Alexandre Lafitte departs Stade Abidjan after historic title win

Alexandre Lafitte has left Ivorian champions Stade Abidjan, the club has confirmed. The French coach led Stade Abidjan to the Ivorian league title for the first time in 56 years.

In May, Lafitte told the local press that his desire was to obtain his coaching certification in his native country and pursue a new challenge elsewhere, casting doubt on his future.

According to some reports, a proposal from a relatively strong league in Africa could lure Lafitte.

In an official statement, Stade Abidjan confirmed the coach’s departure: “With his contract coming to an end, Stade Abidjan warmly thanks Coach Lafitte for his professionalism and wishes him every success in his future career.

“Thanks to him, our club has returned to the summits of Ivorian football by becoming champion of Côte d’Ivoire 56 years after its last coronation. This title will remain engraved in the history of the club and in the hearts of our supporters.”

The 28-year-old coach first took charge in 2023 and helped Stade Abidjan avoid relegation in his first season. He went on to win the league in 2025, ending a five-decade title drought.