2025 was a year of two distinct seasons for Kévin Danois. Despite a run of matches in
February and March, the second half of the 2024/25 campaign was bookended by numerous
injury 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 side
AFC Bournemouth over the summer. A move never materialised and Danois was rewarded
for his fine start to the current campaign with a new contract in October. Furthermore, Danois
received 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 solid
defensively, 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 creation
statistics. He scored his first Ligue 1 goal in superb fashion during AJA’s win over fellow
strugglers FC Metz, caressing a strike with his weaker left foot into the top corner from 25
yards out.
This current season, Christophe Pélissier has placed enormous trust in a young midfield. At
just 21, Danois has quickly justified his presence in France’s top flight and also helped the
development of fellow youngsters, such as 17-year-old midfielder Rudy Matondo, another
graduate of the AJA academy.
Danois’ skillset is perfectly suited to the style of football Pélissier wants to implement at the
Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. In 2025, Pélissier’s AJA played their best football when they
were quick on the transition. With the aim of winning the ball in midfield or even further up
the pitch, followed by a clear focus on moving the ball into attacking areas with urgency, AJA
enjoyed 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’s
notorious 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.
