Souleymane Diawara Bids Farewell to Marseille with Hall of Fame Honour
Saturday marked the end of an era at the Stade Vélodrome as Senegalese defender Souleymane Diawara played his final match for Olympique de Marseille. After five years of service to the club, Diawara, 35, is departing at the end of his contract this June, closing a chapter that saw him become one of OM’s most recognisable figures in recent years.
Ahead of the final Ligue 1 game of the season against Guingamp, Diawara received a heartfelt tribute from the club. OM president Vincent Labrune presented the veteran centre-back with a special collector’s jersey emblazoned with his number 21 and his name. But the tribute didn’t stop there — Labrune made a stunning announcement: the number 21 shirt would be retired in Diawara’s honour.
With this gesture, Diawara becomes the first player to be inducted into the newly established OM Hall of Fame — an accolade reserved for those who have made an indelible mark on the club’s history.
While the ceremony was emotional and well-orchestrated, the decision to retire the jersey number sparked debate among Marseille supporters. Many took to social media and fan forums to express surprise, questioning whether Diawara’s contribution, though notable, justified such an exceptional honour.
Diawara joined Marseille in 2009 and was a key figure in the club’s Ligue 1 title-winning season of 2009–10 under Didier Deschamps, also helping OM to consecutive Coupe de la Ligue triumphs. Known for his physicality and leadership on the pitch, he earned respect from teammates and coaches alike.
Though his final seasons were marred by injuries and a reduced role in the squad, Diawara remained a symbol of Marseille’s competitive spirit during a successful period for the club. His farewell, both celebratory and controversial, reflects his complex but undeniable legacy at OM.
As Diawara steps away from the Vélodrome, his next move remains unknown — whether retirement or a new adventure abroad. But for now, he leaves behind a historic number and a legacy that will continue to stir debate in Marseille football circles.
