AJ Auxerre "the fabulous destiny"

One hundred and twenty years ago, a visionary young priest, Ernest-Théodore Valentin Deschamps, decided to use sport to unite young people. Thus, on December 29, 1905, the Association de la Jeunesse Auxerroise (AJA) was born, barely twenty days after the final promulgation of the law on the separation of Church and State. In homage to its Christian origins, the Maltese cross has always adorned the club's jersey.

Burgundy champions in 1939, AJA won its first title after the First World War, a conflict which, like elsewhere, severely impacted its ranks. The Second World War would not spare the club either: several players lost their lives.

In 1949, Monsignor Deschamps passed away, but his spirit continues to illuminate the destiny of AJA.

The 1950s and 60s saw the emergence of a legendary figure: Guy Roux. A player, then player-manager, he transformed the club and propelled it to the ranks of the elite of French football, relying on an innovative philosophy: youth development. The gamble paid off. Auxerre entered the European stage and wrote one of the most glorious chapters in French football history, challenging the giants from a city of just 35,000 inhabitants.

In the 21st century, AJA has undergone profound changes. Relegated and then returning to the elite, it has seen the arrival of a new owner, James Zhou, determined to breathe new life into the club so that this unique story continues to be written.

The authors:

Arnaud Ramsay, born in 1972, wrote the screenplay. A renowned sports journalist (France Football, JDD, France-Soir…), he is also the author of numerous biographies devoted to major figures in football (Anelka, Griezmann, Lizarazu…).

Frédéric Lepage, born in 1974, is the illustrator of this album. A cartoonist for over twenty years, he puts his communication skills and graphic humor at the service of this human and sporting adventure.

Format: 190 x 255 mm