Mali academy to Ligue 1 debut in days

Signed from the renowned Africa Football Elite set-up, Zossou wasted no time in making his mark at Auxerre.

Capable of playing on either flank, he was fast-tracked into the first team and made his Ligue 1 debut just days after his arrival, featuring against AS Monaco.

The young winger went on to play three top-flight matches in Auxerre colours in his first season, giving the coaching staff an early glimpse of his potential at elite level.

His speed on the counter-attack and willingness to take on defenders have been highlighted internally as attributes that could become decisive weapons in Auxerre’s attacking play over the coming seasons.

Breakthrough loan spell at Dunkerque

Zossou’s development accelerated during a season-long loan at USL Dunkerque in 2025-26, where he gained regular senior minutes in Ligue 2 BKT.

He made 31 league appearances for the northern club, scoring four goals and providing two assists, figures that underlined both his consistency and growing influence in the final third.

The spell at Dunkerque is viewed by Auxerre as a crucial step in his progression, allowing him to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of French professional football away from the pressure of an immediate battle for places in the parent club’s first team.

Regular competitive football also helped refine his decision-making in the attacking third, with coaches noting improvements in his end product across the campaign.

Rising star status at Auxerre

In announcing the extension, Auxerre presented Zossou as a “rising star”, underlining their belief that the winger can become a central figure in the club’s long-term project.

By tying him down until 2030, the Ligue 1 side have protected one of their most valuable young assets at a time when French clubs are under increasing pressure to sell emerging talent to wealthier European teams.

The new deal signals Auxerre’s intent to build a competitive squad around a core of young, high-upside players developed through targeted recruitment and strategic loan spells.

With his future now secured in Burgundy, attention will turn to whether Zossou can translate his promising performances in Ligue 2 into sustained impact in Ligue 1, as Auxerre look to establish themselves firmly in France’s top flight.