Pablo Longoria Departs Olympique de Marseille After Six Years

Marseille, France – In a dramatic turn of events, Pablo Longoria has reached an agreement to leave his position with Olympique de Marseille, officially ending his six-year tenure with the club. The announcement, made on Monday, March 23, 2026, marks the latest chapter in a turbulent period for the Ligue 1 side, following a series of setbacks on and off the pitch. The departure of Longoria, who transitioned to an institutional role earlier this year, signals a significant shift in leadership at the Orange Vélodrome.

A Tumultuous Season Leads to Longoria’s Exit

The 2025-26 season has been anything but predictable for Olympique de Marseille. Despite a promising summer transfer window overseen by Longoria and Medhi Benatia, the team’s fortunes began to wane. The loss of Adrien Rabiot to AC Milan, following an internal dispute with Jonathan Rowe, proved to be a significant blow. While the team showed flashes of brilliance, including a notable victory over Paris Saint-Germain, inconsistency plagued their campaign.

Early 2026 brought further challenges. A defeat in the Trophee des Champions in Kuwait was followed by elimination from the Champions League. A particularly damaging 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 proved to be a turning point. Shortly after, Roberto De Zerbi announced his departure and Medhi Benatia followed suit after a draw against Strasbourg. Longoria remained, but his role was significantly diminished.

From Sporting Director to Institutional Role

Frank McCourt, the owner of Olympique de Marseille, intervened to stabilize the club. He requested that Medhi Benatia remain in his position until the end of the season, extending his responsibilities to oversee all sporting activities. Simultaneously, Longoria’s role was redefined, shifting his focus to institutional responsibilities within French and European football governing bodies. This move effectively sidelined Longoria from day-to-day football operations.

According to a statement released by the club, “Determined to ensure the best interests of Olympique de Marseille and to achieve the sporting objectives of the current season, Frank McCourt asked Medhi Benatia to continue in his functions until the end of the season. Aware of his responsibilities towards the institution, Medhi Benatia accepted to extend his notice until June and will oversee all sporting activities. The role of Pablo Longoria should evolve towards his institutional responsibilities, in order to maintain the representation of Olympique de Marseille within French and European instances.”

A Six-Year Legacy at the Velodrome

Longoria, who initially joined Marseille as head of football in July 2020 before becoming president in February 2021, was widely praised for his transfer market acumen and his vision for the club. He was credited with bringing a novel level of professionalism and ambition to the club, but also faced criticism from supporters, particularly in 2023. He had previously received the backing of McCourt, but the owner opted to support Benatia.

Although, relations between Longoria and Benatia reportedly deteriorated in recent months, leading to a power struggle that Longoria ultimately lost. Unable to accept the reduced role, Longoria decided to seek a departure after nearly six years with the club.

In a joint statement, McCourt Global and Longoria announced they had reached an agreement on the terms of his exit. “OM would like to salute the commitment, passion and perform accomplished by Pablo Longoria over the past six years at the service of the club. It sends him its most sincere wishes for success in his future career. Pablo Longoria thanks Olympique de Marseille for the confidence placed in him during these six seasons and expresses his deep gratitude to all the collaborators, players and supporters who accompanied this adventure.”

What’s Next for Olympique de Marseille?

With Longoria’s departure finalized, the focus now shifts to the remainder of the season and the club’s long-term strategy. Medhi Benatia will continue to lead the sporting operations until the end of the campaign, tasked with stabilizing the team and securing a positive result. The club will likely begin the search for a permanent replacement for Longoria in the coming months, a process that will be closely watched by fans and observers alike.

The situation at Marseille highlights the challenges of managing a high-profile football club in a competitive league. The club’s supporters will be hoping for a period of stability and success following this latest upheaval. The next match for Olympique de Marseille is scheduled for March 29, 2026, against Lille at the Orange Vélodrome. Fans will be eager to see how the team responds to these recent changes.

Archysport will continue to provide updates on this developing story and comprehensive coverage of Ligue 1 throughout the season.