Medhi Benatia will leave his position as director of football at Olympique de Marseille on Monday, May 18th, the club confirmed on Saturday. The departure will come the day after the conclusion of the Ligue 1 season.
Benatia initially resigned from the role in February, but agreed to remain in his post for a further few months at the request of club owner Frank McCourt. McCourt released a statement praising Benatia’s “strong sense of responsibility and sincere attachment” to Marseille, highlighting his commitment “during a demanding period for the club.”
Benatia himself expressed gratitude to McCourt for his unwavering trust, stating that the relationship would remain a cherished memory. He wished the club success, believing Marseille and its supporters deserve it. The Moroccan international’s time in the role has been met with some scrutiny regarding his recruitment and management decisions, though his presence in post-match press conferences will be missed.
Benatia’s playing career included spells at Bayern Munich, Roma, and Juventus, establishing him as a prominent defender in European football. He earned 51 caps for Morocco, captaining the side at the 2018 World Cup. He initially joined Marseille in 2016, spending one season as a player before transitioning into an off-field role in 2020. His return to the club was intended to provide stability and direction, but the period has been turbulent.
The timing of Benatia’s departure leaves Marseille with a significant void to fill ahead of a crucial summer transfer window. The club will be aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for Champions League qualification next season, and finding a suitable replacement for Benatia will be a priority. The search for a new director of football is expected to begin immediately.
