Ethan Nwaneri has made a stunning debut for Marseille, becoming the latest young talent to join the club’s history books.
The 18-year-old English forward, who arrived on a loan deal from Arsenal this winter, scored a brilliant goal in his first Ligue 1 appearance against RC Lens on Saturday, helping OM secure a strong performance at the Vélodrome.
By finding the net on his debut, Nwaneri has become only the second player in Marseille’s history to score in the top flight after a January arrival, following Mario Balotelli’s winter signing in 2019.
His feat also draws parallels with Didier Drogba, who scored on his Ligue 1 debut for Guingamp in January 2002 after leaving Le Mans.
Nwaneri’s performance impressed both fans and coach Roberto De Zerbi, who highlighted the young forward’s maturity and technical ability.
“Nwaneri is a very high-level player, but he will become a great player,” De Zerbi told Téléfoot, praising his composure and confidence on the pitch.
The midfielder’s early impact underlines Marseille’s ambition to strengthen their squad in the second half of the season, while also giving Nwaneri valuable top-flight experience.
The English prospect now joins a select group of debut scorers, cementing his name alongside iconic figures in club history.
For supporters at the Vélodrome, the display offered a glimpse of a promising future, as Nwaneri combines youthful energy with clinical finishing.
With the remainder of the season ahead, all eyes will be on the teenager to see if he can maintain this impressive start and contribute consistently to Marseille’s campaign.
