Malian-born winger Aristide Zossou has committed his future to AJ Auxerre after the French club extended his contract until 2030 following an impressive loan spell with USL Dunkerque.
The 21-year-old attacker has earned a new long-term deal as Auxerre continue to invest in his development after a promising first season in French football.
Zossou joined Auxerre in September 2024 from Mali-based academy Afrique Football Élite and quickly received an opportunity at the highest level, making his Ligue 1 debut just days after arriving when he featured against AS Monaco.
Although his first-team opportunities with Auxerre were limited, the winger showed significant progress during a loan spell at Dunkerque in the 2025-26 Ligue 2 BKT campaign.
The Mali prospect became a regular starter for Dunkerque, making 31 league appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists as he gained valuable experience in senior football.
Auxerre praised the player’s qualities, highlighting his pace, attacking ability and strength in one-on-one situations as key reasons behind their decision to extend his stay.
“The club is pleased to announce the contract extension of Aristide Zossou. Our 21-year-old winger is now tied to AJ Auxerre until 2030,” Auxerre said in a statement.
“Arriving in September 2024 from Afrique Football Élite in Mali, Aristide quickly made a name for himself with his speed, attacking prowess, and ability to handle duels.
“Capable of playing on either wing, he made his Ligue 1 debut just days after his arrival, against AS Monaco, before playing three top-flight matches for Auxerre.”
The club added that his time away with Dunkerque played an important role in his development and helped him mature as a player.
“On loan to USL Dunkerque during the 2025-2026 season, Aristide took another step in his development. A regular starter in Ligue 2 BKT, he played 31 league matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists,” the statement continued.
The extension represents Auxerre’s belief that Zossou can become an important figure for the club in the coming years.
“This contract extension confirms the club’s confidence in Aristide, his potential, and his room for improvement. It’s a shared ambition to continue growing and building a future with AJA,” the French side said.
For Zossou, the new agreement marks another milestone in a journey that began in Mali before moving to European football. His performances have placed him among the emerging African talents making their mark in France.
