Olympique de Marseille's 2-0 win over Stade Rennais last night marked their 800th at home in France's top flight. That home, the Stade Vélodrome, has been the scene of some great atmospheres and memorable nights, and to honour the occasion, we're looking back at some of the best tifos produced by the club's supporters.
Tifos are something special in the world of football, and Ligue 1 has a strong tradition of some of the best. Olympique de Marseille fans have made some truly legendary ones over the years, and here are six of our favorites from recent seasons:
April 5, 2015 vs. Paris Saint-Germain
One of the key elements that makes tifos so impressive in the Vélodrome is its distinctive curved ends. Here, a tiled tifo shows a stylised version of the club’s logo ahead of Le Classique, one of Ligue 1’s biggest rivalries and a fixture that is always greeted with plenty of fanfare.
April 26, 2018 vs. RB Salzburg
One of Marseille’s most successful seasons in recent memory was the 2017-18 campaign, which saw them reach the final of the Europa League. Led by stars like Dimitri Payet and Florian Thauvin, OM’s final home match in Europe saw them beat the Austrian side 2-0 in the first leg of the semifinals.
October 17, 2021 vs. Lorient FC
Here, the supporters memorialise the passing of Bernard Tapie, the club’s legendary president. A colorful character, Tapie led the club to numerous league titles and to the Champions League in 1993, serving as president from 1986 to 1994.
February 26, 2023 vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Marseille supporters save their best work when it comes to the biggest matches, and last season’s Classique was no exception, with the fans raising a tifo depicting the city’s centre. Landmarks depicted include the cathedral, Roquefavour Acqueuct and (of course!) the Vélodrome itself.
April 30, 2023 vs. Auxerre:
This brilliant tifo was displayed to honour the 2024 Summer Olympics. While primarily in Paris, the city of Marseille will also host football at the Vélodrome as well as sailing in the Old Port.
May 27, 2023 vs. Stade Brestois
This tifo shows Marseille’s team from 1993 — players like Didier Deschamps, Abedi Pele and Marcel Desailly along with coach Raymond Goethals. That year was the first-ever Champions League, and Marseille won the final, 1-0, beating a legendary AC Milan side thanks to a goal from defender Basile Boli.
