Montpellier Hérault Sport Club often referred to as Montpellier is not only a familiar name in Ligue 1, but also a cradle that nurtures many generations of talented players, from solid defenders to famous strikers. Through ups and downs, Montpellier has always known how to make its own mark on the French football map by discovering, developing and giving opportunities to outstanding factors. They not only contribute to the team’s achievements, but also carve their names into history with memorable performances. Let’s take a look back at the Montpellier best players with Bestsoccertips.com, who have created the club’s identity and left a deep impression not only in the hearts of fans.
Top 10 Montpellier best players
Montpellier, one of the most traditional clubs in French football, has produced and contributed to the reputation of many talented players. Let’s take a look at the top 10 best players in the history of this team.
10. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa was one of the most outstanding and influential central defenders in Montpellier’s modern history. A product of the club’s youth academy, he quickly rose to become a key figure in defence and was entrusted with the captaincy at a very young age. The pinnacle of his career at Montpellier was undoubtedly the 2011–12 season, where he played a central role in the club’s historic Ligue 1 title win. With excellent anticipation, notable speed, and a fierce competitive spirit, he was a cornerstone in coach René Girard’s solid defensive setup.
Following his departure from Montpellier, Yanga-Mbiwa went on to play for major clubs like AS Roma, Newcastle United, and Olympique Lyonnais, but his most defining period remained with the southern French side. With over 200 appearances for the club, he is remembered not only for his technical abilities but also for his leadership and influence in the dressing room. For fans, Mapou is not merely a talented player he is a symbol of the club’s golden generation, closely linked to one of the most glorious chapters in Montpellier’s history.
9. Andy Delort
Andy Delort embodies the modern striker powerful, fast, decisive, and full of fighting spirit. He was Montpellier’s leading goalscorer between 2018 and 2021 and inspired the team with his fiery playing style. His ability to score with headers, long-range strikes, and powerful set-pieces made him a constant threat, whether from open play, dead-ball situations, or counter-attacks. He was the kind of forward who could both carry the team and be the target of every dangerous delivery.
From a betting viewpoint, Delort is a reliable choice for bets such as first goalscorer, scoring two or more goals, exact scorelines like 1-0 or 2-1 with him scoring, or second-half goals due to pressing. Matches with heavy midfield battles where Delort can exploit second balls or rebounds are suitable for bets like goals from deflections, goals after the 60th minute, or most shots on target by a player.
8. Gaëtan Laborde
Gaëtan Laborde was a key attacking piece for Montpellier between 2018 and 2021. With intelligent positioning, tireless work rate, and excellent chemistry with Andy Delort, Laborde helped make Montpellier one of the most difficult sides to face in Ligue 1 during that period. He scored consistently each season and maintained an impressive assist rate, highlighting his dual role as finisher and playmaker.
From a betting perspective, Laborde is ideal for markets such as anytime goalscorer, most shots by a player, or corner bets when he drifts wide. Especially when playing on the left or arriving late from midfield, bets like scoring from rebounds or goals between minutes 15–30 become particularly valuable. With access to live match data, one can also monitor rising shot counts in the first half and place live bets accordingly.
7. Téji Savanier
Téji Savanier is the modern-day emblem of Montpellier a creative attacking midfielder known for his rhythm control, pinpoint passing, and especially his exceptional free-kick ability. With sharp tactical vision, he consistently delivers key passes and assumes responsibility for both free kicks and penalties. His calm yet incisive playing style makes him the primary channel for creating goals.
For bettors, Savanier clearly signals options such as player to assist, goals from free kicks, penalty taker, or the player who creates the most chances. In matches where he is designated to take set-pieces, particular attention should be given to anytime goalscorer bets, or combinations like player to score and win. Additionally, one can consider corner over/under bets and team shot totals if Savanier is orchestrating the attack.
6. Rémy Cabella
Rémy Cabella was the creative maestro of the Montpellier side that won Ligue 1. He operated as a classic number 10, known for his high technical skill, agility in tight spaces, and his ability to unleash quality long-range shots. What stood out was his unpredictability sudden dribbles from midfield, one-touch combinations, or shots from improbable distances.
From a betting angle, Cabella aligns with markets like goals from outside the penalty area, player to provide 1+ assists, or shots on target from long range. In matches where the game is tight or the team needs a playmaker to unlock defences, players with Cabella’s style are prime candidates for bets such as individual goal totals, odd-numbered scorelines, or late first-half live bets where his creativity often proves pivotal.
