Genesio backs Weah as Marseille captain amid Højbjerg exit

Coach Bruno Genesio has confirmed Timothy Weah as Le Olympique de Marseille’s captain for the coming season, replacing Pierre-Emile Højbjerg after the Danish midfielder was stripped of the armband. The decision, taken on Friday before the 1-2 friendly loss to Atlético de Madrid, signals a clear shift in leadership as the club prepares for the new campaign.

Captaincy change confirmed

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg lost the captaincy after he declined a transfer to Newcastle United, a deal that had seemed close to completion between the two clubs. His refusal prompted the club to strip him of the armband just before the friendly.

Lors, in a recent press conference, Genesio explained why he sees Weah as the ideal leader. “The captain must be exemplary in his attitude on the pitch and also have a leader’s soul and radiate energy,” he said. “Since I arrived, he embodies what I want from a captain – positive, team‑oriented and flawless in his work. In constrained conditions, he is the squad member who meets the most criteria for the armband.”

With the captaincy settled, Marseille will start the season with Weah wearing the armband, guiding the squad through the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign. The club hopes his leadership will translate into consistent performances as they build on the pre‑season.