The football community is mourning the recent loss of Gérard Bourgoin, the former president of AJ Auxerre and Ligue Football, who passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 85. Bourgoin was found deceased after experiencing a malaise at the wheel, shortly after attending the match against Strasbourg at the Abbey-Deschamps stadium, which ended with Auxerre’s defeat, 0-1.
The official statement from AJ Auxerre expressed deep sorrow: "The AJA has had the immense pain of learning about the death of Gérard Bourgoin yesterday after the match against Strasbourg, to which he attended," the club communicated on its website. Club's president, Baptiste Malherbe, reflected on Bourgoin’s commitment, stating, "The death of Gérard is terrible and sad news. Just yesterday, he was supporting our team, as he often did, whenever he could."
Gérard Bourgoin, affectionately known as the "king of chicken" for his successful poultry business empire, had left his mark not just on AJ Auxerre but on French football at large. He was instrumental alongside legendary coach Guy Roux and other key figures such as Jean-Claude Hamel, contributing to the rise of the club as one of France's prominent football teams.
Guy Roux, who served as the coach of AJ Auxerre from 1961 to 2005, shared his reflections on Bourgoin, underscoring his significance to the club's history. "He was one of my closest associates. Without him, we wouldn’t have achieved what we did. He was quite the character with a strong personality. He built not only the club but also contributed immensely to the community around it," Roux said.
The impact of Bourgoin's passing reverberated through the ranks of French football. James Zhou, current majority shareholder of AJ Auxerre, expressed his sorrow, saying, "It was Gérard who told me the story of AJ Auxerre and showed me how our club was different from the others. He spoke with such passion; I could see his infinite love for AJA! He was truly one of the greats of French football, and today I am deeply saddened, as we all are. May our old president rest in peace."
Vincent Labrune, president of Ligue Football Professionnel, also lauded Bourgoin’s commitment and character. "Gérard Bourgoin was passionate about football, a man of character, and a builder. His dedication to AJ Auxerre and his engagement with French football have left indelible marks. He will remain a respected and admired figure," Labrune remarked.
Bourgoin’s life was filled with achievement and controversy. Born on July 6, 1939, he started from humble beginnings, founding his poultry processing business, "La Chaillotine," which evolved dramatically, becoming one of Europe's leaders before facing bankruptcy. His contributions to the poultry industry earned him the moniker “king of chicken.”
He served as AJ Auxerre’s vice president from 1978 until 2000, during which the club celebrated numerous successes, including its unique title of France Champion in 1996 and multiple Coupe de France victories. Bourgoin ascended to the role of presidente of Ligue Nationale de Football (now Ligue de football professionnel) from 2000 to 2002 before stepping down amid varied management challenges.
Late returns to the AJ Auxerre presidency from 2011 to 2013, unfortunately, coincided with less favorable times for the club, which resulted in relegation. His departure as president came just one year later, heavily influenced by mounting criticism and dissatisfaction from the club's supporters.
Beyond the football pitch, Bourgoin was also politically active. He held office as the mayor of Chailley, his birthplace, from 1983 to 2014 and took the helm of the Centre national des indépendants et paysans (CNI) for a brief period. He navigated numerous legal troubles during his life, remaining often within the limelight.
Bourgoin's circle included high-profile friends like actor Gérard Depardieu and he even had significant ties with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, having engaged in ambitious but problematic oil ventures together. His eclectic interests and notable friendships showcased the multifaceted nature of his life.
Tributes continue to pour out for Bourgoin. Former AJ Auxerre goalkeeper Lionel Charbonnier expressed deep pain on social media: “It’s truly heart-wrenching; Gérard was extraordinary and had such a big heart. We were very close, almost like family. Together, we enjoyed significant victories, as well as faced defeats.”
Charbonnier, who shared many memorable moments with Bourgoin, noted the deep bond they formed during their years at the club. The late president was not only celebrated for his intense passion for football but also remembered as someone who had rich life experiences and connections with notable individuals.
Gérard Bourgoin’s departure leaves behind not just the memories at AJ Auxerre but also marks the end of an era for many who knew his spirit and dedication to the sport. A remarkable life filled with both triumph and trials, his legacy remains enshrined within the annals of not just AJ Auxerre, but within the broader narrative of French football.