5. Roger Milla
Roger Milla may not have reached the peak of his career at Montpellier, but his tenure with the club (1986–1989) was a crucial part of their development. Milla was a key figure in the attack, helping Montpellier gain promotion to Ligue 1 and maintain solid form upon their return to France’s top flight. With a free-flowing playing style, individual flair, and the ability to create sudden breakthroughs, he not only scored important goals but also added a unique dimension to a club in the process of establishing its foundation.
From a betting viewpoint, Milla typifies markets such as anytime goalscorer, goals from counter-attacks, or the player to create the most dangerous situations. For players who move widely across the pitch and have the capacity to produce explosive moments like Milla, bettors often look towards markets such as goals scored from outside the box or goals scored after the 60th minute scenarios where stamina and creativity can be decisive.
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4. Vitorino Hilton
Vitorino Hilton, the Brazilian centre-back, played for Montpellier from 2011 to 2021 – a remarkable duration for any defensive player. With a modern defensive mindset, composure on the ball, and excellent reading of the game, Hilton was not only a defensive wall but also the leader of the entire backline. Despite his advancing age, his form rarely declined, making him an exceptionally reliable figure. He played a significant role in Montpellier’s Ligue 1 title season and helped the club maintain consistent league performance in the years that followed.
In terms of betting, Hilton’s presence shaped markets such as under 2.5 total goals, clean sheets for the home team, and low-scoring outcomes. When a team has a well-structured defence like Montpellier did during Hilton’s tenure, these less glamorous bets become golden opportunities for tactical bettors. In particular, during home matches or against inexperienced attacking sides, bets like no goals in the first half or 0-0 halftime score become very viable.
3. Souleymane Camara
Souleymane Camara holds the record for the most appearances in Montpellier’s history (over 430 matches). While he was not the top goalscorer, he earned the nickname “super-sub” due to his consistent ability to score after coming off the bench. With sharp positioning and instinctive finishing, Camara always knew how to capitalise on limited minutes. He symbolised dedication and consistency, playing a crucial role in maintaining the club’s attacking stability across many seasons.
From a betting standpoint, Camara was the perfect fit for markets such as second-half goalscorer, goals by a substitute, or last goalscorer of the match. Strategic long-term bettors often monitor substitution patterns – if a player like Camara is about to be introduced when the team needs a goal, it presents an excellent live betting opportunity. These types of markets, typically available on live betting platforms, often offer attractive odds and are easily overlooked despite their potential.
2. Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud had a breakout season in 2011–12, finishing as the Ligue 1 top scorer and leading Montpellier to their first-ever domestic league title. With an ideal physique, excellent hold-up play, and aerial dominance, he represented the archetypal target man that every team desires. Giroud not only scored from aerial duels but also created chances for teammates, particularly in the 4-2-3-1 formation. He left a significant legacy at Montpellier before transferring to Arsenal and continuing his stellar career.
For betting enthusiasts, Giroud represents opportunities such as goals scored with the head, goals in the first half, or opening goalscorer especially effective when the opposing team is vulnerable against aerial threats. Furthermore, for players like Giroud, one can consider bets like goals scored from second balls, or the rare yet valuable bet of a player both scoring and assisting in the same match markets that offer high odds but prove fruitful when supported by historical data.
1. Laurent Blanc
Laurent Blanc was not only an exceptional central defender, but also a silent tactician in the heart of the defence. During his five-season spell at Montpellier (1983–1991), Blanc made a strong impression by scoring an astonishing 80 goals a truly rare feat for a player operating so deep on the pitch. His prowess in taking free kicks and joining attacking plays made him a constant threat during set-piece situations. His image is closely associated with Montpellier’s breakthrough era, particularly their triumph in the 1990 Coupe de France.
From a betting perspective, Blanc exemplifies high-odds side bets that are often overlooked, such as centre-backs scoring goals, goals scored from corners, or the first goal of the match not being scored by a striker. When analysing matches involving attacking-minded defenders (such as Sergio Ramos or Virgil van Dijk), seasoned bettors often prioritise these secondary markets due to their highly attractive returns if successful.
Wrapping Things Up
The above list is absolutely worthy of being in the top 10 Montpellier best players, because each person represents a golden period or an important milestone in the club’s development journey. Whether playing an attacking or defensive role, they have left a deep impression with their talent, dedication and long-term influence on the team’s identity. Their contributions not only bring achievements on the field but also help shape the position and image of Montpellier in the hearts of fans and on the map of French football.
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