Mehdi Benatia steps down amidst turmoil at Marseille

Medhi Benatia announced his resignation from his role as sporting director of Olympique de Marseille. The former Morocco international resigned from his post on Monday, February 9.

Benatia, 38, stated that the climate the club is in forced him to rethink his position at the club. In a lengthy post on his official Facebook page, the former center back said the club’s recent poor form pushed him toward the exit.

“Despite recent setbacks and some cruel sporting scenarios, the project is moving forward, but I cannot ignore the current climate. I feel a growing dissatisfaction, a rift that I deeply regret. In Marseille, the result is the only ultimate judge.”

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— MBenatia5 (@MedhiBenatia) February 15, 2026

OM suffered a heavy 0-5 loss to bitter rivals Paris Saint-Germain in the biggest French derby, Le Classique, last weekend. The heavy defeat resulted in the resignation of Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi, with Benatia following suit a day later.

The former defender added that Marseille remain in contention to play in the UEFA Champions League next season. The southern French port side exited the Champions League and are currently fourth in Ligue 1 with 40 points. They were held to a 2-2 draw against Strasbourg on Saturday, February 14, at the Stade Velodrome.

Benatia was first named sporting director in 2023. He has been a close ally of club president Pablo Longoria and owner Frank McCourt. OM are now without a head coach and a sporting director as they remain in the fight for a Champions League spot next season. They have reached the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France.