Greenwood’s Remarkable Return to Form Amidst Controversy

With 10 goals in Ligue 1 this season, 23-year-old Mason Greenwood has quickly reestablished himself as one of the league’s most impactful attackers. Since arriving in France, he has worked diligently to regain his rhythm, confidence, and place within the squad. Despite occasional criticism for inconsistency, this season stands out as his most comprehensive performance yet. His recent brace in a commanding 5-1 victory against Nice underscored why he was once heralded as one of England’s most promising talents.

However, his resurgence in form also brings renewed scrutiny. As English journalists prepare to meet him again at the Velodrome for the Champions League match between Marseille and Newcastle, they continue to link him to his tumultuous past, which includes allegations of attempted rape and assault in 2022. Although the case was dismissed a year later due to retracted cooperation and new evidence, the stigma remains, particularly in England, where he has faced ongoing fan abuse.

Coach Roberto De Zerbi has expressed admiration for Greenwood’s character both on and off the pitch. He stated, “I never delve into the players’ private lives. But what I can say is that he’s a good person. He paid a heavy price for what happened. He arrived in the right environment and behaved well. He has a very reserved personality. It saddens me what happened to him because I know a very different person from the one portrayed in England.”

De Zerbi further noted, “In matches against Atalanta and Lisbon, he performed admirably. While performances may vary, we are pleased with his progress, as I mentioned after the Nice match. He is evolving into an increasingly complete player.”

Following the dismissal of his charges in 2023, Manchester United acknowledged that Greenwood had “made mistakes” but concluded that the evidence did not justify terminating his contract. Yet, internal and external pressures rendered his return to the club unfeasible. Getafe provided a temporary opportunity for resurgence, while Marseille has now offered a more permanent solution.

Within the Marseille squad, Greenwood is regarded as a respectful and industrious player, a stark contrast to the public persona that has shadowed him. Teammate Angel Gomes remarked, “It all depends on the environment he’s given. He’s a really nice guy… when he’s on the pitch, he’s having fun. As a friend, it’s even nicer.”

Despite his progress on the field, Greenwood’s future remains uncertain. Reports indicate that he still aspires to play for the England national team, even though he has effectively been sidelined by the FA and coach Thomas Tuchel. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, this dream seems increasingly distant, although those close to him believe he remains hopeful.

Greenwood also has another avenue to pursue; he has acquired Jamaican citizenship through family ties and was recently contacted by Jamaica’s coach Steve McClaren regarding World Cup qualifiers. Unfortunately, McClaren was unable to reach Greenwood, and has since departed from his coaching position.

Greenwood’s revival at Marseille has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he netted 21 league goals and provided six assists, finishing as a joint top scorer in Ligue 1. His contributions directly earned Marseille 16 points, aiding in the club’s return to the Champions League.

From a sporting perspective, he has fulfilled all expectations laid before him. However, rebuilding a reputation is a gradual process, often lagging behind athletic performance. Although Manchester United has acknowledged their missteps, hostility—especially from English fanbases—follows him across borders, manifesting in social media abuse, chants, and ongoing scrutiny during matches, perpetuating a narrative that the legal system has moved past.