Olympique de Marseille, one of the most successful and popular football clubs in France, has been home to numerous world-class players over the years. From domestic dominance to European triumphs, the club’s history is rich with legendary figures who have shaped its legacy.
Below, we highlight the best Marseille players of all time, showcasing their achievements, skills, and contributions to the club’s storied history.
10. Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba’s single season at Olympique de Marseille was brief but immensely impactful. The Ivorian striker made a significant impression, scoring 32 goals in 55. Drogba’s power, skill, and leadership on the field helped elevate Marseille to new heights, and his performances earned him a move to Chelsea.
At Chelsea he would go on to become one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. Despite his short stint, Drogba’s time at Marseille remains an important chapter in the club’s history, making him one of the best Marseille players ever.
9. Roger Scotti
Roger Scotti may not be a household name for many outside of Marseille, but his importance to the club during the 1940s and 50s cannot be overstated. A powerful defender, Scotti made 452 appearances for Marseille between 1942 and 1958.
His toughness, defensive solidity, and leadership were key components of the team, especially during their dominance in French football. Scotti helped Marseille to the French Division 1 title in 1948 and a Coupe de France title in 1943, cementing his place as one of Marseille’s greatest.
8. Fabien Barthez
Fabien Barthez is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in French football history, and his contributions to Olympique de Marseille during the late 1990s were vital. The French shot-stopper joined Marseille in 1992, and over six seasons, he played a crucial role in securing the 1993 UEFA Champions League title.
Across 193 appearances Barthez built a strong reputation for his quick reflexes, commanding presence, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His influence at Marseille solidified his reputation as one of the best Marseille players to have ever donned the shirt.
7. Dimitri Payet
Dimitri Payet served as a transformative figure for Marseille after debuting in 2013. After two seasons he enjoyed a spell with West Ham before returning to the club two seasons later. Payet has been one of the most creative and influential players in French football. With his dazzling dribbling, precise passing, and ability to score spectacular goals, Payet has been directly involved in many of Marseille’s most important victories.
All up Payet featured in 326 games and scored 78 goals and 95 assists, making him one of the best Marseille players and among the most productive players in recent memory. His leadership and exceptional skill set ensure that Payet earns a place among the clubs greatest.
6. Steve Mandanda
Steve Mandanda is a club legend at Marseille and one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history. Mandanda joined the club in 2007 and became a mainstay between the posts, amassing 613 appearances for the club across all competitions. He has been the team’s captain for several years, playing an instrumental role in their success, including their 2010 Ligue 1 title.
The five-time Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the year built a reputation for his consistency, reflexes, and leadership, Mandanda’s reliability in goal has made him a beloved figure among the Marseille faithful.
5. Basile Boli
Basile Boli is an iconic figure in Olympique de Marseille’s history, known for his rock-solid defending and his crucial goal in the 1993 UEFA Champions League final. The French center-back joined the club for the 1990-91 season and played an integral role in their European triumph, helping Marseille win their first and only Champions League title to date.
Boli was a commanding presence in defense and a key figure in Marseille’s dominance of French football in the early 1990s. His leadership, defensive prowess, and memorable moments make him one of the best Marseille players ever despite only four seasons at the club.
4. Josip Skoblar
Josip Skoblar is one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of Olympique de Marseille. The Croatian striker played for the club for seven seasons with spells split by three seasons in the Bundesliga with Hannover.
Skoblar’s clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net made him an integral part of Marseille’s attack during his time at the club, scoring 175 goals. The Croatian star also earned the European Golden Shoe in 1971, was a three-time league top scorer as well as helping guide the club to two league titles.
3. Gunnar Andersson
Gunnar Andersson was one of the most prolific forwards in the history of Olympique de Marseille. A Swedish international, Andersson played for the club from 1950 for nine seasons scoring 179 goals in 234 Ligue 1 appearances. His 194 goals in all competitions is an all-time record for Marseille.
Andersson’s exceptional finishing ability and knack for being in the right place at the right time made him one of the most deadly strikers in French football during the 1950s. Although the club didn’t win a league title during his time, his remarkable goal-scoring feats saw him finish twice top league goalscorer and remains one of the best Marseille players of all time.
2. Jean-Pierre Papin
Jean-Pierre Papin is an iconic figure in the history of Olympique de Marseille, known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities and his significant role in the club’s successes during the late 1980s and early 1990s across six seasons.
Papin scored 184 goals in 278 appearances for Marseille, earning the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1991. His elegance on the ball, clinical finishing, and ability to perform in crucial moments made him one of the best strikers of his generation. Papin was an essential figure in Marseille’s rise to prominence during the 1990s helping the club to four Ligue 1 titles and European Cup runners-up in 1991.
1. Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps is not only one of the greatest players in the history of Olympique de Marseille, but also one of the most important figures in French football. Deschamps captained Marseille to their 1993 UEFA Champions League victory, the club’s crowning achievement.
Known for his leadership, defensive discipline, and ability to dictate play from midfield, Deschamps was the glue that held together a star-studded Marseille team. He played an instrumental role in the club’s domestic and European successes, winning two Ligue 1 titles and a Champions League trophy. His legacy as a player, leader, and club captain makes him the best Marseille player of all time.
Conclusion
The best Marseille players are not just talented individuals; they are icons who have defined the club’s identity, both in France and on the European stage. From Didier Deschamps’ leadership to Jean-Pierre Papin’s goal-scoring feats, these players have helped Marseille secure their place among the giants of world football.
Their remarkable contributions to the club’s success will be remembered for generations, ensuring their status as legends of Olympique de Marseille.
