OM: The crazy rise of Pablo Longoria in 8 moments

President of OM since February 26, Pablo Longoria became at the age of 34 the youngest president in the history of the Marseille club since 1909.

Officially appointed OM’s new president to replace Jacques-Henri Eyraud on February 26, Pablo Longoria became, at 34, the youngest president of the club since 1909. Back in 8 moments on the insane rise of Pablo Longoria.

8. Recruiter in Newcastle (November 2007 – February 2008)

Pablo Longoria started his professional football career when he became a recruiter for England club Newcastle in 2007 at just 21 years old. But a few months later, he will leave his post for a position of responsibility at Recreativo de Huelva.

7. Recruitment manager in Huelva (February 2009 – November 2010)

After a brief stint at Newcastle, Longoria became at the age of 22 responsible for the recruitment unit of Recreativo de Huelva where he notably enabled the arrival in Spain of the former player of Liverpool, Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

At that time, he also tried to bring in André Villas-Boas as a coach, but failed to convince him and the Portuguese coach then signed up to the Académica de Coimbra.

After nine months at Recreativo, the young Spaniard agrees to become a recruiter again for Atalanta Bergamo.

6. Recruiter at Atalanta (December 2010 – July 2013)

In December 2010, the Asturian became a recruiter for Atalanta Bergamo, which played in Serie B. He stayed there for three seasons before becoming head of the Sassualo recruiting unit.

5. Recruitment manager Sassuolo (July 2013 – August 2015)

After three years of scouting at Atalanta, Longoria was appointed responsible for recruiting Sassuolo in July 2013. After two seasons with the Neroverdi, the Spaniard fulfills a dream by occupying the same position but with Juventus champion of Italy.

4. Recruitment manager at Juventus (August 2015 – February 2018)

After two seasons as recruiting manager at Sassuolo, Pablo Longoria makes his arrival at the Juventus in August 2015 while occupying the same functions.

At the Italian champion, it allows in particular to complete the arrival of Rodrigo Bentancur, Uruguayan midfielder from River Plate. In February 2018, the young Spanish leader decided to return to his native country, becoming the new sports director of Valencia.

3. Sporting director in Valence (February 2018 – September 2019)

After eight seasons in Italy, Pablo Longoria returned to Spain in February 2018 as the sporting director of FC Valencia. It was during his visit to “Los Ches” that the young leader gains notoriety.

In just under two years, the Spaniard will manage to attract many players to the resident of League. Among them, promising goalkeeper Jesper Cillessen replacing the Barça, Mouctar Diakhaby (Lyon), Cristiano Piccini (Sporting Portugal), Thierry Correia (Sporting), Maxi Gomez (Celta Vigo).

It also allowed Valencia to recruit young players such as the French U19 international Koindredi, the Englishman Yunus Musah, the Polish hopeful Mateusz Legowski or the young Argentinian hopeful as goalkeeper Joaquín Blázquez. He will leave the Spanish club in September 2019.

2. Sporting director in Marseille (July 2020 – February 2021)

With an extensive network known to find great talent at low cost, Longoria was appointed on July 26, 2020 as “Head of Football” at theIF in place of Andoni Zubizarreta.

As soon as he arrived on the banks of the Canebière, the Spaniard said he wanted to stay 5 years with the Marseille club with the objective of stabilizing Marseille among the 20 best European clubs.

Under his leadership, Marseille recruited in particular Pape Gueye for free, Leonardo Balerdi and Cuisance on loans with option to buy, as well as Luis Henrique 19-year-old winger with great potential from Botafogo.

But it was during the last market winter that the Marseille leader wraps up his best recruits by enlisting striker Milik, defender Pol Lirola and Olivier Ntcham all on loan, as well as Franco Tongya for € 8 million from Juve and which he undoubtedly spotted during his visit to the Old Lady.

Longoria also allowed the Olympians to reduce their payroll by loaning Kevin Strootman to Genoa. He also filled the club’s coffers well by selling Bouna Sarr to the Bayern for 10 million euros and Morgan Sanson for 17 million at Aston Villa.

1. President of OM (February 26, 2021 -)

After seven good months as sports director, Pablo Longoria was appointed on February 26, 2021, president of Olympique de Marseille by Frank McCourt following the departure of Jacques-Henri Eyraud.

At 34, he became the youngest president of the Marseille club since 1909 and chose former Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli as his coach.

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