Born in Blois, a city in central France on 14 July 2006, Aladji joined his hometown club's Academy at the age of five before, arriving at Monaco's prestigious youth set-up a decade later, which has helped produce the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Thierry Henry. Aladji played for Les Monégasques' youth teams before, in February 2024, putting pen to paper on his first professional contract as a 17-year-old.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Aladji enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Monaco last season, making 25 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season as the club secured a seventh-place finish in Ligue 1, qualifying for the Conference League. Aladji was handed his senior debut in August 2025, appearing in the final stages of a 3-1 home win against Le Havre in Ligue 1 before gaining his first professional start in Septembe's 2-1 away win against AJ Auxerre.
Among Ligue 1 midfielders who played at least 500 minutes last season, Aladji ranked in the top five for duels won (9.1 per game on average), tackles (3.6), successful take-ons (1.6) and aerial duels won (1.9).
The French youngster featured five times in the UEFA Champions League, playing against the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus before Monaco were eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in the knockout-phase play-offs.
Aladji was named on the 2026 European Golden Boy award nominee list earlier this year. The annual award, previously won by the likes of Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, recognises the best Under-21 talent in European football.
Aladji has represented his country from under-18 to under-20 level, scoring his first international goal in Les Bleuets' European Under-19 Championship qualifying victory against Wales in November 2024. He was a member of his country's Under-20s squad which won the Maurice Revello Tournament last summer in his native homeland, starting in the final as France's youngsters claimed a 3-1 win against Saudi Arabia.
Aladji, who will wear the number eight shirt for the Magpies, has penned a five-year deal at St. James' Park and is raring to go ahead of "a new challenge" in moving away from France for the first time in his fledgling career.
"I was very excited when I heard Newcastle were interested in signing me," Aladji said.
“I know about the history of the club and I’ve visited the stadium already, which is amazing. I can’t wait to be on the pitch there and hope to have some great times with the fans.
“I’m excited to test myself in a new league, the biggest league in the world. I learned a lot last season and now I feel ready for this new opportunity. I will give my all for this club.”
