Jun 17, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Inter Milan's Benjamin Pavard reacts as referee Wilton Sampaio looks on during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Cole

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Marseille Seal Deadline Day Coup With Benjamin Pavard Signing From Inter Milan

Marseille have pulled off one of the biggest moves of Ligue 1’s deadline day by securing the signing of 2018 World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard from Inter Milan. The 29-year-old defender joins on an initial season-long loan. Notably, Marseille will reportedly hold an option to make the deal permanent for €15 million ($17.5m) next summer.

For Pavard, the transfer marks a homecoming. The stylish defender returns to Ligue 1 for the first time since leaving Lille in 2016, having since built an impressive career in Germany and Italy. Pavard spent three seasons at Stuttgart before winning multiple Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during a four-year spell at Bayern Munich.

𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐧 🔵⚪️

The 🇫🇷 international defender joins OM from Inter Milan ✍️ pic.twitter.com/awgEvjip9a
— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) September 1, 2025

Also Read: Manchester United Goalkeeper Situation Solved: Senne Lammens Signs on Deadline Day

Pavard Becomes Fourth World Cup Star To Join Ligue 1

He moved to Inter in 2023, where he helped the Nerazzurri compete at the top level domestically and in Europe. His arrival makes him the fourth member of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad to return to Ligue 1 this summer, following Olivier Giroud’s move to Lille, Paul Pogba’s arrival at Monaco, and Florian Thauvin’s signing with Lens. Notably, Inter will not contribute to Pavard’s wages during his stay in France.

World champion in Marseille! Welcome Benjamin Pavard! 💙 pic.twitter.com/AXfL8PUAL2
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 1, 2025

While Turkish champions Galatasaray and clubs in the Saudi Pro League had shown interest in Pavard, Marseille ultimately won the race. As as result, the French side sealed the deal for the experienced defender, adding experience and versatility to their back line. Marseille’s defensive rebuild also includes the acquisition of Italy international Emerson Palmieri from West Ham, as the club looks to strengthen ahead of a demanding season.

Also Read: Ilkay Gundogan Transfer Update: Manchester City Star Midfielder Poised for Galatasaray Switch

Pavard first rose to stardom at the 2018 World Cup with his stunning equaliser against Argentina in the round of 16. Meeting a cross from left-back Lucas Hernandez on the right side of the box, the right-back produced an exquisite first-time strike that bent into the top corner. The goal was later crowned Goal of the Tournament and etched Pavard’s name into French football history.

🇫🇷 France 4-3 Argentina 🇦🇷

7 years ago today, a classic World Cup knockout match! Goals: Griezmann, Di Maria, Mercado, Pavard, Mbappe x2, Aguero. pic.twitter.com/92d215TFUM
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 30, 2025

Benjamin Pavard

Inter Milan

Ligue 1

Marseille

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.