Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi has defended forward Mason Greenwood, saying the player “paid dearly” for the sexual assault allegations that halted his career, as he prepares to face an English club for the first time since the controversy.
Marseille will host Newcastle United in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Greenwood expected to feature in the starting lineup.
Greenwood was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 after being accused of attempted rape and sexual assault. Prosecutors later dropped the charges in February 2023. The forward joined Marseille in July 2024 after spending a season on loan at Spanish side Getafe, a move that drew significant public scrutiny.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, De Zerbi said, “I don’t get involved in private matters. What I know is that Mason is a good lad. He paid dearly for what happened and has found the environment he needed here. I regret what happened in his life because I know someone different from what is often portrayed, especially in England.”
Greenwood has scored 33 goals for Marseille, including 11 this season, and De Zerbi believes the 24-year-old is evolving into a more complete player. “He is progressing. It’s our responsibility to support him, but ultimately, it is up to him to keep making that effort,” the coach added.
Greenwood, who earned one England cap at age 19, now plays alongside fellow Englishmen Angel Gomes and CJ Egan-Riley in France. Despite his form, England manager Thomas Tuchel stated in September that Greenwood is not currently part of his national team plans.
Gomes, who played with Greenwood at Manchester United, said he is unsure whether his teammate hopes to return to international football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “We don’t talk about that,” he said. “We speak about Call of Duty, FIFA, and football, but not about his goals. That’s not the nature of our relationship. When he’s enjoying himself on the pitch, it makes everything easier for us as teammates—and it’s good to see as a friend.”
Marseille have collected only three points from their first four Champions League fixtures and remain outside the qualification zone for the knockout stage. Greenwood has scored once in the competition so far.
Newcastle, meanwhile, sit sixth in the group after recovering from an opening defeat to Barcelona with three consecutive victories.
