Marseille manager thinks former Manchester United star can win Ballon d’Or

Roberto De Zerbi did not hold back when asked about his attacker’s abilities, insisting he has what it takes to reach the very top of world football.

“I don’t see any other players in Europe at the same level,” Zerbi said in December. “He has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.”

De Zerbi’s comments underline the remarkable progress the player has made since joining Olympique de Marseille in the summer of 2024 after leaving Manchester United.

The 24-year-old has been among Ligue 1’s most prolific scorers and has become a focal point of Marseille’s attack, helping the club compete domestically and in European competition.

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The forward’s rise in form represents a dramatic turnaround from a troubled spell in England. He came through the Manchester United youth system and looked set for stardom.

However, his career was derailed by serious off-field allegations in 2022, which were later dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and new evidence emerged.

United ultimately parted ways with him in 2024, and he signed for Marseille, where his performances have placed him among the club’s top attacking talents.

Across Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season, he has scored consistently, drawing fresh attention after scoring 13 goals in Ligue 1 by December 2025, one of the continent’s most eye-catching tallies.

Despite his on-field success, his international future has remained uncertain. Greenwood has not been called back into the England setup since 2021, and while he explored the possibility of representing Jamaica, he has not yet made an official international appearance since the move.

Nevertheless, the combination of his goal-scoring form and De Zerbi’s endorsement has ignited debate among fans and pundits about just how high the forward’s ceiling might be, with the Ballon d’Or suggestion reflecting the manager’s belief in his extraordinary talent and potential for growth.