“HBA” has completely disappeared from circulation. Since his move to Lille in 2022, where he stayed six months for only 9 small matches played (0 goals), Hatem Ben Arfa has no longer been seen on the football fields. The former OL, OM and PSG player has still not formalized the end of his career. But that's just like it since he has today put away his crampons to indulge in his new passion, padel.
However, many would have liked to see Ben Arfa continue to do one last freelance job. It must be said that the former French international (15 caps, 2 goals), now aged 38, left his mark on an entire generation. Although he did not have the career that his immense talent predicted, the native of Clamart nevertheless left an unforgettable memory.
Former teammate of Hatem Ben Arfa with the Blues, but also in the youth team with Montrouge, Marvin Martin was full of praise for him. “ Hatem was Hatem… Everyone came to see Hatem, even at indoor soccer tournaments. Everyone stuck to him, everyone talked about him even then. It was incredible what he did with the ball. He was having fun, it was easy. And playing with him… We had fun, we all had fun. Afterwards, when you were in difficulty, you passed him the ball, and that's it… He dribbled everyone, he did what he wanted. (…) At a tournament, he dribbles past the goalkeeper, there is no one in the goal, and instead of scoring he comes back. He re-dribbles the defense, the goalkeeper, and scores. It's Hatem. It was too easy. “, said the man who was nicknamed “the new Zidane” with the Media Square.
“Hatem, if he were 18 today, he would be at Barça”
And to continue: “ You can never say that someone is going to succeed 100%, but if anyone had to be a pro, it was him. He had everything, and he was having fun, you felt the pleasure in him too. It was his game. And I think he never lost that, it was his strength too. We got along really well, and he didn't stay in Montrouge for long. He's an endearing person, super nice, we had a good relationship. He's a really endearing person, and someone who has exceptional talent. »
Marvin Martin then assured that a talent like that of Ben Arfa would be at FC Barcelona today. “ I am no one to judge. We can no longer compare before and now. Hatem, if he were 18 today, he would be at Barça, estimated the former Sochalien. Before, when you were a phenomenon, it was much harder to go straight to the big clubs. There were stages. But today, the same player at 18, he is at Barça. »
