Adrien rabiot’s surprising marseille move: real madrid’s missed opportunity

Adrien Rabiot, who previously played for Milan AC, made his return to Italian football just a year prior. Following his departure from OM after an altercation with Jonathan Rowe, the French international had settled in Lombardy, once again competing in Serie A, a league he knows intimately. Indeed, from 2019 to 2024, Rabiot proudly wore the Juventus jersey. Upon the expiration of his contract, the player, who began his career at PSG, then chose to link up with OM, opting for this destination despite strong interest and seemingly more ambitious projects from several top European clubs.

Ancelotti’s real madrid ambition

Beyond his history at PSG, Adrien Rabiot’s decision to join OM was particularly perplexing because the Phocaean club was not involved in any European competition at the time. Nevertheless, the French international was swayed by Marseille’s appeal, even though he had the opportunity to sign with none other than Real Madrid. During Rabiot’s impressive performance at the World Cup with the French national team, Spanish journalist José Félix Diaz, associated with AS, highlighted on X: « Rabiot was without a team on August 30, 2024. Ancelotti wanted to sign him ». Despite the clear desire from Carlo Ancelotti, then coach of Real Madrid, Adrien Rabiot ultimately did not head to the Spanish capital, instead making his way to OM.  

« i went for it boldly »

At OM, the key figure behind Adrien Rabiot’s signature was Medhi Benatia. The Moroccan, who has since departed from his role as Marseille’s sporting director, recounted the details of this significant acquisition. He explained: « When I brought Adrien in, the transfer window was closed, but we could use a ‘joker’ signing. He was a free agent then, having not extended his contract with Juve. He had a multitude of options, but for various reasons, he hadn’t reached an agreement. I had followed the entire transfer market, observing where he might go, etc. And honestly, I went for it boldly. (…) When you know Adri, he’s passionate about football, a guy who gives his all. So, when I called him, I thought, at worst he says no, I have nothing to lose. But if it works… And then, he called me back 24 hours later. I told him: “Adri, my friend, I gave you 48 hours, not 24. Are you sure you’ve thought it through?” He replied: “No, no, I’ve thought about it. I’ll give you my mother’s number; call her, and you can start.” I said: “Don’t worry, I already have everything. I just need you to tell me if…” He said: “No, it’s good; it’s how you spoke to me about football. It’s settled, I want to come.” ».