Olympique de Marseille have appointed Habib Beye as their new head coach, one week after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi.
The Ligue 1 club confirmed on Wednesday, 18 February, that the former defender and captain has signed a contract running until 2027, marking a return to a side he represented as a player between 2003 and 2007.
Beye now steps into his first managerial role at the club where he previously wore the armband, moving from the pitch to the dugout with the task of guiding Marseille forward after a change on the bench.
His appointment had appeared likely in recent days, and the official confirmation ends speculation about who would succeed De Zerbi following the Italian’s exit last week.
The Senegal international’s immediate focus will be preparing the team for their upcoming league fixture away to Stade Brestois 29 on Friday, which will mark his first match in charge.
Beye’s history with Marseille remains central to the move.
During his four seasons at the club, he established himself as a senior figure in the squad and was entrusted with the captaincy before departing in 2007.
He now returns nearly two decades later to lead the same club from the technical area.
Marseille hope the familiarity and connection between coach and institution will help stabilise the team following the managerial change, with the long-term contract underlining the club’s intention to build around the former defender.
For Beye, the appointment represents both a homecoming and a new chapter — taking responsibility for results at a club where he once led from the back line, and now from the sidelines.
