Bezahaf’s debut sparks fresh hope for Marseille’s rebuilding

Kyliann Bezahaf made his Ligue 1 debut for Olympique de Marseille on Sunday, starting at right‑back against Troyes and helping the Phocéens to a 2-0 victory, a performance that drew immediate commendation from head coach Bruno Genesio.

Youngsters thrust into the spotlight

The evening was billed as a pivotal one for Marseille, with several academy graduates thrust onto the front stage. Among them, Bezahaf attracted particular attention from Genesio, who highlighted the youngster’s impact right up to the final whistle.

Debut performance and coach’s praise

At 20 years old, Bezahaf filled in for the suspended Timothy Weah, slotting into the right‑hand corridor of defence. He responded well in a difficult context, contributing to the 2-0 win that halted a run of negative results. Genesio also praised fellow debutant Nouhoum Kamissoko, calling both the most liberated players on the night.

"Kamissoko and also Bezahaf were very good. It’s the carefree nature of youth! They were ultimately the two most free players this evening," the Marseille coach said on Ligue 1+.

Bezahaf’s progression has been methodical: he joined the club’s academy in 2017, won the Coupe Gambardella in 2024 and featured in the Youth League before signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2026. He had already appeared as a substitute against Paris Saint‑Germain prior to this start.

While the debut does not guarantee a permanent place in the rotation, it opens new possibilities for the young Olympian at a time when injuries force Genesio to explore alternative solutions.

A tweet from Chebli Ishaq on 11 October 2026 celebrated the solid first start of Kylian Bezahaf with the OM, underscoring the positive reception from fans and the media.