Ivory Coast attacking midfielder Yaya Fofana has been recognised for his impressive performances for Stade de Reims after receiving the Ligue 2 BKT Player of the Month award for September.
The 22-year-old collected the individual prize in front of Reims supporters at the Stade Auguste-Delaune before the club’s home fixture against Dijon on Friday, 16 October.
Fofana marked the occasion by scoring the opening goal in Reims’ 4-2 victory, continuing a productive spell that has established him as an important figure in the French second division side’s attack.
His award followed an outstanding September in which he scored four goals in three Ligue 2 matches, highlighting his growing influence as Reims continue their campaign.
The Ivorian has impressed with his ability to drive forward with the ball, make dangerous runs into attacking areas and find space inside opposition penalty areas.
Those qualities have helped him become a key part of Reims’ attacking system, with his freedom to move forward allowing him to make a greater impact in the final third.
Against Dijon, Fofana demonstrated his attacking instincts once again when he opened the scoring in the 19th minute.
He finished a move created by fellow Ivorian Seydou Dembélé to give the home side an early advantage.
Reims went on to secure a 4-2 win, with Fofana’s contribution providing another example of his importance to the team.
According to the match report, the goal took his tally to seven in Ligue 2 for the season.
His continued goalscoring form has strengthened his reputation as one of the players to watch in the division, with the possibility of challenging for the league’s top scorer award remaining a key storyline as the season progresses.
Fofana’s performances have also come within a young Reims squad that is showing considerable promise.
The club’s starting XI had an average age of 22.8 years over the weekend, underlining the youthful character of the team.
The attacking midfielder’s development has been particularly notable as he has been given more freedom to advance this season.
His progressive approach, ability to carry the ball and timing of late runs into the penalty area have made him a consistent threat to opposing defences.
The September award provides further recognition of the progress he has made since the start of the campaign.
However, his immediate focus will be on maintaining that level of performance and helping Reims build on their victory over Dijon.
With his attacking output continuing to attract attention, Fofana will hope to sustain his momentum in the coming fixtures and strengthen his position among Ligue 2’s leading goalscorers.
