One to Watch: The rise of Lorient's Arthur Avom

FC Lorient’s return to Ligue 1 McDonald's comes with special significance. The club celebrates its centenary this season, doing so in the company of France’s elite after a perfectly executed comeback year in Ligue 2 BKT. While academy sensation Eli Junior Kroupi - whose 22 goals propelled Les Merlus back to the top flight - has since moved on to Premier League side Bournemouth, there is already a new face stepping into the spotlight. Arthur Avom, a 20-year-old Cameroonian midfielder, is now emerging as Lorient’s next home-grown jewel.

Avom’s rise has been rapid. Just over a year ago, he was a relative unknown, making only one Ligue 1 McDonald's bench appearance and spending the rest of his time with Lorient’s reserves in National 2. Fast forward to today, and he is not only a Ligue 2 BKT champion but also a starter in Olivier Pantaloni's side. His 2024/25 campaign — 32 matches, two goals, six assists — revealed a box-to-box midfielder of drive, vision, and athleticism, capable of dictating play and covering every blade of grass.

Making it with Lorient

"When I discovered the FC Lorient academy, I told myself: 'woah, you've done it'. For young African players like me, it’s very difficult to leave your country and find a club in Europe," said Avom to Lorient's club website before the start of the season. "I realise that luck I have to make a career in France — it’s just incredible.”

His first professional goal came in memorable fashion, away at Red Star in Ligue 2 BKT, and he still recalls the moment vividly. “On the bus before the game, the captain Laurent Abergel showed me an article saying how much he believed in our partnership. Then during the match, he gave me the perfect pass for my first goal. It was exceptional.”

That breakthrough was the prelude to international recognition. Avom earned his first Cameroon call-up earlier this year and registered a maiden assist against Uganda in June. “It was a dream,” he reflects. “I hope to establish myself and become an undisputed part of the squad.” With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching in December, he faces a season that will test both his resilience and his consistency.

A perfect start to Ligue 1 McDonald's

The midfielder has already made his Ligue 1 McDonald's debut, starting in the opening-day trip to Auxerre. His performance underlined what Ouest-France described as “a jewel to be preserved.” Inside the Lorient dressing room, his motto is simple: “Run twice as much as the others."

That promise was delivered in Lorient's latest Breton derby win over Stade Rennais last weekend, which saw Les Merlus win 4-0 at Stade du Moustoir after their Breton rivals went down to nine men. Avom multiplied decisive and intelligent actions, and contributed not only defensively, but also on the ball. 

He delivered an assist, maintained 83% passing accuracy to ensure fluidity, played a key pass to open valuable space, and impressed with three successful dribbles from four attempts. His defensive contribution was just as telling, with four ground duels won out of six and three crucial interceptions to break up opposition attacks. It was a performance that encapsulated his all-round profile: energetic, technically assured, and tactically sharp. For a club that are reputed to produce talents of an elite calibre, Avom represents the future - and is now starting to become the present star.

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