Axel Ngando

Axel Thomas Ngando Elessa (born 13 July 1993) is a French professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Azerbaijan Premier League club Araz-Naxçıvan PFK. At international level, he has represented France at various youth levels.

Early career and loans
Ngando started his career playing for the "B" team of Rennes, who played in the Championnat de France Amateur. He scored his first goal for the "B" team on 21 May 2011 against Poiré-sur-Vie, in which he scored in the 47th minute to help his team to a 3–2 victory. His second goal for Rennes's reserves came on 4 November 2012 against La Chapelle-des-Marais, in which he scored in the 82nd minute to provide his team a 2–0 victory.

After several impressive matches for the Rennes "B" team, Ngando made his debut for the first-team in a Ligue 1 game on 2 February 2013 against Lorient, in which he came on as a 90th-minute substitute for Romain Alessandrini and scored a goal, just one minute into his debut in the 91st minute to equalize for Rennes and finish the match at a score of 2–2.

Rennes loaned Ngando to Auxerre on 4 September 2013, to continue his progress. Three days later, he made his first start with Auxerre B against Feurs.

On 12 January 2015, Ngando was loaned to Angers for the remainder of the 2014–15 season.

Later career
On 31 August 2015, Ngando joined Bastia on a three-year deal.

In 2017, he joined Süper Lig side Göztepe S.K.

Ngando returned to France on 1 August 2019, rejoining Auxerre permanently.

On 30 December 2021, he signed for Ligue 2 side Grenoble.

On 18 September 2023, Ngando joined Azerbaijani club Araz-Naxçıvan PFK, on a one-year deal.

International career
Ngando is a France youth international, having represented his country at under-18 through under-21 levels, including winning the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, in which he scored in the penalty shoot-out in the final.

Personal life
He is the nephew of former Cameroon international Patrick Mboma, and is eligible to represent either Cameroon or France at senior level.

Honours
France U20
 * FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2013