Wherever Mason Greenwood wound up this summer after his acrimonious and protracted exit from Manchester United, it was always going to spark controversy. However, it just so happens that he is set to sign for a club with some of the most fiercely passionate supporters on the entire planet: Olympique de Marseille.
The Unique Context of Marseille
To put this already-exceptional transfer into context, Marseille is not like the rest of France. The country’s oldest city is proudly multicultural, staunchly liberal, and unwaveringly progressive. This was reflected in the city’s recent election, where the left’s unexpected, Kylian Mbappe-endorsed victory over the right sparked wild celebrations in the streets.
Football as a Religion
In Marseille, the main religion is its football club. The badge is literally inescapable—graffitied on every wall, worn proudly on replica shirts, and tattooed on chests and limbs. The imposing Stade Velodrome forms part of the skyline. Both in France and overseas, OM is widely perceived as the best-supported side in Ligue 1 despite Paris Saint-Germain’s riches. The fanbase has a deep and devout connection to the team and its values, which encompass those of the city as a whole.
The Greenwood Dilemma
Despite this, the club and the city have a penchant for chaos, and now, trouble could be around the corner as the hierarchy turns to Greenwood. Starved of tangible success for more than a decade, a £27 million ($35m) deal for a player of his calibre—someone that would normally be out of reach for a side of Marseille’s relatively modest finances—is deemed a sporting opportunity that is too good to pass up.
Greenwood’s Legal Troubles
Greenwood has been a footballing pariah since audio and imagery emerged online which led to him being arrested and subsequently suspended by Man Utd in January 2022. Although he denied the accusations made and was released on bail, he has not played for the club since. He was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022. However, those charges were discontinued in February 2023 due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light.
Manchester United’s Internal Review
Man Utd conducted an internal review into whether Greenwood should be welcomed back into the fold at Old Trafford. This drawn-out investigation took more than six months, with United ultimately deciding to sever ties with the forward after initially opting to keep him.
Greenwood’s Loan to Getafe
The outcome of United’s internal review led to a loan move to Getafe in La Liga, where Greenwood impressed by making 16 goal contributions in 32 appearances. This performance earned the attention of leading European clubs, with Man Utd prepared to permanently end their association with the player this summer.
Marseille’s Pursuit and Fan Backlash
Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Lazio were all linked at one point or another, but it is Marseille who are primed to win the transfer pursuit that has been widely disparaged. However, Greenwood will not be welcomed with open arms. Even rumours of a possible move to the south of France in June prompted the widespread use of the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome on social media.
Fan and Feminist Group Reactions
The OMForum fan group and Marseillaise feminist groups like ‘J’crains degun’ and Solidarite Femmes 13 have been vocal against the transfer. They argue that Greenwood’s transfer is incompatible with the values displayed by the club, particularly its commitment to fighting violence against women.
Support for Greenwood
Despite the backlash, there are pockets of support for Greenwood online, with some fans arguing that he deserves a second chance. Suggestions include taking a portion of his salary to donate to an association for victims of domestic abuse as a way to reconcile his past actions with his future at the club.
Marseille’s Official Stance
GOAL approached Marseille about the touted move for Greenwood and the subsequent backlash, but they refused to comment. Club president Pablo Longoria emphasized that any player joining the club must share its societal values, while newly-appointed head coach Roberto De Zerbi expressed a protective stance towards any player who signs for the club.
Political Intervention
Marseille’s mayor, Bruno Payan, has also voiced his opposition to the transfer, arguing that Greenwood’s history is incompatible with the values of the city and the club. His intervention reportedly gave Greenwood pause, but it seems he was willing to push ahead with the move.
Marseille remains divided over Greenwood’s potential signing. The controversy highlights the complex interplay between sports, societal values, and individual redemption. As the club and its supporters navigate this contentious issue, the future of both Greenwood and Marseille’s footballing identity hangs in the balance.