MARSEILLE, FRANCE – Olympique de Marseille is set to significantly bolster its football management team with the impending arrival of Federico Balzaretti, who has reportedly agreed to join the club as a Sporting Director.
The move is designed to strengthen the recruitment and scouting capabilities at the Ligue 1 giants, working directly beneath current key figure, Mehdi Benatia.
Balzaretti to Depart Roma for OM
Balzaretti, a former Italy international and player for AS Roma, is set to resign from his current role at the Italian capital club to take up the new position in France.
Although Balzaretti has previously worked as a Sporting Director at both Udinese Calcio and LR Vicenza, his most recent role at Roma was as the club’s Loans Manager.
His experience managing the development of young players out on loan, coupled with his deep understanding of the Italian market, is seen as a major asset for Marseille.
Benatia Remains the Project Leader
Balzaretti will join OM’s sporting structure to support and report to Mehdi Benatia, the former Juventus and Bayern Munich defender who was officially appointed as Marseille’s Director of Football in January 2025.
Benatia remains the central figure in overseeing the club’s entire sporting policy, from the academy to the first team.
The appointment of Balzaretti as a dedicated second Sporting Director suggests a strategic decision by President Pablo Longoria and Benatia to distribute the workload and expand the club’s scouting reach across Europe.
arrival will allow him to focus heavily on transfers and scouting, helping to identify and secure talent that aligns with Benatia’s vision for the club’s long-term sporting project.
Formal Steps Pending
All parties have reportedly reached a verbal agreement, and Balzaretti is expected to formally resign from his position at AS Roma soon before joining OM to begin his work.
This appointment signifies a clear intent from Marseille to solidify its off-field structure as it pushes to become a consistent challenger in Ligue 1 and European competitions.
