MARSEILLE – Habib Beye, Olympique de Marseille, is now official. The Senegal legend has been appointed as the new head coach of French Ligue 1 giants Olympique Marseille.
The 48-year-old returns to the club where he once captained the side, but this time as manager. His appointment marks a significant moment for both the club and African coaching representation in European football.
Habib Beye Olympique Marseille signals a homecoming. The former defender replaces Roberto De Zerbi, who left the club by mutual consent after a heavy 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain.
Beye arrives from Stade Rennais, where his tenure ended following a run of poor results. Despite that setback, Marseille moved quickly to secure his services.
He previously played for Marseille between 2003 and 2007. During that period, he captained the team and helped them win the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup. He also guided the club to the 2004 UEFA Cup final, where they finished runners-up to Valencia CF.
Marseille owner Frank McCourt welcomed the appointment.
“The appointment of Habib Beye, a top-level coach who also has a historical connection with OM, refocuses us on the challenges we still have to overcome between now and the end of the season.”
Director of Football Mehdi Benatia also expressed confidence in Beye’s leadership.
“Beye will take charge of a group that obviously needs to be remobilised after a difficult period on the pitch,” he said.
“From our very first discussions, he seemed extremely committed and completely focused on the future, with clear objectives for everyone: to quickly get back to winning ways, aim for a place on the Ligue 1 podium, and try to win the Coupe de France to give the people of Marseille a trophy.”
Beye is expected to lead the team in their upcoming away fixture against Stade Brestois 29 at the Stade Francis Le Blé.
The Habib Beye Olympique Marseille appointment also carries symbolic weight. African coaches remain underrepresented in Europe’s top leagues.
Last year, CAF praised his earlier move to Rennes. The continental body noted that his rise came at a time when African coaches were still fighting for recognition at elite level.
Beye previously coached Red Star FC and steadily built his reputation in France. Now, he takes charge of one of Ligue 1’s most demanding clubs.
Elsewhere in European football, Algeria defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has spoken highly of Riyad Mahrez following his move to Manchester City.
Ait-Nouri joined City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2025 for an initial £31 million fee. The full-back revealed that Mahrez played a key role in helping him understand life at the club.
“I talked a lot with him, even when I was at Wolverhampton,” Ait-Nouri said.
“And of course, at City, he told me about the club and the city. Everything he told me was true.
He told me the city was great, that we’d be warmly welcomed in the dressing room, that everyone was really nice, and that’s exactly what I found when I arrived.”
City currently sit second in the Premier League table with 58 points from 26 games. They will host Newcastle United on Saturday, and Ait-Nouri hopes to feature in the starting eleven.
