Habib Beye. Photo by Nathan Barange/DPPI/Shutterstock (15632119af)
Thursday Feb 19, 2026. 11:57
Senegal legend Habib Beye has been appointed as the new head coach of French powerhouse Olympique de Marseille.
The 48-year-old replaces Roberto De Zerbi, who departed the nine-time Ligue 1 champions by mutual consent last week following a heavy 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain and a challenging period.
Beye, who won 45 caps for the Lions of Teranga, is returning to Marseille, where he played and captained the side from 2003 to 2007.
During his time with Marseille, the retired right-back helped secure the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup and guided the team to the UEFA Cup final in 2004 (finishing as runners-up).
Frank McCourt, Marseille’s owner, commented: “The appointment of Habib Beye, a top-level coach who also has a historical connection with OM, refocuses us on the challenges we still have to overcome between now and the end of the season.”
Marseille’s Director of Football, former Morocco international Medhi Benatia, added: “The choice of Habib Beye as OM’s new coach is fully in line with our desire to recruit a manager with the necessary leadership to take charge of a group that obviously needs to be remobilized after a difficult period on the pitch.
“From our very first discussions, he seemed extremely committed and completely focused on the future, with clear objectives for everyone: to quickly get back to winning ways, aim for a place on the Ligue 1 podium, and try to win the Coupe de France in order to give the people of Marseille a trophy.”
Beye arrives at Marseille after a brief and turbulent stint at Ligue 1 rivals Rennes, where he was sacked just over a week ago following a run of poor results.
The Suresnes-born tactician is set to be officially unveiled on Thursday, with his first match in charge coming on Friday away at Stade Brestois 29 at the Stade Francis Le Blé.