Mehdi Benatia Joins Samir Nasri for New Football Show “Les Affranchis”
Former Morocco international Mehdi Benatia is preparing for a new chapter in football media after leaving Olympique de Marseille last May. Rather than immediately returning to a club role, the former defender is set to join Samir Nasri and journalist Walid Acherchour for a new YouTube programme called “Les Affranchis.”
The trio have shared a teaser on social media, offering a first glimpse of the project ahead of its expected launch in the coming weeks. Details about the show’s format, release schedule and opening episode have not yet been confirmed. However, the mix of high-profile former players and an experienced football journalist suggests viewers can expect informed discussion, direct opinions and analysis of the sport’s biggest talking points.
A new direction after Marseille
Benatia’s move into media follows a turbulent period at Marseille, where he held senior football positions as sporting adviser and later sporting director. He departed the French club in May, bringing his involvement to an end after a demanding season in which the organisation faced pressure to deliver results and make important decisions about its squad and direction.
Since leaving, Benatia has worked as a football analyst for Canal+. The role has kept him close to the game while giving him a platform to share his perspective on matches, players and club strategy. His experience is not limited to the studio, however. As a former centre-back who competed at the highest level, he can draw on the practical demands of professional football as well as his more recent work in recruitment and club management.
That combination could make him a distinctive voice on “Les Affranchis.” Discussions about football often focus on goals, results and headline transfers, but a former sporting director can also explain the less visible decisions behind a team’s performance: how clubs identify targets, balance budgets, build a squad and manage expectations. Benatia’s time inside Marseille’s decision-making structure may give him useful insight into those subjects.
Nasri, Benatia and Acherchour bring different perspectives
The new programme brings together three figures with complementary backgrounds. Nasri, a former France international and midfielder, experienced elite club football in several major leagues. Benatia brings his playing career and recent executive experience, while Acherchour contributes the perspective of a journalist who follows the game and its debates closely.
That blend could help the show move beyond a conventional match review. Former players can explain the tactical and emotional details that are difficult to see from the stands, while a journalist can provide context, challenge assumptions and connect individual performances to wider stories. If the presenters find the right balance, the programme could appeal to viewers looking for both informed football analysis and lively conversation.
The title, “Les Affranchis,” also hints at a programme that may favour candid discussion. The teaser has not revealed exactly how outspoken the presenters will be, so the tone remains to be seen. Still, the involvement of well-known personalities is likely to attract attention, particularly when the show turns to major clubs, controversial decisions or the pressure placed on players and coaches.
Why YouTube is a natural home for the project
Launching on YouTube gives the presenters room to develop a format that may differ from a traditional television studio show. Online programmes can offer longer conversations, more flexible episode lengths and direct interaction with audiences. They can also respond quickly to breaking football news, from major transfer developments to managerial changes and significant match results.
The platform has become an important destination for football discussion, with fans increasingly seeking analysis beyond short post-match interviews and brief broadcast segments. A regular programme featuring recognisable former players could build an audience through full episodes, short clips and social media highlights. The success of that approach will depend on the show’s consistency, the quality of its discussions and whether it offers something distinct from the many existing football podcasts and video channels.
For viewers, the most compelling element may be the contrast between the presenters’ experiences. Benatia can discuss the pressures of club leadership, Nasri can reflect on the demands of a top-level playing career, and Acherchour can guide the conversation through current events. Together, they have the potential to examine not only what happened on the pitch, but why it happened and what it could mean for a club’s future.
Could Benatia return to club football?
Benatia has not ruled out taking on another project in football, and reports have recently linked him with a possible sporting director role at AC Milan. Those reports indicate that the Italian club may be considering him as an option, but no appointment has been confirmed. His involvement in a new media programme does not necessarily signal the end of his ambitions in club management.
For now, “Les Affranchis” represents a fresh opportunity to remain part of the football conversation while exploring a different kind of role. Media work can also keep former executives connected to the sport’s changing landscape, although a return to a club could require a different level of day-to-day commitment. Whether Benatia eventually chooses another front-office position or continues to build his broadcasting profile remains an open question.
As the launch approaches, audiences will be waiting for more information about the show’s schedule, structure and first topics. The early teaser has introduced the presenters, but the programme’s long-term appeal will depend on what they bring to each episode. A strong mix of experience, clear analysis and honest debate could make “Les Affranchis” a notable new addition to online football coverage.
Football prediction: what to expect from the show
Any prediction about a programme before its first episode is necessarily tentative. Still, the combination of Benatia, Nasri and Acherchour points toward a discussion-led format focused on current football stories, tactical observations and strong opinions. Fans may also hear more about the realities of working inside professional clubs, an area Benatia knows from direct experience.
The key will be depth. Viewers have plenty of options for quick reactions and score-based debate; a show that adds context, explains decisions and allows its guests to disagree constructively could stand out. With its launch expected in the coming weeks, “Les Affranchis” is one to watch for supporters interested in football analysis—and for anyone curious to see what Benatia chooses to do after Marseille.
