Marseille receive hero’s welcome in Abidjan ahead of pre-season friendly in Ivory Coast

French Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille have arrived in Ivory Coast to begin an important phase of their preparations for the 2026/27 season, receiving a colourful and enthusiastic welcome from fans and local performers upon landing in Abidjan.

The Marseille delegation, made up of players, coaches and club officials, arrived in midweek, where they were greeted with a vibrant reception that reflected the strong football culture and passion for the French club in West Africa.

Traditional folk dance groups welcomed the visitors as they stepped off the plane, creating a festive atmosphere and giving the Marseille squad a memorable introduction to their stay in Ivory Coast. The warm reception highlighted the close football ties between France and Ivory Coast, as well as the popularity of Olympique de Marseille among Ivorian supporters.

The visit forms part of Marseille’s pre-season programme as the club intensifies preparations ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign. The French outfit will spend several days training in Abidjan, using the trip to improve fitness levels, build team chemistry and fine-tune tactical plans before the start of the domestic season.

Marseille’s coaching staff are expected to use the training camp to assess players, integrate new arrivals into the squad and give valuable minutes to several members of the team ahead of the competitive campaign.

As part of their stay, Olympique de Marseille will play a high-profile friendly match against Ivorian side Yamoussoukro FC. The encounter is scheduled for Friday, July 17, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm GMT at the iconic Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

The match is expected to attract a large crowd, with local football fans eager to watch one of France’s most successful clubs in action. It will also provide Yamoussoukro FC with a rare opportunity to test themselves against elite European opposition.

For Marseille, the friendly represents another crucial step in their preparations as they continue building momentum for the 2026/27 season. Beyond the football, the club’s visit is also expected to strengthen its connection with supporters across Africa, where Olympique de Marseille enjoys a significant following.

With excitement building ahead of Friday’s friendly, Marseille will be hoping their time in Ivory Coast provides the perfect platform to launch a successful new campaign.