Olympique de Marseille have confirmed the signing of 16-year-old Moroccan striker Ziyad Baha, with the highly rated teenager publicly setting out the reasons behind his decision to leave Spain and begin a new chapter in France.
The move had been widely anticipated in recent weeks, and Marseille’s announcement ends speculation surrounding the future of one of the most promising forwards of his age group.
Baha arrives from Spain, where he developed within the youth systems of Malaga and Real Betis, and joins a club renowned for its demanding environment and passionate support.
Baha’s reputation has grown rapidly through his performances on the international stage. The young forward played a central role in Morocco’s triumph at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring four goals as the team lifted the trophy.
That form continued at the Under-17 World Cup, where he again found the net four times and helped the Atlas Lions reach the quarter-finals.
The striker is the son of former Morocco international Nabil Baha, who also served as head coach of the Under-17 national side during those tournaments.
Despite strong interest and encouragement to remain at Real Betis, the teenager ultimately chose to pursue a different route in his development.
In a message posted on Instagram, Baha explained the thinking behind his decision.
“ A new chapter begins with Olympique de Marseille. I have already been training and progressing in Marseille for a month.
After reflection, I have chosen to follow a different path, despite the opportunities to continue at Real Betis, because I wanted to take a step that corresponds to my ambitions and my development as a footballer ,” he wrote.
His statement reflected a maturity beyond his years, as he outlined his desire to grow in a new environment and test himself at a club with high expectations.
Marseille have increasingly positioned themselves as a destination for young talent, offering structured development alongside significant exposure.
Baha believes the club provides the right setting to continue his progression.
“ This new chapter is an opportunity to push myself every day, to continue learning and to take on new challenges at the highest level,” he added, before concluding: “Straight to the Goal. Hard work, consistency and discipline will always speak for themselves .”
While still at an early stage of his career, Baha is widely viewed as one of the emerging figures of Moroccan football’s next generation.
His move to Marseille represents a long-term investment, with the forward aiming to fulfil his potential both at club level and, in time, with the senior Atlas Lions side.
Ziyad Baha (16) 𝗔 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗘́ dans les rangs de l’Olympique de Marseille. 🇫🇷✍️ pic.twitter.com/VhaI20REDS
— ᴍᴏᴜɴᴛᴀᴋʜᴀʙ ғᴏᴏᴛ 🇲🇦 (@MountakhabFoot) January 23, 2026
