Olympique de Marseille, also known as OM, is a French football club that competes in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Founded in 1899, the club is based in Marseille and plays its home matches at the Stade Vélodrome, which has a capacity of over 80,000. OM is one of the most popular clubs in France and has a large and passionate fan base.
OM has a rich history and tradition, having won the Ligue 1 title 5 times, the Coupe de France 3 times, and the UEFA Champions League once. The club has also produced a number of famous players, including Basile Boli, Didier Drogba, Zinedine Zidane, and Jean-Pierre Papin.
Glorious history
The 1960s and 1990s were particularly golden eras for OM. In the 1960s, under the leadership of legendary coach Héctor Gonçálvez, the club won 4 Ligue 1 titles and the European Cup (now the UEFA Champions League) in 1993. In the 1990s, OM won 3 more Ligue 1 titles under the management of Bernard Tapie and also reached the Champions League final in 1991.
Legendary players
OM has a long history of producing talented players, including:
- Basile Boli: One of the greatest French players of all time, Boli spent 10 seasons at OM, helping the club win 4 Ligue 1 titles and the European Cup.
- Didier Drogba: An Ivorian legend, Drogba spent 4 seasons at OM, scoring 98 goals and becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.
- Zinedine Zidane: One of the greatest French players of all time, Zidane began his professional career at OM, spending 4 seasons at the club and scoring 28 goals.
- Jean-Pierre Papin: Another French legend, Papin spent 6 seasons at OM, scoring 113 goals and becoming the club’s second all-time leading goalscorer.
OM today
In recent years, OM has had some ups and downs, but it is still a force to be reckoned with in French football. The club is currently in 3rd place in Ligue 1 and is hoping to qualify for the Champions League next season.
OM is a source of pride for the city of Marseille and for French football as a whole. With its rich history, passionate fan base, and talented players, OM is sure to continue to be a successful club for many years to come.
Here are some additional interesting facts about Olympique de Marseille:
- The club’s crest features a white seagull, which is a symbol of freedom and victory.
- OM’s home stadium, the Stade Vélodrome, is the largest football stadium in France, with a capacity of over 80,000.
- OM’s fans are known as the “Darksiders” and are some of the most passionate and vocal fans in France.
If you are a football fan, then Olympique de Marseille is definitely a team to watch. This club with a rich history and tradition is sure to not disappoint.
