Algeria midfielder Himad Abdelli responds to weight criticism with social media video

Algeria international Himad Abdelli has responded to criticism over his fitness by posting a video on social media, dismissing speculation about his physical condition after images from a pre-season friendly sparked online debate.

The midfielder shared a shirtless video showing his physique alongside the message, “Keep listening to your social media,” in an apparent response to comments questioning his fitness following Marseille’s recent friendly against Yamoussoukro FC.

Abdelli has endured a difficult period since joining Olympique de Marseille during the winter transfer window after pushing for a move from Ligue 1 rivals Angers.

His arrival at the club coincided with significant managerial changes that affected his role within the squad.

Roberto De Zerbi, the coach who persuaded Abdelli to join Marseille, departed the club by mutual agreement only a few weeks after the midfielder’s arrival. He was replaced by Habib Beye, under whom Abdelli struggled for opportunities.

According to the report, the relationship between the player and Beye deteriorated following a heated verbal exchange in the dressing room after Marseille’s draw with Nice.

The midfielder subsequently found himself on the fringes of the squad before another managerial change saw Bruno Genesio take charge.

Genesio, who has previously managed Rennes, Lyon and Lille, inherited the Marseille squad as Abdelli continued his efforts to revive his career at the club.

The Algeria international also experienced disappointment on the international stage after being omitted from his country’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

During the off-season, Abdelli focused on improving his physical condition, reportedly losing eight kilograms through his individual training programme ahead of the new campaign.

Despite those efforts, photographs from Marseille’s friendly against Yamoussoukro FC circulated on social media, with some users suggesting the midfielder appeared overweight.

The images generated widespread discussion online and prompted criticism from some supporters regarding his physical condition.

Abdelli responded only days later by publishing a video of himself without a shirt, revealing a toned physique in an apparent attempt to silence the speculation.

Accompanying the footage was the message, “Keep listening to your social media,” making clear his response to the online commentary.

The midfielder now turns his attention to the new season as he aims to rebuild his standing at Marseille.

After a challenging start to life at the club, Abdelli will hope to regain full match fitness, compete for a regular place in the starting line-up and establish himself in Ligue 1 under the club’s latest manager.