Medhi Benatia’s Marseille link continues through his son

Medhi Benatia’s relationship with Olympique Marseille may have taken a different direction, but his family could still have a future connection with the club.

Benatia recently ended his spell as Marseille’s football director following Roberto De Zerbi’s departure. While his exit generated criticism among supporters, attention has now shifted to his son, Kays El Mouttaqui, who is making significant progress within the club’s academy.

The 14-year-old forward has been rewarded for his performances with a call-up to France’s Under-15 squad. El Mouttaqui is one of 18 players selected by coach Pierre-Emmanuel Bourdeau for a training camp at Clairefontaine from October 18 to 22. Fourteen players will ultimately be chosen for the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan.

El Mouttaqui is already playing above his age group with Marseille’s U17 side and has continued to attract attention with his development. He scored three goals during pre-season and added another in the league, according to local reports.

It remains far too early to predict whether he can eventually establish himself in Marseille’s senior team, but his rapid progression is encouraging.

With Benatia able to provide guidance from his own experience in professional football, Kays now has an opportunity to build his own path at Marseille.