Timeless Ludovic Ajorque continues renaissance with Stade Brestois
Hailing from the French island of Réunion just off the coast of Madagascar, Ludovic Ajorque was born only down the road from another Ligue 1 McDonald's legend in Dimitri Payet - but his career could not have been any more different to the former Olympique de Marseille man.
Ajorque's journey has been one of perseverance. At 31 years-old he is entering a golden era in his career which has seen him play for Clermont, Angers and Strasbourg before making the move to Mainz in 2023 to 2025. The ultimate number nine, his physical presence calls back to the classic number nine archetype - and he has become a fan favourite in Ligue 1 McDonald's for his presence and his eye for goal: Ajorque has hit double figures in three seasons in France.
His grand return to French football came last season with Stade Brestois facing some of Europe's elite in the UEFA Champions League. This campaign has been a struggle for Éric Roy's side so far, but a 4-1 win over OGC Nice has blown a fresh wind into the sails of Les Pirates - who managed to lift themselves off bottom spot in the Ligue 1 McDonald's.
Ajorque opened the scoring after just six minutes before turning provider three times — a rare feat in France’s top flight. His first assist came only three minutes after his opener, setting up Romain Del Castillo, before further decisive contributions for Joris Chotard (70’) and Rémy Labeau-Lascary (76’). Only the woodwork denied him an even bigger haul, as his powerful header rattled the crossbar shortly after half-time.
A dominant and physical presence up front
“He was dominant tonight, and I told the players to lean on him,” said Brest coach Éric Roy after the match to L'Équipe. “Beyond his physique, he has such a high football IQ. He plays so much for others that I’m happy to see him enjoy the rewards.”
Ajorque’s physical presence proved too much for young Nice defender Juma Bah, who endured a difficult evening against the towering 1.96m forward. For Franck Haise’s visitors, the defeat was a harsh lesson: “The way Brest play was identified — a lot of direct play, set-pieces, long throws. But then you have to experience it on the pitch. It’s part of the learning process,” said Nice coach Franck Haise.
Inside the Brestois dressing room, Ajorque's teammates were full of praise. "He's a phenomenon. For me, he's one of the best strikers out there. His outside-of-the-foot passes are his trademark."
That quality was on full display for Brest’s fourth goal of the night, when Ajorque’s audacious outside-foot pass released Labeau-Lascary to put the result beyond doubt. It was a finish befitting a performance that not only launched Brest’s season but also reaffirmed Ajorque’s status as one of Ligue 1 McDonald's most complete and selfless forwards.
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