Adrien Rabiot's Controversial Move from PSG to Marseille Shocks Fans

On a dramatic Sunday evening, the football world was rocked by the news that Adrien Rabiot, a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy, is set to sign with Olympique de Marseille for two years. This move is perceived as a betrayal by many Parisian supporters, yet Rabiot is not the first player to make such a switch to the fierce rivals from Marseille. Here’s a look back at the history of player transfers between these two clubs.

Fabrizio Romano broke the news late Sunday night, which was later confirmed by an official statement from OM: Adrien Rabiot is on his way to the Phocaean club, with a two-year contract awaiting him. The announcement read: “Olympique de Marseille announces that it has reached a principle agreement with Adrien Rabiot for the international midfielder’s arrival at the club. The player will sign with OM pending the results of a medical examination.” After leaving Juventus Turin in June, Rabiot opted for a return to Ligue 1, despite interest from several high-profile clubs including Atlético de Madrid, AC Milan, Manchester United, as well as Al-Nassr and Galatasaray.

A betrayal that fans can’t overlook

Having been nurtured at PSG, where he was one of the few youth graduates to make a significant impact on the first team since the Qatari takeover, Rabiot’s decision to join OM has left many fans feeling betrayed. Adding fuel to the fire, former teammates revealed in a 2019 interview with So Foot that he was a passionate supporter of the Marseille club in his youth: “He was fully behind them,” said Jacky Locko and Abdelhak Benaniba, former colleagues of Rabiot. This revelation has intensified the sense of betrayal among PSG supporters, despite the fact that he is not the first to make this move after a stint in Paris.

Historical betrayals: From PSG to OM

Historically, many players who have donned the PSG jersey have later chosen to wear the colors of OM. Some, like Fabrice Fiorèse, Frédéric Déhu, Lorik Cana, and Florian Maurice, have made the direct switch from Parc des Princes to Vélodrome without any intervening club, heightening the sense of betrayal for PSG fans. Rabiot can expect a hostile reception when he returns to Parc des Princes on March 16, mirroring the experiences of those who came before him.

The top ten “traitors” who moved from PSG to OM: