Gérard Bourgoin, the former president of AJ Auxerre and prominent figure in French football, passed away on March 2, 2025, at the age of 85. His death, reportedly due to cardiac arrest, stirred deep emotions among friends and colleagues, particularly former Auxerre coach Guy Roux, who described him as one of his three best friends.
Roux shared his grief, stating, "I lost one of my three best friends." This poignant reflection captures the shock felt across the football community following Bourgoin's sudden death, as he was found unresponsive in his car. Bourgoin's influence extended beyond his official roles; he was regarded as the backbone of the club's management operations, particularly during the time he served as vice president and later as president.
The duo of Roux and Bourgoin created magic at AJ Auxerre, helping to establish it as a reputable club within French football. Roux noted, "It was one of the main driving forces behind AJ Auxerre's success, allowing us to make our name known within football. Without Bourgoin and chairman Jean-Claude Hamel, we would never have exceeded Division 2." Their teamwork and mutual respect played pivotal roles during turbulent times.
Bourgoin's unique knack for negotiation proved invaluable. Renowned for his strong communication skills, he became the arbiter during disagreements, often smoothing conflicts between the passionate personalities involved. "He artfully managed relationships and had this incredible ability to persuade people, whether it was getting players to sign contracts or influencing club decisions," Roux reminisced about their partnership.
Both men had known each other since their childhood, which added depth to their partnership. They met at Jacques-Amyot secondary school, where Bourgoin played basketball and Roux chose football. This long-standing friendship allowed them to build not just professional ties but also familial-like bonds over the years.
Roux emphasized Bourgoin's unwavering commitment to the club, saying, "He never counted his hours; he was passionate and always ready to do what was necessary." This sentiment echoed across many tributes as friends and former players recalled Bourgoin's dedication. Baptiste Malherbe, current executive president of AJ Auxerre, expressed deep sorrow over Bourgoin's death, stating, "He was someone very dynamic and human, always there to support us, even just hours before his passing."
Malherbe highlighted Bourgoin's dynamism, passionately contributing to various club issues, reinforcing his legacy of positive influence on the organization.
Even Vincent Labrune, the current head of Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), expressed his condolences, remarking, "Gérard Bourgoin was passionate about football, a man of character and a builder. His dedication left a lasting imprint on AJ Auxerre and French football. He will always be remembered as a respected and admired figure.”
Bourgoin's legacy is reflected through countless stories shared by teammates, friends, and supporters. His active participation as often as the pilot of his plane transporting players to games and recruitment outings is notable. Roux fondly recalled maturing from being his friend to championing his expertise over the years. “I trusted him with the plane and his piloting was remarkable,” Roux chuckled, sharing moments when Bourgoin would handle challenging flights and maneuvers with great skill.
His ability to navigate not just the skies but also the dynamics of club management speaks volumes to his character. He could diffuse tensions and turn potential conflicts to productive resolutions. Even during complex stages, his negotiation tactics carved paths to successes.
Gérard Bourgoin's commitment, not only to AJ Auxerre but also to the sport of football and the people around him showcases the essence of what true leadership embodies. His contributions laid the groundwork for many successful teams, and it is clear from the outpouring of grief and respect from those he impacted, including Roux, Malherbe, and Labrune, just how significant his legacy will forever remain.
The recent memorial tributes from friends and colleagues serve as poignant reminders of the joy and camaraderie shared with Bourgoin. A passion for football, dedicated friendship, and his exceptional ability to unite individuals may always be cherished hallmarks representing who Gérard Bourgoin was and will continue to be remembered as.