Ilan Kebbal, a standout performer for Paris FC this season, is set to take center stage on Friday evening when the club faces FC Lorient in the opening match of the 7th round of Ligue 1. While his name may not ring a bell for casual fans, true followers of Ligue 1 recognize his burgeoning talent.
Kebbal has been a revelation since the season began, contributing significantly to his team’s efforts after their promotion. The Algerian winger has garnered praise for his unique style and undeniable skill. Paris FC coach Stéphane Gilli expressed admiration for Kebbal, stating, “He is an atypical player who might not please everyone, but he possesses incredible talent and qualities he might not even be aware of.” This followed Kebbal’s outstanding double against Metz during the team’s initial outing at Stade Jean-Bouin.
His teammate, Maxime Lopez, echoed this sentiment, declaring, “It’s a pleasure to see him perform like this. Today, we can say it truthfully: he is among the best players in Ligue 1, there’s no arguing that.” This acknowledgment is well-founded, as Kebbal has excelled to the extent that he was crowned Ligue 1 Player of the Month for August, netting three goals—placing him among the league’s top scorers—and providing two assists. His exceptional performance even earned him a recall to the Algerian national team for World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Despite some struggles in subsequent matches, Kebbal remains confident about his abilities. He took responsibility for a less-than-stellar outing in a recent draw against Nice, noting, “I didn’t play well, but I believe that won’t happen often. I trust my game and my capabilities.”
As part of Paris FC’s ambitions under the ownership of the Arnault family and Red Bull, Kebbal recognizes that expectations are high. He acknowledges the increased defensive focus on him, stating, “I’m being monitored more closely, with fewer one-on-one opportunities as teams are now double or even triple marking me.”
Paris FC currently ranks 11th in the league, accumulating 7 points and maintaining a steady trajectory toward their goal of a comfortable season. The upcoming match against Lorient, also a promoted team with an equal point tally, is viewed as a pivotal encounter. Kebbal is aware of the challenges posed by Lorient’s tight defense and emphasizes the need to make tactical adjustments to secure victory.
As the Paris FC continues to navigate their inaugural season in Ligue 1, players like Kebbal are crucial to achieve the team’s goals and potentially challenge established giants like PSG in the league. His development and performances not only enlighten the Paris fan base but also suggest a promising future for the club.