Weah Thrives in Marseille’s Unique Football Culture

Marseille is known for its fervent fan base, with the Stade Velodrome echoing with excitement when the team performs well. However, the club often faces mixed opinions across France. While they may lack neutral support, they unapologetically embrace their identity.

Timothy Weah has seamlessly integrated into this environment. The 25-year-old winger is content in his own “bubble,” confident in the unwavering support from both the fans and his teammates.

This strong sense of community was a key factor in Weah’s decision to join Marseille after leaving Serie A giants Juventus. He spent two seasons with the Bianconeri, having transitioned from Lille in 2023.

In an interview with Le Dauphine Libere, Weah expressed his enthusiasm for life on the Mediterranean coast: “I put myself in my own bubble… but it’s also a thrill, an honour. Playing in a stadium full for every match, with the shouts of the fans, is special. There aren’t many similar stadiums in the world.”

He added, “I really want to succeed here. In France, all the other clubs and fans are against OM. We are opposed everywhere, and I like this aspect of being alone against everyone.”

Although Marseille fans pride themselves on their uniqueness, they have a notable presence beyond the south of France. Weah discovered this during his travels across the country, saying, “It’s funny, I run into more OM supporters than PSG supporters in Paris. Every time I go back up there to see friends, I meet OM fans. That’s also what shocked me. It’s incredible. We’re everywhere!”

Weah joined Marseille on an initial season-long loan that includes an obligation to buy, with a fee of €14.4 million (£13m/$17m) agreed upon, potentially rising to around €20 million (£17m/$23m) based on performance-related add-ons.

Despite interest from Premier League clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Weah chose Marseille, stating that when they contacted him, he felt there was only one option. “For me, it’s perfect. There’s competition. We know the stadium and the fans,” he remarked.

At Juventus, Weah’s versatility was utilized as he occasionally played as a wing-back, but Marseille has allowed him to advance further up the pitch. Currently, he has recorded 47 senior international caps.

Regarding his positional preferences, Weah conveyed his willingness to adapt: “I don’t have a favourite position when I arrive at a new club. The coach sees me as a utility player. All I want is to win.”

So far, Weah has scored two goals for Marseille in 21 appearances, with his first goal occurring in the prestigious setting of the Santiago Bernabeu during a Champions League match against Real Madrid. He continues to impress alongside teammates like Greenwood, positioning himself as a key player for the USMNT ahead of the upcoming home World Cup this summer, where head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to select several top-performing players from Europe.