AJ Auxerre have awarded a first professional contract to midfielder Yvan Zaddy, marking a significant step in the club’s long-term development strategy.
The 19-year-old, who was born in Ivory Coast, has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until June 2029, following a rapid rise through Auxerre’s ranks since his arrival in 2024.
Zaddy joined the French side from the Centre d’Apprentissage de Football in Abidjan, an academy founded by former international Olivier Kapo. Since then, his progress has been closely monitored by club officials, who have been encouraged by his development.
Initially featuring for the reserve team, Zaddy quickly impressed with his technical ability, discipline and consistency in training, earning promotion to the senior squad.
His first major breakthrough came earlier this season when he made his debut for the first team in a Coupe de France match against AS Monaco in December 2025. He later went on to make an appearance in Ligue 1 during a match against FC Metz.
In confirming the new contract, Auxerre highlighted the player’s commitment and maturity, pointing to his steady progression from academy prospect to professional footballer.
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 senior squad currently battling to retain their place in the top flight of French football. Auxerre are 16th in the Ligue 1 standings with 25 points from 31 matches, placing them in the relegation play-off position.
They hold a narrow advantage over FC Nantes, who sit five points behind with three games remaining in the season.
Attention now turns to a crucial fixture against Angers SCO on 3 May, a match widely viewed as vital in determining Auxerre’s chances of avoiding further danger.
For Zaddy, the contract represents both recognition of his progress and an opportunity to establish himself at senior level, as the club continues its fight for Ligue 1 survival.
