Himad Abdelli’s long-held ambition to play for Olympique de Marseille has taken on fresh meaning as he prepares for his first Ligue 1 Clásico against Paris St-Germain, days after completing his move to the Stade Vélodrome.
The Algeria-eligible midfielder joined OM earlier this week, but his connection to the club stretches far beyond the timing of the transfer.
A remark he made years earlier has resurfaced, capturing both his personal journey and the significance of his arrival in Marseille.
The story was recalled on Sunday by former OM striker Mamadou Niang in L’Équipe, offering a rare insight into Abdelli’s background and motivations.
Niang, a former Marseille captain and club icon, explained that he had known the Abdelli family for many years, particularly Himad’s father, Saïd.
Their paths crossed in Le Havre, in the Caucriauville neighbourhood, an area that has produced several international players despite its social challenges.
Niang described Saïd Abdelli as a respected figure who played an important role in guiding young players and helping them stay focused on football and education.
That environment, Niang said, shaped Himad Abdelli’s character and determination.
The former OM forward maintained close ties with the family and followed the midfielder’s development from his early years, especially during difficult moments in his progression at Le Havre AC.
It was during one of those testing periods that Abdelli openly shared his deepest ambitions.
During a family dinner, with his career at a crossroads, the young midfielder made a simple but striking confession: “I have two dreams in my life: to play with the Algerian national team and to play with OM.”
According to Niang, the statement left a lasting impression.
It reflected not only Abdelli’s attachment to his roots and heritage, but also his admiration for Marseille, a club whose identity and passion resonate strongly with many players raised in similar neighbourhoods.
The bond between Niang and the Abdelli family endured, with the former striker continuing to track Himad’s progress as he matured.
𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃 🔥 #OMPSG
Voici les 2️⃣3️⃣ joueurs retenus par 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗲 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶 🇮🇹 pour cette rencontre face au PSG ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/Ww3JKveJSx
— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) February 8, 2026
Now, with Abdelli wearing the Marseille shirt, those words appear prophetic.
His move comes at a symbolic moment, on the eve of a high-profile league clash against PSG, a fixture that defines the intensity and expectations surrounding OM.
While his immediate focus will be on settling into his new surroundings, the story of his long-standing dream has already added emotional weight to his arrival.
For Abdelli, Marseille represents more than a transfer.
It is the fulfilment of a promise made quietly years ago, shaped by family, neighbourhood, and an unwavering belief in where his journey could lead.
