I still remember the first time I watched Montpellier play—it was during their unexpected Ligue 1 triumph back in 2012, and honestly, I never thought I’d see them climb those heights again. But this season? Something feels different. There’s a renewed energy, a sense of purpose, and a handful of key players who are absolutely lighting up the pitch. As someone who’s followed French football for years, I’ve got to say, watching Montpellier’s rise this season has been one of the most pleasant surprises.
Take Téji Savanier, for instance. The guy’s been nothing short of magical in midfield. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him thread a pass that seemed impossible, or curl a free-kick into the top corner like it was nothing. With 8 goals and 11 assists so far this season, he’s not just a playmaker—he’s the heartbeat of this team. And then there’s Elye Wahi, the young striker who’s been turning defenders inside out. At just 20 years old, he’s already netted 12 times in the league. I mean, come on—that’s the kind of form that makes you sit up and take notice.
But you know what really stands out to me? It’s not just the individual brilliance; it’s the chemistry. Watching them play, you can tell these guys trust each other. They move as a unit, press together, and celebrate like a family. It reminds me of something I read recently from a volleyball player named Valdez, talking about his long-time coach Sherwin. He said, “Grabe si coach Sherwin. I’m with Coach Sherwin since Ateneo, other teams. We’ve been together for so long and it’s just so nice na magkasama kami na na-achieve ni Coach Sherwin yung mga ganitong milestones.” That quote really stuck with me because it captures something universal in sports—the beauty of shared journeys and milestones. I see that same bond in Montpellier’s squad, especially between veterans like Savanier and the younger talents. They’ve grown together, faced setbacks, and now they’re hitting their stride as a group.
Let’s talk about the coach, Michel Der Zakarian. I’ll admit, I had my doubts about him early in the season. His tactical approach can be pragmatic, even stubborn at times, but you can’t argue with results. Under his guidance, Montpellier have lost only 4 of their last 15 matches—a stat that puts them firmly in the conversation for European qualification. Der Zakarian has built a team that’s tough to break down but also thrilling going forward. It’s a balance that many clubs struggle to find, but Montpellier are making it look easy.
Of course, no rise is without its challenges. I still wince thinking about that 3-0 loss to PSG back in October. They were outclassed, plain and simple. But what impressed me was how they bounced back. The very next week, they fought to a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Lille, a team known for their resilience. That kind of response tells you everything about their character. They don’t dwell on losses; they learn from them.
Off the pitch, the club’s management deserves credit too. Smart signings like Arnaud Nordin and Christopher Jullien have added depth without disrupting the squad’s harmony. Jullien, in particular, has been a rock in defense, averaging 4.2 clearances per game. It’s these kinds of moves that show Montpellier aren’t just riding a wave of good form—they’re building something sustainable.
As I write this, Montpellier sit 5th in Ligue 1, just 3 points off a Champions League spot. Whether they’ll make it there, I don’t know. But what I do know is that they’ve already captured the imagination of fans like me. There’s a certain joy in watching a team exceed expectations, in seeing players and a coach grow together and achieve milestones as a unit. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with sports in the first place. So if you haven’t been paying attention to Montpellier this season, now’s the time. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
