Former Senegal international Habib Beye returns to Marseille as manager

The 48-year-old was confirmed by Marseille on Wednesday, just days after being dismissed by Stade Rennais. He replaces Roberto De Zerbi, who parted ways with the club following a heavy 5-0 defeat to arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain, Pan Africa Football wrote.

While Marseille did not officially disclose the length of Beye's contract, French media report that he has signed an 18-month deal that will keep him at the Orange Velodrome until the end of the 2026-27 season.

"This Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the return of Habib Beye to Olympique de Marseille," the club said in a statement.

"From the green pitch of the Orange Velodrome to the touchline on Boulevard Michelet, the circle seems complete. But the hardest part is probably still ahead, with the same guiding principles that marked his playing career: leadership, hard work and passion."

Beye takes over with Marseille currently fourth in the Ligue 1 standings on 40 points as they push for qualification to next season's UEFA Champions League.

His appointment comes shortly after his departure from Stade Rennais, where he had guided the club away from relegation danger upon his arrival last season.

However, results proved inconsistent during the current campaign, with Rennes sitting sixth on 34 points and exiting the Coupe de France before the quarter-final stage.

Born in France, Beye represented the Senegal national football team between 2001 and 2008, earning 45 caps. He featured at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, finishing runners-up in 2002 and reaching the semi-finals in 2006, while also helping Senegal reach the quarter-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

At club level, Beye came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain before enjoying spells with Strasbourg and Marseille. He later spent five years in England with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Doncaster Rovers.