With the 2026 World Cup captivating global attention, former football executive Medhi Benatia reflects on a missed chance that still lingers in his memory. His brief but impactful tenure at Olympique de Marseille left him with one notable regret: an opportunity to sign a rising talent who could have reshaped the club’s future.
Benatia’s return to Marseille in 2023 was meant to mark a fresh start, but the club’s turbulent season led to an early exit for him and key figures like sporting director Pablo Longoria and coach Roberto De Zerbi. Despite the short-lived project, the Moroccan football executive hasn’t fully disengaged from the club’s affairs.
Ongoing influence behind the scenes
While his official role has concluded, Benatia remains connected to Marseille, particularly in navigating high-stakes negotiations. One such case involves the potential transfer of Mason Greenwood, a move that has dominated recent transfer discussions. Though an agreement between the player and AS Roma appears imminent, the final hurdle—securing a deal between the two clubs—remains formidable. Marseille’s valuation of the English winger sits between €50 million and €55 million, complicating the process.
World Cup 2026 target slipped through the cracks
Benatia’s attention now also turns to the 2026 World Cup, where he sees another player he once hoped to bring to Marseille. The target in question is Neil El Aynaoui, a Moroccan international who has played for clubs like Nancy and RC Lens before joining AS Roma. Reflecting on the player’s strengths, Benatia noted in an interview, “He is a highly dependable player, blending technical skill with consistent performance.” He added, “I was surprised by his limited playing time at Roma compared to my expectations. I tried to bring him to Marseille, but the cost was prohibitive.”
