Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published on Thursday, 23 April 2026, 20:49 / Updated on Thursday, 23 April 2026 20:56
Benoit Payan, the mayor of Marseille, criticized the new emblem of the local club in an interview given to a local publication. The change is also heavily criticized by the supporters of the French team.
Officially presented by the club on April 8, OM's new logo sparked the anger of the supporters, but also the anger of the city councilor. “I've seen many emblems, but this ugly – never!”
Benoit Payan, the mayor of Marseille, destroyed the new logo from OM: “Even Volkswagen mocked us”
Old Marseille emblem (left) vs new emblem (right)
“It's horrible. I've seen many logos, but this ugly – never. It's a mistake and it needs to be corrected. Even Volkswagen mocked us by turning their logo around and saying our new logo is the same as theirs. I think this logo doesn't fully fit Olympique Marseille. Some people tell me we'll get used to it. Yes, you get used to everything, but I don't like it,” Payan said, according to sportal.bg.
The German car brand joked with OM on its French social media. “Friends from Marseille, usually the scissors are made on the field,” the company wrote ironically on social networks.
The irony of Volkswagen / Photo: Instagram
The change in emblem was justified in detail and supported by an extensive communication campaign by the club: “Our new logo modernizes our iconic iconography, while paying homage to its history. The clear geometric structure brings strength and legibility, while the letter 'M' unfolds freely – recalling the vitality of water, the freedom of wind and the fire that burns in the heart of Marseille,” the club said on their website at the time.
It remains to be seen whether the management of the Marseille club will agree to take a step back. The club's fans and former players have already had their say. The ultras were the most vocal, particularly with the banners displayed during the Ligue 1 match against Metz. “The emblem is the image and likeness of your season. Big shit,” was one of the banners displayed.
Banner displayed by Marseille fans during the match against Metz / photo: @RMCsport
