PROFILE | Kévin Danois the star of a struggling Auxerre side | OneFootball

2025 was a year of two distinct seasons for Kévin Danois. Despite a run of matches inFebruary and March, the second half of the 2024/25 campaign was bookended by numerousinjury issues, which kept the 21-year-old out of action. In the minutes he did play, Danois’talent was clear, and so far in the 2025/26 season, he has consistently shown his quality.

A product of the AJ Auxerre academy, Danois was strongly linked to Premier League sideAFC Bournemouth over the summer. A move never materialised and Danois was rewardedfor his fine start to the current campaign with a new contract in October. Furthermore, Danoisreceived his first call-up to the France U21 national side that same month, before a thigh injury unfortunately forced him to withdraw from the squad.

Danois has been a constant presence in AJA’s midfield this campaign. Whilst soliddefensively, his talent really shows with the ball at his feet. An incredibly confident dribbler,he is a leader for successful take-ons in Ligue 1, with similarly impressive chance creationstatistics. He scored his first Ligue 1 goal in superb fashion during AJA’s win over fellowstrugglers FC Metz, caressing a strike with his weaker left foot into the top corner from 25yards out.

Danois inside Ligue 1 top 10 for key passes

This current season, Christophe Pélissier has placed enormous trust in a young midfield. Atjust 21, Danois has quickly justified his presence in France’s top flight and also helped thedevelopment of fellow youngsters, such as 17-year-old midfielder Rudy Matondo, anothergraduate of the AJA academy.

Danois’ skillset is perfectly suited to the style of football Pélissier wants to implement at theStade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. In 2025, Pélissier’s AJA played their best football when theywere quick on the transition. With the aim of winning the ball in midfield or even further upthe pitch, followed by a clear focus on moving the ball into attacking areas with urgency, AJAenjoyed a successful return to Ligue 1 and can still be hopeful of a better 2025/26 campaign.At just 21 years old, Danois is poised to become yet another success story of Auxerre’snotorious academy system. 

If Auxerre are to retain their top-flight status, Danois will play a key role. Ranked inside the top 10 for key passes in Ligue 1, he is a rare creative spark in this side and, whilst Lassine Sinayoko will be expected to provide the goals, Danois will have to provide the creativity.

GFFN | Ed Marsh