Mehdi Benatia has left his position as Sporting Director of Olympique de Marseille, the club confirmed on Friday. The former defender, who also played for Roma and Juventus, departs after two and a half years with the French side, having initially joined as a sporting consultant in late 2023 before being appointed director at the beginning of 2025.
Benatia’s tenure at the club saw Marseille finish second in Ligue 1 during the 2024-2025 season. The club statement highlighted his active role in the transfer market, credited with unlocking the potential of the squad, and a restructuring of the youth academy which is already showing positive signs. Marseille owner Frank McCourt praised Benatia’s “strong sense of responsibility” and commitment during a challenging period for the club, thanking him for completing the season despite the circumstances.
Benatia himself expressed his gratitude to McCourt for his unwavering trust, stating that his connection to the club would “remain with me forever.” He also wished Marseille every success in the future, acknowledging the passion of the club’s supporters and the city. The Moroccan international initially rose through the ranks at Marseille as a player, making his professional debut for the club.
Prior to his role in management, Benatia enjoyed a successful playing career, featuring prominently for Udinese, Roma, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Al-Duhail. He earned 63 caps for the Morocco national team, captaining the side at the 2018 World Cup. His appointment as Marseille’s Sporting Director represented a significant step into football administration for the experienced player.
Benatia’s departure leaves a void in the club’s leadership structure as they look to build on their recent success and compete for top honors in Ligue 1. The club has not yet announced a replacement for the former defender, and the search for a new Sporting Director is expected to begin immediately.
