Habib Beye appointed coach of Olympique de Marseille

Habib Beye has officially been unveiled as the new coach of French Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille on an interim basis.

The 48-year-old has signed a contract with the club until June 2027. Sacked by Stade Rennais last week, he replaces Roberto De Zerbi and marks his return to his boyhood club as a coach.

Olympique de Marseille announces the appointment of 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐛 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐞 as head coach of the first team. ✍️

Welcome home, 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐛 🔙💙 pic.twitter.com/6GlBpr2x02

— Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) February 18, 2026

As expected, Habib Beye is the new manager of Olympique de Marseille, his second Ligue 1 club, just days after being dismissed from Stade Rennais, the Marseille club announced on Wednesday, officially confirming an appointment that had been anticipated for several days.

Habib Beye has replaced Roberto De Zerbi

During the unveiling, Marseille did not specify the length of the contract, but according to French media, the 48-year-old Senegalese coach has signed for 18 months, until the end of the 2026-27 season.

In a statement, Marseille said: “This Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marks the return of Habib Beye to Olympique de Marseille.

“From the green pitch of the Orange Vélodrome to the touchline at the stadium on Boulevard Michelet, the circle seems complete, but the hardest part is probably still ahead, with a guiding principle identical to that which accompanied his playing career: leadership, hard work, and passion.”

Marseille had parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi after the club fell 5-0 to their arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain. Marseille are currently fourth in the table with 40 points as they aim for a UEFA Champions League spot next season.

Beye helped Stade Rennais avoid relegation upon his arrival last season, but results have not been satisfactory this campaign. The Brittany-based club are sixth with 34 points and failed to progress to the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France.

Habib Beye represented Senegal national team

Born in France, Habib Beye represented the Senegal national team, earning 45 caps between 2001 and 2008.

Formed at Paris Saint-Germain, he played in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg and Marseille. From 2007, he spent five years in England, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the Premier League, and Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Championship.

Beye was part of the Senegal squads at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2002 (runners-up), 2004, 2006 (semifinalists) and 2008, as well as a quarterfinalist at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.