Amir Etien, linked to Benzema, nominated for Ligue 3 player of the month

Amir Etien, described as Karim Benzema’s former hairdresser, is among the four players nominated for Ligue 3 player of the month for September. The shortlist includes Antoine Gauthier of Le Puy-en-Velay, Stan Janno of Concarneau, Yannis Verdier of Fleury and Etien of Versailles.

Etien, who scored 4 goals in 4 matches, received votes from Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior. He explained that his relationship with the French forward began before he cut his hair: “I saw people on social media saying I was his former hairdresser. But before I was a hairdresser, a relationship had developed between us. Then I was able to cut his hair.”

Etien also said he needed something to do during two years out with a back injury, adding that school was not for him. He said Eduardo Camavinga’s older brother helped guide him into hairdressing: “He took me under his wing.”

Yannis Verdier, who scored 5 goals in 4 matches, has high-profile support of his own: Ousmane Dembélé and Ange-Yoan Bonny voted for him. All four remain in contention for the monthly award.