Mason Greenwood’s Journey: From Allegations to Success at Marseille

omidbasir- During his tenure with Manchester United, Mason Greenwood was embroiled in allegations of attempted rape and assault. These charges were discontinued in February 2023, allowing him to return to professional football.

In the 2023-24 season, Greenwood had a fruitful loan spell in Spain with Getafe, which paved the way for a £27 million ($37 million) transfer to Marseille. He concluded his debut season in France as a co-winner of the Ligue 1 Golden Boot, sharing the honor with Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele.

Across 64 appearances, Greenwood scored 42 goals, proving to be a valuable addition for Marseille. However, the club was fully aware of the public scrutiny surrounding his transfer when negotiating with Premier League side Manchester United.

Pablo Longoria, Marseille’s president, shared insights with The Telegraph regarding his discussions with Greenwood’s mother, Begona, before finalizing the transfer. He emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “Creating taboos in life is never positive. From a sporting perspective, this was a significant market opportunity that we analyzed thoroughly, considering all the circumstances.”

Longoria recounted seeking advice from his mother, who has experience within the Spanish prison system. He asked her opinion, and she counseled him to proceed with the transfer, emphasizing the need for a decision made from a purely human standpoint rather than a sporting one.

Addressing the potential backlash of signing Greenwood, Longoria noted, “When you have complete information, you handle it with normality. There is indeed criticism, and I acknowledge that it carries potential reputational risks. However, if you believe you are making the right decision, you can rest easy. Mason is a good kid.”

Longoria highlighted the importance of not making judgments without understanding all facets of the situation. He asserted, “It is vital to recognize that what occurs outside of football matters as well.”

Longoria expressed his belief that Greenwood has emerged as one of the top players in the world. When asked if Marseille could retain him amidst interest from other European clubs, he responded, “We are pleased with his performance. The talent is evident. It’s crucial that we are aligned, especially given the financial landscape of French football. If we are on the same page regarding Mason, he has a promising future here. I aim to support his continued growth.”

This season, Greenwood has already netted 20 goals in 28 games, once again topping the Ligue 1 scoring charts. He is under contract with Stade Velodrome until 2029, with Manchester United entitled to 50 percent of any transfer fee should he be sold, although this clause may be subject to renegotiation before the summer window in 2026.