Marseille president asked his mother before signing Mason Greenwood

January 27, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Marseille president asked his mother before signing Mason Greenwood

Olympique Marseille President Pablo Longoria has admitted he sought advice from his mother before completing the controversial transfer of former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood.

Greenwood joined the Ligue 1 side in the summer of 2024 following a loan spell in Spain with Getafe, as the French club weighed both the sporting and reputational implications of the deal.

Despite intense public scrutiny, the move has proved successful on the pitch, with the forward emerging as one of the most productive attackers in French football.

Greenwood's journey back to top-level football

During his time at United, Greenwood faced allegations of attempted rape and assault.

Those charges were discontinued in February 2023, allowing him to resume his professional career.

A strong 2023/24 campaign at Getafe restored his footballing value, leading to a reported €31.6 million move to Marseille.

The striker ended his debut season in France as a joint Ligue 1 Golden Boot winner alongside Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé.

He has since scored 42 goals in 64 appearances for Marseille, with 20 goals already coming in just 28 matches this season.

The numbers suggest the club's gamble has delivered significant returns from a purely sporting perspective.

Longoria: "I called my mother"

Speaking to The Telegraph, Longoria explained that the decision to sign Greenwood was not taken lightly, and involved a deeply personal conversation.

For me, it's correct to speak openly about it. Creating taboos in life is never positive.

For us, it was a massive market opportunity from a sporting perspective where we analysed, very carefully, what really happened.

The Marseille chief revealed he turned to his mother, Begona, who previously worked in Spain's prison system and was recognised with a state medal for her work.

Having done due diligence and having all the information, I called my mother. And I said, "What do you think, knowing all the situation?" And she said to me, "Do it."

It was important because I wanted someone who doesn't have the incentive of the sport, that her only incentive is the good of her son. As a man, not as a president.

Handling the criticism

Longoria acknowledged the backlash Marseille faced but insisted the club acted responsibly.

I know that there is criticism. I know that the situation potentially reputational [damage].

But if you think that you are taking the right decision, with the right level of information, and from a human perspective as well... because Mason, he's a good kid, seriously. From that time, I sleep at night.

He stressed that the club did not ignore events outside football, but instead considered "all the different elements" before proceeding.

'One of the best players in the world'

Longoria believes Greenwood has developed into an elite talent.

I think he has become one of the best players in the world.

That form has inevitably attracted interest from across Europe.

However, Marseille are keen to keep him, with Greenwood under contract until 2029.

United are due 50% of any future transfer fee, though that clause could reportedly be renegotiated before summer 2026.

Longoria hinted that staying in France may benefit the player's development.

I think it can be necessary for him. We are seeing that Mason this season is not the Mason of last season. I expect he continues to grow and I would like to help him be better each day.

The bigger picture for Marseille

Any decision may also depend on the financial landscape of French football, which Longoria described as "difficult."

Still, he suggested that alignment between club and player could see Greenwood remain at the Stade Vélodrome.

For now, the debate around the transfer continues off the pitch - but on it, Greenwood's goals are keeping Marseille firmly in the conversation at the top of Ligue 1.

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