Marseille FC frappe fort : un attaquant vedette signe dans un transfert record de dernière minute (Marseille FC Strikes Big: Star Striker Signs in Last-Minute Record Transfer)

Olympique de Marseille (OM) are back on the global stage after the French Football League (LFP) confirmed that the 2025 Trophée des Champions—France’s Super Cup—will be played on 8 January at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City, pitting Marseille FC against arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain. The decision marks the second straight year the season-opening showcase is exported outside France, a move designed to boost Ligue 1’s international visibility and commercial appeal. For Marseille, whose passionate fanbase stretches far beyond the Mediterranean port city, the Gulf venue offers a chance to reignite their global brand just as the 2025-26 campaign gathers momentum. Key talking points • Trophy drought on the line Marseille have not lifted the Trophée des Champions since 2011. Ending that 14-year wait would hand new coach Roberto De Zerbi an instant piece of silverware and inject belief into a squad chasing its first Ligue 1 title since 2010. • January fitness puzzle Because the match falls midway through the league calendar, De Zerbi must balance player freshness with the club’s packed domestic and European schedule. Midfield anchor Geoffrey Kondogbia (calf) and winger Ismaïla Sarr (hamstring) are racing the clock to be fit, while winter transfer activity could alter the line-up that faces PSG. • Commercial boost in the Gulf OM’s American owner Frank McCourt has prioritized international partnerships; visibility in Kuwait may accelerate talks with Middle-East sponsors and help finance long-planned upgrades to the Stade Vélodrome. Recent form and transfer rumblings After an inconsistent start, Marseille tightened up defensively in September, conceding just once in their last four matches across all competitions. The improved shape coincided with the emergence of teenage centre-back Jelle Van Nevel, signed from Club Brugge this summer. Behind the scenes, sporting director Mehdi Benatia is already working on the winter window. Sources in England say OM are preparing a second bid for Brighton loanee Matt O’Riley following an impressive run of three goals and two assists in eight Ligue 1 outings. A permanent deal near €18 million is being discussed, though Brighton want closer to €22 million plus bonuses. What victory in Kuwait would mean • Psychological edge over PSG ahead of the league run-in. • UEFA coefficient points, since a Super Cup win counts toward France’s domestic prestige. • Additional prize money and broadcast revenue estimated at €3 million—funds that could underwrite January reinforcements. Travel plans for supporters The club has allocated 4,000 tickets to OM fans, with charter packages departing Marseille-Provence Airport on 6 January and returning the morning after the match. French citizens can obtain a Kuwait e-visa online within 48 hours, but fans are urged to check vaccination and entry requirements well in advance. Looking ahead Before the Gulf showdown, Marseille face a crucial December stretch that includes league fixtures against Monaco and Lyon plus the Europa League group finale versus Real Betis. De Zerbi hopes to seal European qualification early so he can rotate the squad and land in Kuwait with maximum energy. SEO keywords: Marseille FC, Olympique de Marseille, OM, French Super Cup, Trophee des Champions, Kuwait, Paris Saint-Germain, PSG vs Marseille, Ligue 1 2025-26, Matt O’Riley transfer.