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Rabat – Olympique de Marseille (OM) have appointed Medhi Benatia as their new sporting director. The ex-Morocco international and former OM defender steps into the role after serving as a sports advisor since November 2023.
In a press release, OM said Benatia is key for their ambitious plans and has played a major part in shaping their long-term project. He worked closely with club president Pablo Longoria, especially during last summer’s transfer window.
Benatia will now oversee both the first team and the youth academy.
The 36-year-old worked with Longoria last summer to rebuild the squad, signing big names including Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Neal Maupay, and Adrien Rabiot. OM also appointed Roberto De Zerbi as head coach after a successful season in the English Premier League with Brighton.
Benatia has strong ties with Marseille. He climbed up the ranks at the club’s academy before playing for Europe giants including Bayern Munich, Juventus, and AS Roma. He retired in 2021 and became a players’ agent, representing talents like Enzo Millot and Azzedine Ounahi.
Medhi Benatia last played for Morocco in June 2019 during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group-stage game against Namibia. Morocco won the game 1–0.
Benatia captained the national team for much of his international career and retired from international football after earning 66 caps and scoring 2 goals for the Atlas Lions.
