Habib Beye named coach of OM

Habib Beye has carved out a unique career path in French football, first as a combative and respected player, then as an ambitious and thoughtful coach.

Trained in Paris, he began his professional career in the late 1990s with RC Strasbourg, where he quickly established himself as a reliable right-back with a solid defensive sense and constant commitment. His leadership qualities and consistency attracted the attention of more prestigious clubs.

In 2003, he joined Olympique de Marseille, a major turning point in his career. In a demanding environment, within a club with passionate supporters and subject to intense media pressure, he took his game to the next level. In Marseille, the Senegalese international became more than just a defender: he embodied the fighting spirit and warrior mentality expected by the Olympique fans.

Defensively focused and capable of pushing forward, he gained the trust of his coaches and teammates. His influence grew over the seasons, until he was given the captain's armband. This responsibility was a testament to his importance in the dressing room.

His time in Marseille was marked by remarkable consistency and a strong relationship with the supporters, who praised many of his qualities, such as his commitment, professionalism and attachment to the shirt.

In 2007, he tried his luck in England by signing for Newcastle United. There he discovered the intensity of the Premier League, a more physical and fast-paced championship. After the Magpies, he moved to Aston Villa and then Doncaster Rovers, where he ended his rich playing career. His experience across the Channel enriched his tactical understanding and approach to the game.

Habib Beye quickly embraced a career as a coach. He was itching to get back on the pitch and naturally found his place on the sidelines. In 2021, he took the reins at Red Star FC. In a demanding league, he imposed a clear identity: discipline, intensity and ambition. His management style was based on high standards and player accountability, in line with what he embodied on the pitch. National champion in 2024, he took Red Star up to Ligue 2 but left the club for Stade Rennais.

Wednesday 18 February 2026 marks Habib Beye's return to Olympique de Marseille. From the green turf of the Orange Vélodrome to the touchline of the Boulevard Michelet stadium, he seems to have come full circle, but the hardest part is probably still ahead of him, with the same guiding principles that accompanied his playing career: leadership, hard work and passion.

Frank McCourt, owner of Olympique de Marseille, said: ‘The appointment of Habib Beye, a top-level coach who also has a long-standing relationship with OM, refocuses us on the challenges that lie ahead between now and the end of the season.’

Medhi Benatia, Director of Football, added: "The choice of Habib Beye as OM's new coach is fully in line with our desire to recruit a coach with the leadership skills needed to take charge of a team that obviously needs to be re-motivated after a difficult period on the pitch. From our very first discussions, he struck me as extremely committed and totally focused on the future, with clear objectives for everyone: to quickly get back to winning ways, aim for a place on the Ligue 1 podium and try to win the Coupe de France to give the people of Marseille a trophy."

Welcome home, Habib!