OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE – THIRD SHIRT 2011/2012
Olympique de Marseille are one of France’s heavyweight clubs, based in the south of the country and defined by passion, identity, and success at the highest level. OM have spent the vast majority of their history in Ligue 1, winning 11 French league titles, 10 Coupe de France trophies, and 3 Coupes de la Ligue. On the European stage, they hold a unique place in history as the inaugural UEFA Champions League winners in 1993, defeating AC Milan 1–0 in Munich.
The club plays home matches at the iconic Stade Vélodrome, a stadium renowned across Europe for its intimidating atmosphere and fiercely loyal support.
The 2011/2012 season saw Marseille wearing this unique third shirt under the management of current France Manager Didier Deschamps, who was nearing the end of his successful spell at the club. Domestically, it proved to be a difficult and inconsistent campaign though. OM finished a poor 10th in Ligue 1 - their lowest league position in over a decade.
Despite league difficulties, Marseille still found moments of success. In attack, Loïc Rémy was the standout performer, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 12 league goals and 20 in all competitions. He was supported by wide players Mathieu Valbuena and André Ayew. Steve Mandanda was club captain and continued to be a reliable presence in goal. In defence, young talents Nicolas Nkoulou and César Azpilicueta impressed with their composure and versatility.
Despite poor league form, Marseille shone on the continental stage. In the Champions League, OM reached the quarter-finals, producing one of the club’s most memorable modern European moments by eliminating Inter Milan in the Round of 16. After a 1–0 home defeat, Marseille secured qualification on away goals thanks to a Brandão strike at the San Siro, sealing a 1–1 aggregate draw. Their Champions League journey ended in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, where Marseille were soundly beaten 4–0 on aggregate.
Domestically, Marseille did manage to end the season with silverware, successfully defending the Coupe de la Ligue, defeating Lyon 1–0 in the final at the Stade de France - this was Deschamps’ third consecutive League Cup triumph with the club.
Follow the club on X: @OM_Officiel
