Greenwood’s Remarkable Comeback Amidst Ongoing Controversy

omidbasir- Mason Greenwood has made a significant impact in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 10 goals and establishing himself as one of the league’s most influential attackers at just 23 years old. Since his move to France, Greenwood has revitalized his performance, regained his confidence, and solidified his role within the team. Despite facing some criticism for inconsistency in the past, this season marks his most well-rounded performance to date, exemplified by his brace in a commanding 5-1 victory against Nice.

However, his resurgence has also rekindled media scrutiny regarding his troubled past, which includes serious allegations of attempted rape and assault from 2022. Although these charges were dismissed a year later due to a lack of cooperation and new evidence, the stigma lingers, particularly within England, where he has faced persistent fan abuse.

Coach Roberto De Zerbi has commended Greenwood’s character both on and off the pitch, stating, “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 has a very reserved personality, and it saddens me what happened to him because I know a very different person from the one portrayed in England.” De Zerbi noted that Greenwood has been performing well in matches, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

After the charges against Greenwood were dropped in early 2023, Manchester United acknowledged his past mistakes but concluded that the evidence did not justify terminating his contract. Nonetheless, internal and external pressures rendered his return to the club unfeasible. This led to a temporary stint at Getafe, followed by a more permanent opportunity at Marseille.

Within the Marseille squad, Greenwood is perceived as a diligent and respectful teammate, contrasting sharply with the public narrative that surrounds 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 success in club football, Greenwood’s international future remains uncertain. Reports indicate that he aspires to represent England again, even though he has been effectively sidelined by the FA and coach Thomas Tuchel. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the chances of him realizing this dream appear slim, yet those close to him insist he remains hopeful.

Greenwood does have an alternative path; he has obtained Jamaican citizenship through familial ties and has been approached by Jamaican national team coach Steve McClaren regarding World Cup qualifying matches. However, communication has been challenging, as McClaren has since left his role as head coach.

Greenwood’s comeback in Ligue 1 has been nothing short of remarkable, finishing last season as a joint top scorer with 21 goals and six assists, directly contributing to Marseille’s return to the Champions League. While he has excelled on the pitch, rebuilding one’s reputation is a slower process. Even after Manchester United acknowledged their earlier mistakes, Greenwood continues to face hostility and scrutiny, particularly from English fanbases, who have followed him across borders with social media abuse and hostile chants.