As April 2026 approaches, Marseille sit sixth in Ligue 1. We analyse their tactical shift, key performers, transfer hits and misses, and what the club must do next summer to turn promise into progress.
In April 2026, Olympique de Marseille occupy 6th place in Ligue 1 with 52 points from 29 matches — a position that keeps European qualification within reach but far from guaranteed. They sit 7 points behind 4th-placed Lille and just 8 ahead of 8th-placed Nice, highlighting the fierce competition in France’s tightly packed mid-table. With no Coupe de la Ligue to fall back on, their only route to silverware now runs through league consistency or a deep cup run — neither of which has materialised.
Their early exit in the Coupe de France — a 1-0 defeat to Lorient in the last 16 — underlined a recurring flaw: an inability to impose themselves against lower-ranked sides in knockout football. The last time Marseille lifted a trophy was in 2010, and while the Vélodrome remains one of Europe’s most intimidating atmospheres, patience among fans is wearing thin. This season was billed as a potential breakthrough, but so far, it’s been one of incremental progress rather than transformation.
"Marseille are playing with more identity than in 2024-25, but they still lack the ruthlessness of a genuine contender," experts suggest.
New manager Frédéric Hantz, appointed in June 2025, has implemented a more aggressive 4-3-3 system built on high pressing and rapid transitions. The midfield trio, anchored by André Zambo Anguissa as a deep-lying playmaker, has helped Marseille become more dynamic in attack. As a result, they’ve scored 48 goals in 29 league games — their highest goals-per-game average (1.66) since 2018-19.
Yet defensive fragility remains a major concern. Marseille have conceded 41 goals (1.41 per game), the third-worst record among the top eight. Full-backs Nuno Tavares and Lenny Loría contribute offensively (9 combined assists) but often leave gaps behind. The central pairing of William Saliba (on loan from Arsenal) and Chancel Mbemba has been disrupted by injuries, preventing any real defensive cohesion.
Amine Gouiri has emerged as Marseille’s most consistent attacker, netting 14 goals with 5 assists — his best return since joining in 2023. His movement and finishing have revitalised the attack. Alongside him, Jonathan David has thrived as a creative second striker, registering 8 goals and 7 assists. Their partnership has been the season’s bright spot.
Conversely, Arkadiusz Milik, deployed as a false nine early on, managed just 3 goals in 18 appearances before fading from the starting XI. His lack of pace and link-up play exposed Marseille against compact defences. Lucas Paquetá, in the final year of his contract, showed flashes (6 goals, 4 assists) but struggled with consistency, visibly distracted by transfer speculation.
The summer of 2025 brought mixed results. William Saliba’s loan from Arsenal has been a qualified success — solid when fit, but limited to 14 appearances. The club must decide whether to trigger the €15M option. Lenny Loría, signed from Girona, has added width and flair (3 goals, 4 assists), proving a smart, low-cost addition.
Ibrahim Sangaré’s arrival from PSV was meant to strengthen midfield control, but injuries restricted him to just 9 league appearances. Meanwhile, the short-lived loan of Gonçalo Ramos from PSG yielded only 1 goal in 11 games — a clear miss. On the bright side, 19-year-old academy product Malcom Barcola has broken through with 4 goals and 3 assists, offering hope for the future.
With Paquetá and Milik likely departing, Marseille face a pivotal summer. They need a reliable central midfielder to dictate tempo and a long-term right-back. Defensive stability must be prioritised. Retaining Gouiri beyond 2027 is essential. Whether Hantz remains in charge, he’ll need stronger backing in the transfer market to build on this season’s fragile foundations.
Q: How is Olympique de Marseille's season going?
A: As of April 2026, Marseille are in 6th place in Ligue 1 with 52 points. The team has shown attacking improvement but remains inconsistent, especially defensively. European qualification is possible, but not secure. Early cup exits have added pressure.
Q: Who has been Olympique de Marseille's best player this season?
A: Amine Gouiri has been Marseille’s standout performer, scoring 14 goals and providing 5 assists. His energy, movement, and clinical finishing have made him the focal point of the attack under Frédéric Hantz.
Q: What should Olympique de Marseille do in the transfer window?
A: Marseille must prioritise defensive reinforcements — particularly a right-back and a controlling central midfielder. They should also secure Gouiri’s long-term future and ensure the manager has full support in recruitment to build a more balanced squad.
