Dimitri Payet and Ugo Crousillat. With the former Olympian and retired French international player who just announced the end of his career, and the French water polo player who is also the captain of CNM as ambassadors of choice, the Player Cup is reaching a new milestone. “Having one of the most influential players in the history of OM with us is a true honor,” says Nabil Abdou, founder of this international football tournament reserved for U11 players, with the 3rd edition taking place on May 9 and 10 in La Ciotat. “As for Ugo, he is a phenomenal athlete with golden values.”
The beginning of a new story that naturally unfolded. “Like everyone, I knew Dimitri Payet through television. He made me excited with the ball at his feet. I have a deep respect for the player and all that he has brought to OM,” explains the organizer.
The coach from La Ciotat had actually trained Noa Payet, the son of Dimitri, when he was in charge of OM’s U13-U14 team. It was at this time that a relationship was formed. “I met him a few times and, on a human level, he has always been very friendly. I proposed to him to briefly discuss the tournament on his social networks, and he replied: ‘No Nabil, we will do better than that, I will be your ambassador.'” A strong and symbolic choice for Nabil both personally and professionally.
For Ugo Crousillat, the meeting happened through mutual friends. “I met him in my quest for open-mindedness and what other sports can bring,” continues Nabil Abdou, who at the time was mainly interested in football. By attending his first matches, he discovered a great champion. The two men quickly bonded and the water polo player readily agreed to join the project.
This tournament is supported by the Player Academy, an organization dedicated to developing young talents in the region. Convinced that the city lacked a strong and impactful sports event, Nabil Abdou created this tournament which brings together twelve French professional clubs – from OM to OL, Monaco, as well as international teams like AS Roma – against twelve amateur clubs from the Paris region, Lyon region, and Bouches-du-Rhône.
