Benjamin Pavard

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

In the chaotic theater of the Stade Vélodrome, where Olympique Marseille occupy a frustrating 7th place amid an erratic WWLDL run, Benjamin Pavard stands as the immovable object. The 30-year-old French World Cup winner has been nothing short of ever-present this campaign—logging a remarkable 2,728 minutes across 36 appearances, a testament to both his durability and indispensability to Roberto De Zerbi's plans. Wearing the number 28, Pavard anchors a defensive unit alongside Leonardo Balerdi, bringing the aerial dominance and positional intelligence that Marseille desperately lean upon. Yet the €12 million-rated centre-back offers more than defensive steel—his 1 goal and 3 assists from set-piece situations add a crucial attacking dimension to a side craving creativity. With five yellow cards to his name, Pavard plays on the edge, mixing aggression with the composure of a player who has lifted football's ultimate prize. As Les Phocéens chase European qualification, his World Cup pedigree and unshakeable reliability remain the defensive foundation upon which their season rests.