Mason Greenwood is already winning over Marseille fans after making a fast start to life in France.
The 21-year-old forward joined the Ligue 1 club for a fee of £19.8 million, a move that sparked significant opposition from both the club’s fanbase and the city’s mayor. The discontent was so strong that a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign gained traction in July, highlighting the controversy surrounding his arrival.
Despite the initial resistance, the Daily Mail are reporting that Greenwood has managed to turn the tide in his favour as he has been “winning over Marseille fans” through his performances on the pitch. The young striker has already scored three goals in his first two appearances for Marseille, a feat that has begun to endear him to the previously skeptical fanbase.
The sight of “Greenwood 10” jerseys has become increasingly common around Stade Velodrome, with his shirt quickly becoming the most sought-after by Marseille supporters, according to The Telegraph. This is particularly significant considering that the number 10 shirt was previously worn by Dimitri Payet, a player who holds legendary status at the club.
Marseille’s manager, Roberto de Zerbi, has also played a crucial role in Greenwood’s early success at the club. De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton in the Premier League, has publicly backed Greenwood, stating that he will protect the young player “like a son.” The manager’s vocal support and belief in Greenwood’s abilities have undoubtedly contributed to the player’s positive start in France, helping to create an environment where he can focus on rebuilding his career.
Greenwood’s journey at Marseille is still in its early stages. While his past controversies will continue to cast a shadow over his career, in southern France the narrative is slowly shifting and the forward will hope to build on that momentum when Marseille face Toulouse on Saturday evening