Tim Weah is back in France, and Marseille fans are buzzing with anticipation. After two years plying his trade in Italy with Juventus, the 25-year-old United States international has made the move to Stade Vélodrome, choosing Olympique de Marseille over a host of suitors, including Premier League clubs. It’s a decision that’s already making headlines across European football, and it marks a homecoming of sorts for Weah, who previously donned the colors of Paris Saint-Germain and Lille.
At his official unveiling on August 8, 2025, Weah couldn’t contain his excitement about returning to Ligue 1. “There were other clubs, but as soon as they [Marseille] called me, there was only one club. For me, it’s perfect. There’s competition. We know the stadium and the fans,” he declared, grinning from ear to ear. The energy in the room was palpable, with fans and journalists alike eager to see how the versatile American would fit into Roberto De Zerbi’s ambitious plans for the upcoming season.
Weah’s journey back to France has been anything but straightforward. After coming through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, he moved to Lille before taking the leap to Juventus in Serie A. In Turin, he was deployed in several roles—sometimes as a wide forward, other times as a wing-back—showcasing a flexibility that’s become his calling card. But just as he seemed to be settling in, questions about his future emerged during the summer, culminating in his absence from Juve’s preseason preparations. That uncertainty ended with Marseille’s call, and Weah’s answer was emphatic.
“I don’t have a favourite position when I arrive at a new club. The coach sees me as a utility player. All I want is to win,” Weah explained when asked about his preferred role on the pitch. It’s a sentiment that will surely endear him to Marseille supporters, who have watched their team go through a period of transition and are hungry for silverware. Coach Roberto De Zerbi, newly appointed and known for his tactical ingenuity, will likely relish having a player of Weah’s adaptability at his disposal.
But while the excitement is building, fans will need to be patient before seeing Weah in action. The American admitted he’s not quite ready to make his Marseille debut, having missed vital preseason training with his new teammates. “I won’t be playing in the next friendly match. I need to take some time to work with my team-mates. Then I’ll be 100% ready. I’ll be at the match to see how the team plays and to see the fans. I can’t wait to get there,” he said candidly. That next friendly, against Aston Villa, is set for Saturday, August 9, 2025, and all eyes will be on the stands to catch a glimpse of the club’s latest signing soaking in the atmosphere.
Weah’s arrival comes at a crucial juncture for Marseille. The club is gearing up for the start of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign, with their opener against Rennes scheduled for August 15. The squad has seen significant changes over the summer, with notable additions like Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes joining the ranks. Weah is expected to slot in alongside these new faces, forming part of a dynamic attacking unit that could pose problems for any defense in the league.
For Marseille, this transfer window has been about more than just adding talent—it’s about building a squad with the depth and versatility needed to compete on multiple fronts. De Zerbi’s tactical approach is known for its fluidity, and having players like Weah, who can operate across various positions, provides a valuable edge. It’s no secret that the club’s hierarchy has been targeting players who bring both experience and hunger, and Weah fits that bill perfectly.
Of course, the decision to reject Premier League interest in favor of Marseille has raised eyebrows. The English top flight is often seen as the pinnacle for many players, but for Weah, the pull of returning to France—and specifically to Marseille—proved too strong. “As soon as they called me, there was only one club,” he reiterated, making it clear that his heart was set on the Vélodrome. That kind of commitment is sure to resonate with the fans, who are known for their passionate support and high expectations.
Weah’s versatility was a talking point throughout his time at Juventus, where he was asked to perform a variety of roles. Now, with De Zerbi at the helm, he’s likely to be used as a utility player, filling in wherever the team needs him most. “I don’t have a favourite position,” Weah said, doubling down on his team-first mentality. “All I want is to win.” It’s a refreshing attitude in an era where many players are quick to specify their preferred roles, and it speaks to Weah’s willingness to put the collective above the individual.
There’s also a sense of unfinished business for Weah in French football. His early years at PSG were marked by promise, but opportunities were limited in a star-studded squad. A move to Lille provided more playing time, but it was his stint in Italy that really helped him mature as a player. Now, back in France and entering his prime at 25, Weah has the chance to make a lasting impact—and perhaps even become a fan favorite at Marseille.
The upcoming friendly against Aston Villa will serve as a dress rehearsal for the new-look Marseille, even if Weah won’t be featuring on the pitch just yet. The real test comes on August 15, when Rennes visit the Vélodrome for the opening match of the Ligue 1 season. By then, Weah hopes to be fully integrated into the squad, ready to contribute alongside Greenwood, Gomes, and the rest of De Zerbi’s charges.
As the countdown to the new season continues, optimism is in the air on the south coast of France. Marseille’s faithful are dreaming of a return to glory, and the arrival of a versatile, motivated player like Tim Weah could be just what the club needs to spark a new era of success. For now, the spotlight is firmly on the American star as he takes his first steps back onto French soil, eager to prove that he’s made the right call—and ready to embrace the challenge that lies ahead.
With the season opener just around the corner and a revamped squad raring to go, Marseille supporters have every reason to be excited. Tim Weah’s journey has come full circle, and the stage is set for a thrilling chapter in both his career and the club’s storied history.
