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Marseille: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century

Hooligan Soccer
·2 min read
Marseille: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century
Marseille: Top 10 Players Since the 21st Century

Marseille has been home to some of football’s finest talents, playing a key role in shaping the club’s legacy in the 21st century. Here are the top 10 players who left their mark on OM’s modern era.

Didier Drogba

(<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/134803508@N03/22176860050" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 55

  • Goals + Assists: 32 goals + 5 assists = 37 G+A

  • Overview: Drogba’s sole season at Marseille in 2003-04 was nothing short of spectacular, with his goals propelling the team to the UEFA Cup final and making him a fan favorite.

Dimitri Payet

(<a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2023/08/13/marseille-stalwart-payet-joins-brazils-vasco-da-gama/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 326 (across two spells, as of now)

  • Goals + Assists: 78 goals + 91 assists = 169 G+A

  • Overview: A creative genius, Payet has been Marseille’s midfield maestro, dazzling with his dribbling, vision, and stunning free kicks over two spells at the club.

Steve Mandanda

(<a href="https://www.khondrion.com/Steve-Mandanda-of-Olympique-De-Marseille-Editorial-Image-Image-m-10907813.htm" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 613

  • Clean Sheets: 200+

  • Overview: A club legend and a commanding goalkeeper, Mandanda’s longevity and consistency have made him an iconic figure at Marseille.

Florian Thauvin

(<a href="https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2018/11/26/thauvin-treble-sees-marseille-home-in-on-ligue-1-top-four/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 281

  • Goals + Assists: 86 goals + 61 assists = 147 G+A

  • Overview: Known for his incredible left foot, Thauvin’s attacking contributions helped Marseille remain competitive domestically and in Europe.

Samir Nasri

(<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ronmacphotos/5092797794" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 166

  • Goals + Assists: 12 goals + 20 assists = 32 G+A

  • Overview: A product of Marseille’s academy, Nasri impressed with his technical skills and playmaking ability before leaving for Arsenal.

Mathieu Valbuena

(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Valais_Cup_2013_-_OM-FC_Porto_13-07-2013_-_Mathieu_Valbuena.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 330

  • Goals + Assists: 38 goals + 59 assists = 97 G+A

  • Overview: Small in stature but big in talent, Valbuena’s creativity and work rate made him a key player during his time at Marseille.

Lucho González

(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lucho_González_FC_Porto_2013.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 124

  • Goals + Assists: 16 goals + 33 assists = 49 G+A

  • Overview: A classy midfielder, González was instrumental in Marseille’s 2009-10 Ligue 1 title win, contributing with his vision and technical brilliance.

Gabriel Heinze

(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gabriel_Heinze_en_Newell%27s_Old_Boys_%282022%29.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 91

  • Goals + Assists: 10 goals + 3 assists = 13 G+A

  • Overview: A versatile and rugged defender, Heinze was crucial to Marseille’s defense during their Ligue 1 triumph in 2009-10.

André-Pierre Gignac

(<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OM_-_FC_Porto_-_Valais_Cup_2013_-_André-Pierre_Gignac_%28cropped%29.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Source;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Source</a>)
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  • Games Played: 188

  • Goals + Assists: 77 goals + 11 assists = 88 G+A

  • Overview: Gignac was a prolific striker for Marseille, leading their attack with physicality, precision, and a knack for scoring crucial goals.

Benoît Cheyrou

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  • Games Played: 304

  • Goals + Assists: 28 goals + 35 assists = 63 G+A

  • Overview: A consistent and reliable midfielder, Cheyrou was known for his tactical intelligence and long-range passing, playing a significant role in Marseille’s midfield.