The Olympique de Marseille wrapped up a three-day preparation tour in Abidjan this Saturday, July 18, after arriving in Côte d’Ivoire on July 15. The delegation, led by coach Bruno Genesio, included 24 players and a total of 80 staff members, marking a significant step in the club’s pre-season preparations.
Highlighting the visit was a friendly match against Yamoussoukro FC, a newly promoted team in the Ivorian Ligue 1, held at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Friday, July 17. The encounter was officially announced by the club on its X account, generating considerable local interest.
Prior to the match, an unconventional opening event brought together Ivorian government officials and Marseille’s leadership and technical staff. The day before, on July 16, the Olympians trained at the same stadium, with striker Faris Moumbagna working closely with the group.
a strategic partnership beyond football
The visit of the French club is part of the Sublime Côte d’Ivoire partnership, renewed in April 2026 and extended until 2029. This agreement, valued at approximately 3.275 billion FCFA (nearly 5 million euros annually), underscores Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to leveraging sports diplomacy for national promotion.
On July 14, three Ivorian ministers—Siandou Fofana (Tourism), Françoise Remarck (Culture), and Adjé Silas Metch (Sports)—jointly held a press conference to rally support for the event. The Ministry of Tourism had previously announced the club’s arrival on its X account, signaling the high-profile nature of the visit.
This coordinated government effort reflects how Abidjan views the Olympians’ stay as more than just a pre-season camp; it is a tool for enhancing national prestige through tourism, cultural engagement, and sports diplomacy.
community engagement and social initiatives
Beyond the pitch, the Marseille players are set to participate in social outreach, including visits to children in difficult situations in Abidjan. These activities align with public training sessions organized during their stay, reinforcing the club’s commitment to local communities.
context and significance in ivorian sports
The Olympians’ tour in Côte d’Ivoire adds to the country’s long-standing strategy of sports tourism, championed by the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure. The partnership with Marseille, now extended until 2029, stands as one of the most visible international symbols of this initiative. For Yamoussoukro FC, recently promoted to the Ivorian Ligue 1, facing a Ligue 1 French club offers rare exposure for a team from the country’s interior, far from the usual Abidjan-based powerhouses.
new om leadership makes its mark
Stéphane Richard, who officially took over as president of Olympique de Marseille on July 2, 2026, praised the partnership as a highlight of the club’s summer preparations. His presence in Côte d’Ivoire alongside Bruno Genesio marked one of the first international outings under his leadership.
The Marseille delegation is scheduled to depart for France on Saturday, concluding a tour that blended physical preparation, diplomatic engagement, and image-building for both parties.
