The Olympique de Marseille concluded a three-day pre-season tour in Abidjan on Saturday, July 18, following their arrival in Côte d’Ivoire on July 15. The French top-flight club brought a delegation of 80 people, including 24 players led by head coach Bruno Genesio.

The highlight of the stay came on July 17 with a friendly against Yamoussoukro FC, a recently promoted team in the Ivorian Ligue 1, at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium. The fixture was announced on the club’s official X account. Prior to the match, a ceremonial event brought together Ivorian government officials and Marseille’s technical staff, while the players trained at the same venue the day before, with forward Faris Moumbagna taking part in drills.

Strategic partnership beyond football

The OM’s visit is part of the Sublime Côte d’Ivoire initiative, a promotional agreement renewed in April 2026 and extended until 2029. This deal, valued at approximately 3.275 billion FCFA (nearly 5 million euros annually), underscores the depth of the collaboration between the club and the West African nation.

On July 14, three Ivorian ministers—Ivory Coast’s Minister of Tourism Siandou Fofana, Minister of Culture Françoise Remarck, and Minister of Sports Adjé Silas Metch—held a joint press conference to rally public support for the event. The Ministry of Tourism had previously announced the club’s arrival on its official X account, emphasizing the tour’s role in boosting national visibility through sport, culture, and diplomacy.

Community engagement alongside sporting activities

Beyond the pitch, the Marseille players are set to engage with children in need in Abidjan, complementing the public training sessions held during their stay. This outreach reflects the broader vision of Côte d’Ivoire’s long-standing strategy to leverage sports tourism, with the OM partnership serving as a flagship example on the global stage.

Local impact and rising ambitions

The friendly against Yamoussoukro FC, a club from the country’s interior rather than Abidjan’s traditional powerhouses, offers a rare opportunity for exposure in Ivorian football’s top tier. The partnership, now extended to 2029, represents one of the most visible international symbols of Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to sports-driven tourism and nation branding.

New leadership’s first international outing

Stéphane Richard, who officially took over as OM president on July 2, 2026, hailed the partnership as a cornerstone of the club’s summer preparation. His presence in Côte d’Ivoire alongside Genesio marked one of his first high-profile international engagements in his new role. The delegation is scheduled to depart for France on Saturday, wrapping up a tour that blended athletic preparation, diplomatic engagement, and image-building initiatives.