Can one wear opposite team's captain armband? Yes, when he's an utmost icon
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 18.05.25. | 19:14
Marseille never forgot Steve Mandanda's legacy at Stade Velodrome and found a heartwarming way to honour him last night in the Ligue 1 final round, although he played for the opposite crew
When reflecting on Olympique Marseille's history, one name must come up among the first, if not the first - Steve Mandanda. The custodian, who's been a synonym for the club from Stade Velodrome for years, is an absolute icon in the city in the south of France, even though he won only one Ligue 1 trophy with OM.
After all, his significance for Marseille and the entire French top flight cannot be measured just by trophies.
Mandanda spent 14 years with Marseille, collecting 613 appearances in two spells, which makes him the most-capped player in the club's history and the tenth player with the most games in Ligue 1. When he joined OM from Le Havre in his first professional season in 2007, Mandanda left just once - briefly, for a year - and then returned where his heart wanted him to be.
He was Marseille's soldier, leader, and captain.
In July 2022, he moved to Rennes, but his legacy at Stade Velodrome has never been forgotten.
Last night, he might have played his last Ligue 1 match, as he'll become a free agent as of next June, and at the age of 40, his departure from Rennes may mean a retirement.
And where else could a man who gave it all to Marseille play his ultimate league game than at Velodrome - on the pitch where he left his heart...
Mandanda was benched, entering the pitch in added time just to have an opportunity to mark his final appearance. Still, the home fans got a chance to show him how much they love and appreciate him. However, apart from the fans, Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi did it, too.
🥲 Marseille skipper Leonardo Balerdi (26) gave OM legend Steve Mandanda (40) his own armband for what was likely his final Ligue 1 appearance with Rennes.pic.twitter.com/PKxkhW3Fad
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) May 17, 2025
Namely, once Mandanda replaced Brice Samba in goal, the Argentinian approached him and put Marseille's captain armband around the keeper's arm to the delight of over 57,000 home fans.
This heartwarming gesture excellently depicted the respect everyone around Olympique felt for Mandanda. And if last night's game was indeed his last in Ligue 1, he can freely say he left in style, knowing Marseille will never forget him.
.jpg)
