Wahbi Khazri, who joined AS Saint-Étienne last summer, has been a standout figure for the club this season. The Tunisian attacking midfielder ended the Ligue 1 campaign as Saint-Étienne’s top scorer, netting 13 goals in 31 appearances. His contributions went beyond scoring, as he injected new energy and creativity into Les Verts, helping the team secure qualification for the next Europa League. Khazri’s presence on the pitch was instrumental in many of the club’s successes, and his performances consistently showcased his skill, vision, and ability to influence games at crucial moments.
Despite his impressive statistics and influence, Khazri was not voted the club’s player of the season by AS Saint-Étienne fans. That honor went to Rémy Cabella, who received 26.3% of the votes. Cabella’s flair, technical ability, and consistent performances clearly resonated with supporters, earning him recognition over the league’s top scorer. While fans appreciated Cabella’s contributions, many observers found it surprising that Khazri did not rank higher in the poll, considering his impact on both the team’s attack and overall performance throughout the campaign.
Even more striking is that Khazri did not even claim second place. Yann M’Vila, the defensive midfielder, finished ahead of him in the voting. M’Vila’s work in the midfield, particularly his ability to disrupt opposition play and maintain control of games, was evidently highly valued by the supporters. Still, given Khazri’s goal tally and his role in the club’s qualification for European competition, his third-place finish seems unexpected to many fans and analysts alike.
Khazri’s season at Saint-Étienne has been characterized by his versatility and influence. Beyond scoring goals, he often contributed to build-up play, creating chances for teammates and driving the team forward in critical moments. His ability to link up with other attacking players, combined with his vision and technical skill, made him a constant threat to opponents. Moreover, his leadership on the field and experience in high-pressure situations provided a boost to younger players and reinforced the team’s cohesion during challenging matches.
The Tunisian international’s journey with Saint-Étienne also marked a significant personal achievement. After moving from Rennes, Khazri adapted quickly to the club’s style and formed an immediate connection with teammates and fans alike. His commitment to the team was evident in every match, and his performances often drew praise from pundits and rivals for their consistency and effectiveness. Despite not being recognized as the fan-favorite player of the season, Khazri’s contributions remain undeniable, as he played a crucial role in both Saint-Étienne’s attacking prowess and overall success this year.
In summary, Wahbi Khazri’s first season at AS Saint-Étienne was a memorable one. He emerged as the club’s leading scorer with 13 goals in 31 Ligue 1 games and helped secure Europa League qualification, yet he was ranked third in the fan vote for player of the season, behind Rémy Cabella and Yann M’Vila. While the ranking may have surprised some, Khazri’s impact on the team—through goals, creativity, and leadership—cements his place as one of the standout performers for Les Verts during the campaign.
