“A huge void”. After the death of Nessim Ramdane, killed Friday by a young man recruited by drug traffickers while he was at the wheel of his VTC, the sports director of Six-Fours Le Brusc FC struggles to find the words.
“We were together at the Zacharian Sports Union and he was one of the guys I wanted to bring with me to Six-Fours this summer”relates Anthony Alexanian, former sports director of the Saint-Zacharie club.
“Nessim had the dual role of player and manager; and he carried out his duties in an extraordinary way. He was a great guy, always ready to be of service. We will miss him a lot, ajoute Anthony Alexanian. We will never forget this little thing that he did all the time: this “Ho Ho” that he said with a smile to announce that something was going to happen.”
“We will keep his name alive”
As his friend points out, “Nessim had been a VTC driver in Marseille for about a fortnight. He moved to Saint-Zacharie last year with his family because he wanted to get his children out of Marseille. And as he needed to make ends meet to pay his rent, he took this job as a driver which was compatible with his hours.”
Very affected by this terrible news story in which one of their own lost his life, those in charge of the Six-Fournais football club canceled this Sunday all the matches that their teams were due to play.
“Everyone is in shock, the managers, the players, the parents”confie Anthony Alexanian. The time is for mourning and contemplation, but once this time has passed, he adds, we will do our best to organize actions to support our family. We also plan to perpetuate the name of Nessim, for example by naming a grandstand in his honor or by organizing an annual tournament which will bear his surname.”.
Multiple reactions
In addition to the Six-Fours club, reactions are multiplying on social networks to pay tribute to this 36-year-old father. “We are losing a man with a big heart, a great Dad, a faithful friend, writes the Var Football District which shares its “tremendous sadness”. And to add: “Player, captain, educator, technical manager… whatever his hat, he was an example for his partners, the staff, and the children he supervised”.
Same tone from the Zacharian Sports Union: “Nessim was our captain and an example for young people. He was an excellent family man, an excellent football player, an excellent educator, an endearing man with a big heart”.
For the Carnoux Football club, where Nessim also played, it was announced that the “sadness lives up to the image of this man, upright and respectful, whose values have always commanded the admiration of those who knew him. In addition to his footballing qualities, recognized by all, it is indeed by human experience that Nessim has left his mark”.
Reaction also in Bouches-du-Rhône, with this message posted by L’Etoile sportif fouenne where Nessim played from 2026 to 2018: “He was a person with a big heart and an outstanding player. He left a strong impression with his strong character, but also with his endearing and respectful side. Always ready to wet the jersey, he knew how to earn the esteem of all.”
On the pitches this Sunday, many clubs held a minute of silence in memory of this footballer and leader whose name will long be remembered.
