Eliesse Ben Seghir: Ligue 1’s Rising Star
Eliesse Ben Seghir has quickly become a name to watch in Ligue 1, and his reputation is only growing as transfer speculation links him with some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Born in Saint Tropez, the Moroccan left winger has been a standout player for Monaco, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until 2027. In just 28 games, Ben Seghir has already made a significant impact, netting 7 goals and providing 4 assists. His performances on the international stage have been equally impressive, with 3 goals in 8 caps for Morocco. Monaco’s young talent is not just a local sensation; he’s catching the eye of elite teams across the continent, and one of those teams is Barcelona.
A Life-Changing Encounter with Barça
Amid the transfer rumors connecting him with Barcelona, Ben Seghir took a moment to reflect on his deep admiration for the Catalan club. In a heartwarming interview, he shared his first significant encounter with FC Barcelona, which occurred during a trip to Spain. “On the first trip of my life we went to Spain, to Barcelona. I was so happy. We visited the Camp Nou, the training centre, and I stood in front doing ‘dabs’ while my brother filmed me,” he recalled. This early experience at the iconic Camp Nou and the club’s training facilities left a lasting impression on the young Moroccan, fueling his dreams of one day playing for the revered team.
Inspirations from Barça’s Golden Era
Ben Seghir’s football idols are all former Barcelona stars, a testament to the club’s influence on his aspirations. When asked about his inspirations, he named Neymar as his top idol. “In football, my idol, I would say Neymar. I really like his style of play. All the youngsters love Neymar and see themselves in him. He is the idol of many youngsters,” Ben Seghir explained. Neymar’s creativity, flair, and impact on the game have clearly resonated with the young winger, who aspires to emulate his style and success on the pitch.
The Magic of Messi and the Mindset of Dembele
The admiration doesn’t stop with Neymar. Ben Seghir also sang the praises of Lionel Messi, another former Barcelona superstar. “There is also Messi. What he does on the pitch is incredible. He has the ability to eliminate an entire team and score a goal to help his team win. It is not given to everyone,” he remarked. Messi’s unparalleled skills and consistency have left an indelible mark on Ben Seghir, who recognizes the Argentine’s unique talent. Additionally, Ben Seghir highlighted Ousmane Dembele, another former Barça player, for his mental approach to the game. “I have also always appreciated Ousmane Dembele for his way of thinking. He doesn’t worry, he has fun. I like this mentality,” Ben Seghir added. The left winger’s respect for these players underscores the depth of his connection to Barcelona and its playing philosophy.
A Champions League Triumph
Ben Seghir’s journey to prominence includes a remarkable moment in the UEFA Champions League. Earlier this season, he made his debut in the competition, a dream come true for any young player. “I made my debut in the Champions League this year, it’s a dream come true. All football fans who watched this competition on television have dreamed of participating in it, listening to the music while the players come on, it’s incredible,” he shared. The experience was more than just a debut; it was a defining moment in his career. “It’s the pinnacle of football on a European scale, everyone sees you, it’s the most eagerly awaited competition. (…) We beat Barça, it’s a memory (…) a very nice moment, a great victory. Mentally it was good for the whole group. And even for everyone’s ego, beating Barça is good,” he concluded. This win over Barcelona not only boosted Monaco’s confidence but also further cemented Ben Seghir’s reputation as a talented and determined player.
The Future and Barcelona’s Interest
Currently, Eliesse Ben Seghir is one of Monaco’s most productive players in the attacking department. His performances have earned him a place among the club’s key contributors and have naturally attracted the attention of several top teams. If his form continues, Ben Seghir could become a highly sought-after prospect in the transfer market next summer. Barcelona, known for their pursuit of young, talented players who align with the club’s philosophy, may well be one of the suitors. The Catalan club’s interest in Ben Seghir is not just a product of his stats but also of his admiration for the club and its stars. Whether or not Barcelona decides to make a move, it will be fascinating to see how Ben Seghir’s career unfolds, and if he follows in the footsteps of his idols to grace the Camp Nou turf.
