Tim Weah’s Journey to Finding a Home in Marseille
Tim Weah, the standout player for the US men’s national team, expressed that he felt “broken” during his time with Serie A giant Juventus, struggling to even rise for morning training when he joined Marseille in 2025. The son of legendary footballer George Weah believes he has finally discovered a place he can truly settle in France.
Weah’s Route to Marseille
In the summer of 2023, Weah transferred to Juventus for over €10 million (around 900 million yen). His adaptability was utilized as he played multiple roles under the manager, but he lacked a consistent starting position.
Now, he has rejoined Ligue 1, signed initially on loan to Stade Velodrome with a mandatory buy clause of roughly €18 million (around £16 million/$21 million) set for the upcoming transfer window.
Struggles at Juventus
While he appreciates the opportunity he’s been given, Weah admits he never felt at home at Juventus and found it challenging to stay motivated. He shared with French media, “When I arrived, I was a little hurt and lacking confidence. It was tough to find the will to train, but they gave me a second chance.”
In Marseille, Weah has found support from fans and a coach. He feels a sense of belonging, saying he feels “a bit like Marseillaise.” He reminiscences about the time coach Roberto De Zerbi reached out via FaceTime at 4 AM, encouraging him to join. The warm welcome at the airport only solidified his feeling of home.
After participating in 28 matches, including a memorable encounter against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu for the Champions League, Weah hopes to remain in Marseille for the long haul.
American Players Thriving Abroad
Weah recently discussed the excitement of playing on the Mediterranean coast with Dauphine Libere, noting, “It’s a thrill and an honor to play for a crowd that fills the stadium every match.” He enjoys the fierce rivalry against other clubs and the unique dynamics of being an Olympic Marseille player.
Returning to France has also allowed Weah to frequently visit Paris, where he emerged from PSG’s academy. He finds it amusing that he encounters more OM supporters than PSG fans when he visits, highlighting the club’s widespread appeal.
Championship Aspirations with Marseille
After being approached by several European teams, Weah confirmed that Marseille was his top choice. He stated, “When they called, it felt like the only option for me. The stadium and the fans create a perfect environment.”
His move was well-received back in the U.S., with USMNT icon Alexi Lalas commenting that it was a beneficial decision for Weah to find a club where he can thrive. With three goals and four assists, Weah is eager to help Marseille secure a return to the Champions League, with the next challenge up against PSG.
Fan Take: Weah’s transfer to Marseille signifies a pivotal moment in his career, illustrating how crucial player well-being is in professional soccer. For fans, witnessing his journey not only revitalizes interest in Ligue 1 but also underscores the potential of American players thriving on a global stage.
