Longoria sought mum's blessing before Greenwood Marseille move
Marseille president Pablo Longoria reveals he consulted his mother, who worked in Spanish prisons, before completing the controversial signing of Mason Greenwood.
Marseille president Pablo Longoria has revealed he sought his mother’s blessing before signing Mason Greenwood, the former Manchester United forward who’s now tearing up Ligue 1 as the division’s top scorer.
Family council before controversial move
Longoria, who splashed €26 million to bring Greenwood to the Vélodrome, admitted in a candid interview with The Telegraph that he consulted his mother Begoña before finalizing the deal.
“It’s the first time I’ve spoken about this, but it’s right to speak openly about it,” Longoria confessed, acknowledging the sensitive nature of signing a player previously charged with serious offences against his partner in 2022 (charges that were later dropped).
The Marseille chief specifically wanted input from someone without sporting incentives. His mother’s background in the Spanish prison system gave her unique perspective on rehabilitation.
“Having done due diligence and with all the information, I called my mother and asked: ‘What do you think?’” Longoria revealed. Her response was simple: “Do it.”
From Getafe to Goalscorer
Greenwood has certainly repaid Longoria’s faith on the pitch:
- Currently leads Ligue 1 scoring charts with 12 goals
- Outpacing nearest rival Joaquín Panichelli (11 goals)
- Follows impressive season at Getafe (10 goals, 6 assists in 36 matches)
The Bradford-born attacker has become Marseille’s franchise player despite initial backlash, including from the city’s mayor Benoit Payan, who publicly stated he didn’t want the club “filled with shame.”
No regrets from Longoria
Despite the controversy, Longoria stands firmly behind his decision: “If you believe you’re making the right decision, with the proper information and from a human perspective, you face it normally.”
The Spanish executive insists Greenwood has integrated well at the club, adding: “Mason is a good lad, seriously. Since then, I sleep well at night.”
The case highlights football’s complex relationship with redemption narratives, with Greenwood’s on-pitch performances forcing uncomfortable conversations about second chances in the sport. For now, Marseille and Longoria are backing their man to the hilt.