Three goals in October, four Marseille wins in four Ligue 1 matches and a Marseille Player of the Month award: yet Himad Abdelli, the Olympique de Marseille attacking midfielder, was not shortlisted by the UNFP for the October Player of the Month trophy.
Le Phocéen sees it as an oversight. Himad Abdelli may have scored 3 goals in October, but the UNFP preferred Florian Thauvin, Elye Wahi and Lassine Sinayoko for the Player of the Month trophy, according to the Marseille outlet. The Olympique de Marseille attacking midfielder is not among the three nominees.
The period was a fruitful one for the Marseille club, though: 4 wins in 4 Ligue 1 matches. For the Algeria international, that run was crowned by a Marseille Player of the Month award, voted for by OM supporters, again according to Le Phocéen.
Le Phocéen’s criticism
It is Le Phocéen that leads the criticism, pointing out the Marseille man’s absence from the list of three candidates. The local outlet has done its sums: 3 goals over the month, a run of 4 wins in 4 Ligue 1 matches and an award handed out by the public. All points that, in its eyes, argued for a nomination.
The player himself did not comment on the UNFP’s decision in the available material. He spoke in the mixed zone after the 1-0 win at Leverkusen about Marseille’s momentum: “I think we’re doing well and that we’re building on what we’re doing in Ligue 1. Tonight we produced a big performance, we managed to suffer together. That’s what feels good. It’s perhaps even more beautiful to suffer and win. Especially here, against a big team. We managed to come out on top and we’re very happy,” he told Made in Foot, according to Ouest-France.
A growing role at Marseille
The UNFP oversight says nothing, though, about his growing importance in the squad. According to RMC and After Marseille, Abdelli is the outfield player most used by Bruno Genesio. A gradual settling in since his arrival at the end of the transfer window, in the 2026 winter break.
The European stage confirms that rise: at Leverkusen, he started alongside Højbjerg and Kondogbia in a 4-3-3, Footmarseille reports. The recruitment goes back further: Laurent Boissier, sporting coordinator at Angers SCO, had signed the player for that club.
The break and Togo in sight
Marseille play their next Ligue 1 match before the break. Then comes the Algeria camp against Togo, on 14 and 17 November.