With the second-most appearances in the squad, Hicham Boudaoui was honoured by Jean-Pierre Rivère and Maurice Cohen ahead of the home game with Lens (1-1). The Algeria international has passed the 200-game milestone for the Red-and-Blacks.

SECOND-MOST APPEARANCES IN SQUAD

Only Dante (326) has played more matches for Le Gym than our number 6 among the current crop of players. After arriving at the club on 2 September 2019 following Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations win, the ‘Prince of Béchar’ has now racked up 203 appearances, scoring 14 goals (1 this season) and delivering 15 assists. He played his 100th game for Le Gym on 8 April 2023 vs. PSG.

Melvin Bard has the third-most appearances in the current squad with 187 matchs since 2021 (7 goals, 6 assists).

AN EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

Reaching 200 games is not a common feat in the 21st century.

Before Hicham and Dante, the last to do it was Olivier Echouafni (230 matches and 10 goals between 2003 and 2010), while Cédric Varrault, Claude Puel’s assistant coach, racked up 227 games (5 goals) between 2000 and 2007. Goalkeeper Damien Gregorini played 215 times between 1998 and 2007 (between spells with Marseille, Sochaux and Nancy). 

Two players from the modern era – and fan favourites – stopped on the cusp of 200 games: David Ospina and Pancho Abardonado (199 matches each).

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