Marseille – Pablo Longoria has officially concluded his six-year run as president of Olympique de Marseille, leaving behind a complex legacy marked by European runs, supporter tensions and a commitment to building a sustainable model for the historic French club. The Spaniard announced his departure with a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude for his time in Marseille and outlining his vision for the future of football.
Longoria’s exit, confirmed by the club on Monday, March 23, 2026, follows an agreement with McCourt Global regarding the terms of his departure. Alban Juster has been appointed interim director, while the search for a permanent successor is underway. The announcement brings an end to a period of significant change and, at times, turmoil for Les Phocéens.
A Journey Begun in 2020
Longoria initially arrived at the Orange Vélodrome in July 2020 as sporting director, quickly making an impact with his data-driven approach to recruitment and a focus on developing young talent. He was elevated to the presidency in February 2021, stepping into a role vacated by Jacques-Henri Eyraud amidst a period of intense fan unrest, including a direct confrontation with supporters at the club’s training center, La Commanderie. This early challenge set the tone for a presidency often defined by navigating passionate – and sometimes volatile – fan expectations.
Throughout his tenure, Longoria faced numerous crises, including a particularly tense situation in 2023 following a meeting with supporters that led to the departure of then-manager Marcelino and several other club officials. Despite these challenges, he oversaw two impressive runs to the semi-finals of European competitions – the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022 and the UEFA Europa League in 2024 – demonstrating the club’s potential on the continental stage. Yet, Olympique de Marseille consistently fell short of challenging Paris Saint-Germain for domestic dominance during his leadership.
A Vision for Modern Football
In his LinkedIn post, Longoria reflected on his time at Marseille, stating, “Writing this message brings a mix of emotions. In some way, it takes me back to the day I arrived at Olympique de Marseille, with energy, ideas and the ambition to build something meaningful, without fully knowing what this experience would become.” He emphasized his belief that modern football extends beyond immediate results and transfer activity.
“Over these years, I have come to understand that football goes far beyond results, transfers or short-term decisions,” Longoria wrote. “It is about building a model — one that allows a club to be competitive on the pitch, sustainable in its structure and relevant in its role within society.” He underscored the importance of “clarity of vision, discipline in execution and a strong sense of institutional responsibility” in navigating the complexities of the modern game.
Longoria’s philosophy centered on creating a club that wasn’t solely focused on immediate success, but rather on establishing a long-term foundation for sustained competitiveness. This approach, while appreciated by some, often drew criticism from supporters eager for more immediate trophies.
New Beginnings at CSBT
Despite his departure from Marseille, Longoria has already transitioned to a new role, joining the board of directors at the Center for Sports Business Tegernsee (CSBT) in France. This move suggests a continued commitment to the business side of football and a desire to share his experiences and insights with the next generation of sports leaders. The CSBT is a leading institution focused on sports management education and research.
“I am grateful to football, to Marseille and to Olympique de Marseille for the trust placed in me over these six seasons,” Longoria concluded in his LinkedIn message. “Above all, I am grateful to all the people who made this journey possible – employees, coaches, players and supporters. I finish this chapter with respect, perspective and gratitude.”
The departure of Pablo Longoria marks the end of an era for Olympique de Marseille. While his tenure was marked by both successes and challenges, his commitment to building a sustainable model and his passion for the club will be remembered by many. The club now faces the task of finding a leader who can build upon his foundation and guide Les Phocéens to future success.
The immediate focus for Marseille shifts to securing a strong finish in Ligue 1 and potentially qualifying for European competition next season. With the managerial situation also in flux, the club faces a period of uncertainty as it navigates the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.
Fans will be keenly watching to see who McCourt Global selects to lead the club forward, and whether the new leadership will embrace Longoria’s long-term vision or prioritize more immediate results. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the future of one of France’s most iconic football clubs.
