Marseille 2025-26 Season Preview: Team Updates, New Signings, What to Expect, and More

Olympique de Marseille began their 2025-26 season on August 16, 2025, kicking off with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Stade Rennais in the Ligue 1. The new season will be their 126th season in the club’s history and their 30th consecutive in Ligue 1.

In the 2024-25 season, under Roberto De Zerbi, the club finished 2nd behind PSG in the league and qualified for the UCL. The only other competition they participated in was the Coupe de France where they were eliminated in the Round of 32.

Full-time in Brittany.#SRFCOM | 1⃣ – 0⃣ | ⚪️🔵 pic.twitter.com/Xaw73cRarY
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) August 15, 2025

New Signings and Team Updates

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had been on loan from Tottenham in the 2024-25 season but for the new season, Marseille permanently signed him. He is arguably their best signing of the season so far as the Danish midfielder brings his dynamism to the pitch.

They also signed the attacking midfielder Angel Gomes and centre-back CJ Egan-Riley for free. Left winger Jonathan Rowe was also signed from Norwich for EUR 14.5m. Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Luis Henrique left for Inter Milan as well as French left-back Quentin Merlin to Stade Rennais.

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What to expect

The French club’s performance in the 2024/25 season was much more impressive than their run in the season prior. Under experienced coach De Zerbi, who brings in coaching experience from the Premier League, Marseille did very well in the league, finishing as runners-up.

That booked a direct spot to the Champions League. Marseille are expected to start strong in the league again like last season. However, they are also going to be in the UCL this season so rotations and avoiding injuries will be key for De Zerbi.

Also Read: Premier League Rivals Arsenal and Manchester United Clash Over PSG Forward

While midfielders like Hojbjerg, Rabiot and Kondogbia will bring experience to the midfield, forwards like Mason Greenwood and Amine Gouiri will bring in goals. The UCL draw will determine which clubs they will be facing off against and proper planning and tactics will decide how they far they can go in the competition.

While PSG are once again the favorites to win the league, Marseille can pose a challenge and they won’t be making it easy on them. Coupe de France is another competition where they will love to be competitive in. Expecting trophies are still a far cry in the new season, but they will be a strong contender.

Coupe de France

Ligue 1

Marseille

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.