Greenwood is a ‘potential Ballon d’Or’, says Marseille coach de Zerbi

Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi said on Friday he believes England striker Mason Greenwood, who has already scored 13 goals this season, has «Ballon d’Or potential».

«Mason has huge potential. I don’t see many players of this caliber in Europe. For me he has Ballon d’Or potential,» De Zerbi told a press conference two days before his team’s Ligue 1 match against Monaco.

«It will be up to him to decide whether he wants to do everything he can to compete for the Ballon d’Or. But based on his natural talent, he has that potential.»

Since joining Marseille last summer, Greenwood has scored 35 goals and provided nine assists in 56 appearances.

The 24-year-old is Marseille’s main attacking weapon but is sometimes criticized for his lack of defensive work.

“I always want more and I would like him to be more consistent,” De Zerbi continued.

«But I don’t ask him to run 100 meters back. I was a number 10, not a right back, I understand that.»

«But he can press with more intensity. When we are under pressure, he can keep possession better, avoid taking too many risks and get the team out,» the Italian coach added.

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«But when I saw his goal against Union Saint-Gilloise, his dribbling like (Didier) Drogba and the shot with which he easily beat a goalkeeper more than two meters long, I was speechless.»

«I hope that in a few years he will remember me and say to himself: ‘The coach made it difficult for me every day, but I got better’.»

Greenwood controversially signed for Marseille in July 2024 after a season on loan from Manchester United at Spanish club Getafe.

He was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault, but prosecutors dropped the charges in February 2023.

Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli described Greenwood as “one of the best” players he had ever come across in his career.

«I’ve seen a few with Argentina. Messi comes from another galaxy, but Mason is capable of anything. He’s two-footed, he’s fast and he’s intelligent,» he said.

Published on December 12, 2025