FC St. Pauli, fresh off their impressive promotion to the Bundesliga, has made a move to reinforce their attacking options. The Hamburg-based club has secured the services of Andréas Hountondji, a 23-year-old forward from Benin, on a season-long loan deal from English club Burnley.
Player Profile at a Glance
Age: 23 (as of 12 July 2025)
Current Club: St. Pauli (on loan from Burnley)
Position: Striker
Nationality: Benin (France-born)
International Record: 14 caps, 2 goals for Benin
The Path to the Millerntor
Hountondji`s professional journey began in France, featuring for clubs such as Caen, Quevilly-Rouen, and Orléans. His career trajectory saw a significant upward swing during the 2023/24 season at Rodez. There, he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, scoring 14 goals and setting a club record for a single season. This prolific form garnered attention, leading to a four-year contract with Burnley.
However, his time in England proved to be less fruitful, marked by ten appearances in the Championship without finding the back of the net. A subsequent loan spell during the second half of the 2024/25 season at Belgian side Standard Liège offered a chance to regain form. In Belgium, he registered four goals and two assists across 18 competitive matches, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively before the move to St. Pauli was finalized on 8 July 2025.
Analyzing His Game: Power, Pace, and Versatility
Andréas Hountondji is characterized as a powerful and versatile forward, capable of playing centrally or drifting wide. His physical attributes are notable; standing at 6`2″, he possesses a strong presence in the air, complementing his ability with both feet. His speed is another key asset, having been clocked at a top speed of 35.6 km/h (22.1 mph) during his time at Liège.
His style has drawn comparisons to RB Leipzig and Belgium international Loïs Openda, known for similar traits of pace, power, and versatility in the attacking third. As his former coach at Rodez, Didier Santini, noted, Hountondji has the capacity to “tire the opposing team and stretch the defences,” which is invaluable for creating space and opportunities.
What He Brings to St. Pauli
The management at St. Pauli appears confident that Hountondji`s profile aligns well with their tactical approach. Head coach Alexander Blessin highlighted the forward`s intelligence in making “well-timed runs in behind” and praised his finishing ability. Crucially, Blessin also emphasized Hountondji`s contributions off the ball, describing him as “aggressive and quick in transition” and effective in recognizing “pressing situations early,” underlining his value to the team`s overall defensive structure from the front.
Sporting director Andreas Bornemann reinforced these points, stating that Hountondji`s “power, speed and physical attributes are a good fit for us” and that he is expected to “bolster our attack.” This indicates a clear intention to leverage his physical and dynamic qualities in the Bundesliga.
A Note of Interest
Born on July 11th, Andréas Hountondji shares his birthday with Benin`s Independence Day, first celebrated in 1960. His arrival at St. Pauli also adds a footnote to Bundesliga history; he is set to become the fifth player from Benin to compete in the German top flight and the second, following Moudachirou Amadou, to represent the distinctive club from Hamburg.
Anticipating His Impact
For Andréas Hountondji, the loan spell at St. Pauli represents a significant opportunity to make his mark in a major European league following his record-breaking season in France and subsequent experiences in England and Belgium. For St. Pauli, it is a calculated signing aimed at adding a dynamic, physically imposing forward to their ranks as they embark on their return to the Bundesliga. The coming season will reveal how effectively the Benin international can adapt to the demands of German football and contribute to St. Pauli`s campaign.
