Paris FC Bolsters Recruitment Team with Former Marseille Scout Mathieu Seckinger

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

Paris FC has added a seasoned talent evaluator to its front office, hiring former Olympique de Marseille scout Mathieu Seckinger to strengthen its recruitment department. The move, confirmed by the club on Monday, brings a scout with experience at Manchester United, Lyon, and Marseille to the French capital’s second-tier Ligue 2 side as it continues to professionalize its operations.

Who Is Mathieu Seckinger?

Seckinger, 40, joins Paris FC after a career that spans some of Europe’s most prestigious academies and first-team setups. His most notable stint came at Manchester United, where he spent five years (2016–2021) as a youth recruitment specialist. During his time at Vintage Trafford, he played a key role in identifying and signing Hannibal Mejbri, the Tunisian midfielder who later became one of the club’s most promising young talents.

In 2021, Seckinger briefly transitioned to Manchester United’s senior team under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, though his tenure in that role was short-lived. English media outlets at the time described his departure as an “enormous blow” for the club, highlighting his reputation in European scouting circles.

Seckinger’s next stop was Olympique de Marseille, where he worked as a first-team recruiter from 2021 to 2023. His time in Marseille was marked by close collaboration with David Friio, the club’s former technical director, and Mathieu Louis-Jean, another scout with ties to Manchester United. Together, they contributed to Marseille’s player development and transfer strategy during a period of transition for the club.

After leaving Marseille in July 2023, Seckinger followed Friio and Louis-Jean to Olympique Lyonnais, where he served as a first-team recruiter before taking on the role of deputy academy director in charge of recruitment. He left Lyon in January 2026, citing his pride in the work accomplished with the club’s academy and senior teams.

Why This Hire Matters for Paris FC

Paris FC’s decision to bring in Seckinger reflects the club’s broader ambition to compete at a higher level in French football. While the club has historically operated in the shadow of Paris Saint-Germain, it has made strides in recent years to build a more sustainable and competitive model. Strengthening the recruitment department is a critical step in that process, particularly as Paris FC looks to navigate Ligue 2 and potentially return to Ligue 1.

Marco Neppe, Paris FC’s sporting director, will now have additional support in identifying and acquiring talent. Neppe, who has been the club’s primary decision-maker since the departure of his assistant Quentin Rauzier, has been vocal about the need to expand the club’s scouting network. Seckinger’s arrival addresses that gap, bringing with him a wealth of experience in both youth and senior recruitment.

“This is a significant hire for us,” a Paris FC spokesperson told Archysport. “Mathieu’s track record in identifying and developing talent speaks for itself. He understands what it takes to build a competitive squad, and we’re excited to have him on board as we continue to grow.”

What’s Next for Paris FC?

Seckinger’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Paris FC. The club is currently mid-table in Ligue 2, with aspirations of pushing for promotion in the coming seasons. His role will likely focus on identifying undervalued talent, both domestically and internationally, as well as strengthening the club’s academy pipeline.

Paris FC’s transfer strategy has also been in the spotlight recently, with reports suggesting the club is eyeing a summer move for Marseille forward Mason Greenwood. While those rumors remain unconfirmed, Seckinger’s familiarity with the French market—and his past work with Marseille—could prove valuable if the club decides to pursue high-profile targets.

For now, Seckinger’s immediate priority will be to integrate into Paris FC’s scouting network and begin evaluating potential transfer targets for the upcoming summer window. His hiring is a clear signal that the club is investing in its long-term vision, even as it navigates the challenges of Ligue 2.

Key Takeaways

• Mathieu Seckinger joins Paris FC as a scout, bringing experience from Manchester United, Marseille, and Lyon.
• His role at Manchester United included identifying Hannibal Mejbri, one of the club’s top young prospects.
• Paris FC is strengthening its recruitment as part of a broader push to professionalize its operations and compete for promotion.
• Seckinger’s hire could have implications for the club’s transfer strategy, including reported interest in Marseille’s Mason Greenwood.
• His immediate focus will be on integrating into Paris FC’s scouting network and identifying transfer targets for the summer window.

What to Watch

Paris FC’s next official match is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2026, when they host Valenciennes FC at the Stade Charléty in Paris. The match kicks off at 8:00 PM local time (6:00 PM UTC) and will be broadcast live on beIN Sports.

For updates on Paris FC’s transfer activity and squad developments, follow the club’s official channels or check back with Archysport for verified reporting.

What do you believe of Paris FC’s latest hire? Will Mathieu Seckinger help the club achieve its ambitions? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media.