Former Super Eagles defender, Taye Taiwo has been honoured with induction into Olympique Marseille’s prestigious Club of Legends, cementing his status as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
The 39-year-old, who played 271 matches for Marseille between 2005 and 2011, scoring 25 goals and providing 23 assists, joins an elite group that includes Samir Nasri, Mamadou Niang, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Lorik Cana, and Paulo Cézar.
Marseille Honours Taiwo’s Legacy
Confirming his induction, Olympique Marseille celebrated the Nigerian’s contribution to the club, posting on their official X (formerly Twitter) account:
“Naija Represented. Taye Taiwo is in the house tonight as the former Olympien and Super Eagle is inducted into the #OMLegends club.”
Taiwo was an instrumental figure in Marseille’s 2009/10 Ligue 1 triumph, their first league title in 18 years. He also helped Les Phocéens win the French League Cup (Coupe de la Ligue) and the Trophée des Champions (French Super Cup) before leaving for AC Milan in 2011.
A Fan Favourite with a Powerful Left Foot
Known for his ferocious left-footed strikes and attacking contributions from defence, Taiwo was a key figure in Marseille’s success.
His thunderous free-kicks and long-range goals made him a favourite among the club’s supporters, earning him cult status at the Stade Vélodrome.
A Distinguished Career for Club and Country
Taiwo is one of only four Nigerians to have played for Marseille, alongside Wilson Oruma, Joseph Yobo, and Victor Agali.
On the international stage, he earned 54 caps for Nigeria, scoring five goals between 2004 and 2011.
He was regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest left-backs, playing a vital role in the Super Eagles’ defence for nearly a decade.
After leaving Marseille, Taiwo played for several European clubs, including AC Milan, Queens Park Rangers (QPR), Dynamo Kyiv, and HJK Helsinki, before retiring in 2019.
A Lasting Legacy at Marseille
Taiwo’s induction into Marseille’s Club of Legends not only celebrates his individual achievements and statistics but also honours his role in bringing glory back to the club.
His legacy remains strong in French football, where he is considered one of the most successful African players to have played for Marseille.
