Ivorian forward Ben Hamed Touré seals move to Annecy from AC Ajaccio

Ivorian striker Ben Hamed Touré has completed his transfer from AC Ajaccio to French Ligue 2 side FC Annecy, bringing to an end a four-year spell with the Corsican club.

The 21-year-old finalised his departure on Monday, 8 September 2025, and will now look to establish himself as a key figure in Annecy’s attack as they seek to strengthen their position in France’s highly competitive second tier.

From Lopou to professional football

Born in Lopou, in southern Ivory Coast, Touré began his football journey with local side LYS Sassandra, where his talent quickly stood out. After two seasons at the Ivorian club, his performances earned him a move to Europe, joining AC Ajaccio in 2021.

His arrival marked the beginning of a steady progression through the ranks. Initially placed in the U19 setup, Touré wasted no time in making an impression, earning a promotion to the reserve side where he netted 10 goals across 28 appearances. His sharp finishing and work rate soon caught the attention of the senior coaching staff.

Breakthrough in Ligue 1

Touré made his professional debut in May 2023 in a Ligue 1 encounter against Toulouse, a match that ended goalless but proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. From that point, he gradually carved out a role within the first team, making 54 appearances for Ajaccio’s senior side.

During that period, he scored seven goals and registered three assists, contributing consistently despite the challenges of competing in France’s top division.

Although not always a regular starter, Touré demonstrated resilience and determination, attributes that earned him respect within the dressing room and among Ajaccio supporters. His versatility in attack, coupled with his ability to press from the front, made him a valuable option for the Corsican side.

A new chapter at Annecy

Annecy, currently competing in Ligue 2, secured his signature as part of their efforts to add depth and quality to their squad. For Touré, the move represents both a fresh challenge and a significant opportunity to play a leading role in a team with ambitions of climbing the French football ladder.

The Ivorian forward is expected to bring pace, strength, and a proven eye for goal to his new club. While Annecy will be hoping his arrival translates into goals and assists, Touré himself will see the transfer as a chance to continue his development and gain more consistent playing time at senior level.

A promising trajectory

At just 21, Touré’s journey already reflects both his talent and determination. From his early beginnings in Ivory Coast to his rise through Ajaccio’s youth and reserve teams and eventual Ligue 1 breakthrough, he has shown the adaptability required to succeed in different footballing environments.

Now at Annecy, the Ivorian striker will be tasked with converting potential into greater impact on the pitch. With his blend of youth and experience, his new club will be confident that they have secured a player capable of making a decisive contribution in the months ahead.