Khaled Adenon has signed with French amateur side USOAAS Albert, making it clear that his decision is rooted in passion rather than ambition, and not a step toward returning to international football.
The veteran Beninese centre-back, who recently brought his international career with the Cheetahs of Benin to a close, is embracing a new chapter in the lower tiers of French football.
His move to USOAAS Albert, a club competing in the departmental championship after their relegation from Regional 3, is all about enjoyment and staying physically active.
“I signed a small contract with an amateur club. This isn’t a step backward, nor a step toward returning to the national team with the Cheetahs.
It’s just for fun, to stay in shape, and above all, to share my experience with a club that only trains twice a week. I need to be clear about that. I’m not returning to the national team,” said Adenon in a frank explanation of his decision.
With 86 international caps and two goals for Benin, Adenon remains one of the country’s most decorated players. His defensive leadership and commanding presence helped guide the Cheetahs to some of their most memorable performances in recent years, but his latest move is purely personal.
Now 39, Adenon is turning the page on a career that has spanned over two decades and taken him across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
From his early days with ASEC Mimosas in Côte d’Ivoire to stints with French sides such as Le Mans FC, SC Bastia, Luçon VF, Amiens SC, and US Avranches, his journey has seen him leave an indelible mark across multiple leagues. He also represented Al Wehda Club in Saudi Arabia and Doxa Katokopias in Cyprus.
The central defender has made over 60 appearances in France’s Ligue 1 and more than 200 in Ligue 2 — a testament to his consistency and durability. Yet, his current decision to drop into amateur football is not born out of necessity, but rather from a desire to reconnect with the sport in a relaxed and communal environment.
Adenon’s choice to join a club that trains just twice a week underscores his intent: this is not about high-stakes competition or career advancement. Instead, it is about giving back, staying fit, and enjoying the simple pleasure of football.
His presence at USOAAS Albert also brings a wealth of experience to a modest club that could greatly benefit from his knowledge and professionalism.
While his days on the international stage are behind him, Adenon continues to carry the spirit of a competitor — not in pursuit of glory, but for the enduring love of the game. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that football can be both a career and a lifelong passion.
As USOAAS Albert prepare for life in the departmental leagues, they do so with one of Benin’s finest defenders in their ranks — a player who may no longer be chasing titles, but whose commitment to the sport remains unwavering.
