After six idyllic months where he put Marseille at his feet, an Olympian striker discovers the hidden side of OM: permanent questioning.
A few weeks ago, he was the king. Arrived in January 2025, Amine Gouiri lived six months of dream at Olympique de Marseille. Ten goals in fourteen games,
An acrobatic return elected goal of the seasonconquered supporters … The Algerian striker had put “Everyone agrees”,
As he said himself. He was the present and the future of the club, the undisputed offensive leader. But at OM, more than elsewhere, the wind turns quickly. Very quickly. And Gouiri is learning it at its expense.
The return of Aubameyang changes everything for Gouiri
The cause of this change of status has a name: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The surprise return of the Gabonese scorer rebatted all the cards. And suddenly, the halftone performance of Gouiri in preparation (1 goal in 6 games) took another dimension. The “disappointing” pre-season, which we would have normally forgiven, has become a subject of concern, amplified by the effectiveness of Aubameyang upon its return. On social networks, the debate is raging : Is Gouiri still the man of the situation?
The contrast is striking. Acclaimed in May, Gouiri came out in an indifference form in the last friendly match against Aston Villa, while Aubameyang received an ovation. We know the song in Marseille: the love of supporters is as passionate as they are demanding. And the competition, embodied by an old darling of the Vélodrome, is the perfect catalyst for giving birth to doubt. The period of grace is over.
Gouiri under pressure after the return of Aubameyang
Healthy competition, really?
The club tries to calm the game. Roberto de Zerbi, the coach, assures that there is “no strict hierarchy” and that he will have “Need the two”. He even goes further, saying that Gouiri “Part Evantagé”.
Aubameyang himself speaks of a potential “super duo”.
Facade declarations, as the game wants, intended to avoid an ego war even before the season begins. But no one is fooled.
Gouiri saw his first real mental test at OM. After being brought to the clouds, he must now manage competition from a heavyweight. Frustrated in the field by a lack of support, he is now challenged in the locker room. It may be an evil for a good. This rivalry, if it is well managed, could push the two men to surpass themselves and offer De Zerbi a formidable strike force. The championship takes over Friday against Rennes, the former club of Gouiri. Timing is perfect for a first answer on the ground.
