Home-grown talent Koudossou celebrates his Bundesliga debut

Substitute appearance against St. Pauli

Henri Koudossou had two reasons to celebrate the 3-1 home win over FC St. Pauli. Not only did FCA record their first win of the campaign, but he also got handed his first Bundesliga minutes in an Augsburg shirt.

“You can’t hope for a better debut,” the 25-year-old said. In the 83rd minute, head coach Jess Thorup decided to bring on Augsburg’s home-grown player to combat the final attacking push from the visitors from Hamburg. FCA defensive efforts were rewarded after the narrow lead became a secure victory as Yusuf Kabadayi sealed the three points with his first Bundesliga goal to make it 3-1. “We trust our youth players, even in difficult phases of the game,” said Thorup at the post-match press conference, delighted with Koudossou’s successful debut.

Successful loan to the Netherlands

After Mert Kömür and Mahmut Kücüksahin both made their debuts for the first team last season, Koudossou is the 14th player in total to make the step up to the senior side from the academy. In the summer of 2020, the Munich-born player signed for FC Augsburg from SV Pullach and managed 38 matches for the U23 side, for whom he recorded six goals and 13 assists.

Loans to Lustenau and Den Haag followed for Koudossou, with the versatile wide player making 31 appearances for the latter (two goals, four assists). He returned to Augsburg with improved attributes and then, after a pre-season in which he managed many minutes on the pitch, Koudossou’s big moment arrived. He was handed his first appearance in Augsburg colours!