From Olympique Lyonnais to Grau-du-Roi via the United States, Alès and the Jura… The atypical career of Jordan Aidoud

Central defender, Jordan Aidoud can also play in midfield. Midi Libre – Eric Doladille

At 30 years old, the former player of Olympique d'Alès en Cévennes has decided to settle down again in the Gard by joining ES Grau-du-Roi, an ambitious team in Regional 1.

By welcoming Jordan Aidoud into its squad this season, Émulation Sportive du Grau-du-Roi seems to have pulled off a very good move.

Central defender and captain of Jura Dolois in National 3 last season, the player trained at Olympique Lyonnais wanted to return to the south of France after his experience at Alès between 2020 and 2022: “It's a family choice with my partner and my daughter,” he explains. I was very happy in Dole but I wanted to find a project that suited everyone. The opportunity of Grau-du-Roi presented itself, the project is ambitious and exciting even if it forces me to go down to a regional level that I had not known for a long time."

Four years in the United States

Indeed, after OL, the player launched his career in the United States during a four-season experience. “After my baccalaureate in 2011, OL did not sign me to a professional contract,” he remembers. I did not want to give up football and my studies. I was able to benefit from a scholarship and I played in Indiana at the highest university level while validating a Master's degree in international trade. It was a very enriching human adventure."

Marked for life by this stay in the USA, Jordan Aidoud now works for a German agency that helps young athletes obtain a scholarship to go to university in the United States: "I have always recommended this experience to young people. It gives the opportunity to practice your sport in superb conditions, to validate diplomas and to play at a very good level."

"The season is starting well"

Especially since his American experience was not a hindrance to continuing his career in France: “When I came back from my studies, I was able to do a trial in Ligue 2 with Bourg-en-Bresse which then allowed me to have contract offers in National 2.”

He is now back in the region with a Regional 1 club with certain ambitions. Jordan Aidoud participated in the success against Lunel (1-0) in the championship and in the qualification for the 4th round of the Coupe de France against Atlas Paillade, last Saturday. “The season is starting well, with difficult matches that we won. But it is long, we know that a promotion is very complicated to go for, that you have to finish first in a tough group and win the play-offs."

At 30, Jordan Aidoud will know how to share his experience with his new team to help them achieve their goals.

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