A controversial figure in his home country, the forward is already adored by a fervent fanbase at Stade Velodrome

There is renewed optimism at Marseille this season, and persona non grata Mason Greenwood has emerged as the unlikely poster boy of a new era being spearheaded by volatile ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. A lightning-fast start to life in the south of France has seemingly erased Greenwood's chequered past from some fans' collective memory, and protesting voices have been drowned out by those welcoming a new cult hero.

Greenwood became a footballing pariah in England after audio and imagery of an alleged assault emerged online, which led to him being arrested and subsequently suspended by Manchester United in January 2022. Although he denied the accusations, he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022, then aged 20. However, those charges were discontinued in February 2023 after the withdrawal of key witnesses.

The one-cap England international had remained an outcast at United throughout the legal process, before being loaned to Getafe last season after a U-turn on keeping him at the club following an extensive internal review. The 22-year-old rebuilt his footballing reputation in Spain, and with the Red Devils resolved to sell him, he completed an inevitably-controversial £27 million ($35m) transfer to Marseille earlier this summer.

A city where progressive women's rights are advocated for strongly, it was anticipated that Greenwood would receive a very mixed reception at Stade Velodrome from what is a fervent and political fanbase, especially after a campaign was launched online using the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome. But after an eye-catching start - and despite the attempted intervention of Marseille's mayor - he has been welcomed with open arms at a club starved of superstars and success.

Fastest possible start

Few could have anticipated that Greenwood would make such a scintillating start to life in his new surroundings, especially after the furore surrounding the deal, but he has provided a reminder of his footballing ability having returned to a relatively bigger club following his spell somewhat out of the limelight at Getafe.

A seemingly shy character, it wouldn't have been a surprise to see the attacker lay relatively low in the opening weeks of his new adventure, but De Zerbi has thrust him straight back into the spotlight and he has been rewarded on the pitch.

On his competitive debut on the opening day of the season, Greenwood announced himself to Ligue 1 with a dominant display in a 5-1 demolition of Brest away from home - playing a role in each goal. It took him just three minutes to open his account as he collected the ball on the right flank, burst away from his defender and fired a finish across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. He would make it a brace before half-time, putting away a penalty.

Marseille were less impressive in their next game as they hosted Reims, but it was Greenwood who emerged as their saviour as the clock ticked down with the score 2-1 to the visitors. With 20 minutes to go, the Englishman rose at the back post to nod home a loose ball after the goalkeeper had parried, sending the Velodrome into raptures.

Back on the road against Toulouse on matchday three, Greenwood led from the front once more, scoring twice in the space of a minute early in the first half to put OM in control of a match they eventually won 3-1. In Europe's top five leagues so far in 2024-25, only Erling Haaland (seven) has scored more goals than Greenwood (five).