Football Career Journey from Benin to Galatasaray

From Benin to the Big Leagues: A Professional Football Journey

The path to professional football is often defined by discipline, ambition, and the courage to seek opportunities far from home. For this talented athlete, the journey began in Benin, where a commitment to excellence and the guidance of a mentor set the stage for a rapid ascent through the ranks of international football.

Early Beginnings and the Move to Côte d'Ivoire

After completing her Baccalauréat in 2018, she followed the strategic advice of her coach, Malick Lawogni, to pursue her footballing ambitions abroad. This led her to Côte d'Ivoire, where she signed with Abdul Ivoire Service Football Club, a team competing in the Second Division.

Over the following three years, her tenure in Côte d'Ivoire was marked by consistent performance and rigorous discipline. Her clinical finishing became her trademark, as she earned the title of top scorer in both the Second and First Divisions of the country, establishing herself as one of the most lethal forwards in the region.

Transition to French Football

Her success in Côte d'Ivoire opened doors in Europe. In 2021, she moved to France to join Racing Club Saint-Denis, competing in the Régional 1 Féminine (a regional level of French women's football). After six months of adapting to the European game, she transferred to Yzeure in the Division 2 Féminine for the 2022–2023 season.

Her time at Yzeure was highly productive, as she demonstrated her ability to score consistently at a higher level, netting 15 goals in 22 league matches across all competitions.

Rise at RC Lens and Move to Turkey

In August 2023, her trajectory continued upward when she was signed by RC Lens. She immediately became a cornerstone of the squad, making 21 appearances and becoming the second most capped player for the club during her debut season. Her impact was undeniable, finishing as the top scorer of Division 2 with 14 goals and five assists.

This exceptional form caught the attention of international scouts, leading to a major career milestone. On July 21, 2026, she signed a contract with the Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray.

Key Facts

  • Origin: Benin
  • Early Mentor: Coach Malick Lawogni
  • Côte d'Ivoire Achievement: Top scorer in both the First and Second Divisions.
  • Yzeure Record: 15 goals in 22 league matches (2022–2023).
  • RC Lens Achievement: Division 2 top scorer with 14 goals and 5 assists.
  • Current Club: Galatasaray (signed July 21, 2026).
Career Progression Summary
Period/Year Club League/Division Key Achievement
2018–2021 Abdul Ivoire Service FC Côte d'Ivoire 1st & 2nd Div Top Scorer in both divisions
2021 Racing Club Saint-Denis Régional 1 Féminine European transition
2022–2023 Yzeure Division 2 Féminine 15 goals in 22 matches
2023–2026 RC Lens Division 2 Féminine Top Scorer (14 goals, 5 assists)
2026–Present Galatasaray Turkish League Signed July 21, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who encouraged her to pursue football abroad?

Her coach, Malick Lawogni, advised her to leave Benin to further her football career after she earned her Baccalauréat in 2018.

How did she perform during her time in Côte d'Ivoire?

She showed great discipline and consistency, eventually becoming the top scorer in both the Second and First Divisions of the country.

What were her statistics at Yzeure?

During the 2022–2023 season, she scored 15 goals in 22 league matches across all competitions.

What did she achieve during her debut season with RC Lens?

She became the second most capped player at the club with 21 appearances and finished as the Division 2 top scorer with 14 goals and five assists.

When did she join Galatasaray?

She signed her contract with the Turkish club on July 21, 2026.

References

  1. "Aude Gbedjissi / Fiche du joueuse". statsfootofeminin.fr (in French). Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  2. "Découverte d'une internationale béninoise: Aude Gbédjissi, du village Azohouè Cada à Lens". lanation.bj (in French). 22 July 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  3. "Aude Gbejissi : « Qualifier le Bénin à une CAN Féminine »". sportnewsafrica.com (in French). 15 June 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  4. "Championnat féminin de football / L'Africa Sports rafle le trophée de 2,5 millions". infosdivoire.net (in French). 23 August 2021. Retrieved 14 December 2024. le titre de meilleur buteur est revenu à Aude Gbedjissi de Abdul Ivoire
  5. "L'Écureuil Aude Gbedjissi en partance pour l'hexagone ?". megasportsmedia.com (in French). 30 November 2021. Retrieved 14 December 2024.