Mason Greenwood, the former Manchester United forward, has expressed his pride and gratitude after equalling a historic Ligue 1 record set by Ivorian legend Didier Drogba during his debut season with Olympique de Marseille. Greenwood’s 19th Ligue 1 goal, scored in a commanding 4-1 victory over Brest on April 27, 2025, saw him match Drogba’s tally for the most league goals in a debut season at Marseille in the 21st century, a feat Drogba achieved in the 2003/04 campaign.
Speaking to the press after the match, Greenwood shared his thoughts on reaching the milestone. “It’s always a special feeling to score for Marseille, but to be mentioned alongside a legend like Didier Drogba is something I’ll cherish,” he said, as reported by Goal.com. “I’m just focused on helping the team and keeping the momentum going. The fans and the club have been incredible, and I want to keep giving back.”
Greenwood’s goal against Brest, complemented by an assist for Amine Gouiri’s stunning bicycle kick, underscored his growing influence at Marseille. The 23-year-old’s journey to this point has been marked by both brilliance and scrutiny. After a two-year hiatus from competitive football, Greenwood joined Marseille in the summer of 2024 following a loan spell at Getafe. His adaptation to Ligue 1 has been remarkable, with 19 goals and a series of standout performances that have propelled Marseille to second place in the league standings.
However, the road to this achievement has not been without challenges. Earlier in April, Marseille fans unfurled a banner during a 5-1 win over Montpellier, urging Greenwood and teammate Luis Henrique to “get moving,” a call for greater effort amid perceptions of inconsistent work rate. Greenwood responded emphatically, scoring twice in that match and adding another goal against Brest, silencing critics and earning praise from French media.
Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, while acknowledging Greenwood’s milestone, offered a backhanded compliment, noting the forward’s improved work ethic but suggesting there is still room for growth. “The players are happy… have you ever seen Mason Greenwood work like today? It was the first time,” De Zerbi remarked, as quoted by Football365. Despite the pointed comment, De Zerbi has consistently backed Greenwood, previously stating he believes the Englishman has the potential to become a Marseille great.
The comparison to Drogba, a revered figure at Marseille, carries significant weight. Drogba’s 19 goals in the 2003/04 season cemented his status as a club icon before he moved to Chelsea, where he became a Premier League legend. Greenwood, now just one goal shy of surpassing Bafétimbi Gomis’ record of 20 goals in a debut Marseille season (2016/17), is aware of the expectations but remains grounded. Posts on X have celebrated the milestone, with fans noting Greenwood’s rapid rise to prominence in Ligue 1, though some Manchester United supporters expressed regret over his departure from the club.
Marseille’s director of football, Mehdi Benatia, also addressed recent rumors of unrest, dismissing claims that teammates Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Adrien Rabiot had demanded Greenwood’s removal from the squad. “These two are truly examples, and at no point did they come to see me to dismiss Greenwood,” Benatia stated, emphasizing team unity.