After a year in Saudi Arabia, Pierre-Emérik Aubameyang returned to the Olympique de Marseille at the age of 36. This decision, called “come-back noticed” by Alain Giresse, a former Gabonese breeder, demonstrates a strong commitment on the part of the player to the competition. The announcement of this return surprised many observers, as Aubameyang had initially opted for a project in the Middle East. He signed a two-year contract with OM, motivated by the sporting challenge and favouring this ambition over financial considerations, as he had already demonstrated by refusing considerable offers from Qatar in the time of Borussia Dortmund. This return to Europe could also be strategic for the next international deadlines with the Gabonese national team, including CAN 2025 and potentially the 2026 World Cup.

The arrival of Aubameyang is part of an ambitious offensive strategy of the Olympique de Marseille, which also relies on recruits like Greenwood and Gouri. Roberto De Zerbi, the Marseille coach, confirmed his wish to retain him last year and seems ready to fully integrate him into his project. However, De Zerbi’s comments on the rivalry between OM and PSG have generated mixed reactions. Florian Gautreau, a reporter for RMC, analyses this as a bold and even “politically incorrect” position, but also as an attempt to defuse popular pressure around important matches, where OM often appears to be at a disadvantage in sport.

According to Gautreau, De Zerbi seeks to refocus OM’s ambitions on more realistic goals, such as qualifying in the Champions League or a place on the podium, meeting the expectations of fans for many years. He wants to free his players from the psychological weight of the encounters against the PSG, which have often been perceived as national finals and have potentially affected their performance. This strategic repositioning, albeit risky, demonstrates a willingness to build a strong long-term project, less dependent on symbols and more rooted in sport. This is a necessary bet to enable OM to regain its stability and ambitions, recognizing the current hierarchy of French football where the PSG remains far superior.