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Football Insider

Uplifting Tim Weah: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

Discover the inspiring journey of USMNT star Tim Weah as he opens up about his struggles and triumphs, from being a 'broken player' at Juventus to finding solace and success at Marseille. Dive into his story of resilience and redemption in the world of football.

Uplifting Tim Weah: A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

USMNT star Tim Weah admits that he was a “broken player” when joining Marseille in 2025, with “getting up in the morning” proving difficult during a testing spell at Serie A giants Juventus. The United States international, who is the son of Ballon d’Or-winning AC Milan legend George, feels that he has finally found a home in France where he can put down roots.Weah moved to Turin in the summer of 2023, with Juve paying a little over €10 million (£9m/$12m) in order to secure his signature. His versatility was put to good use in Italy, as the Bianconeri asked him to fill a variety of positions, but regular starts were never guaranteed.The opportunity to head back to Ligue 1 was embraced by the former Paris Saint-Germain and Lille winger in 2025. An initial loan agreement at Stade Velodrome includes an obligation to buy that will be triggered at around €18 million (£16m/$21m) in the next transfer window.Weah is pleased to have escaped Juventus, where he never truly felt comfortable and found it difficult to motivate himself. He has told reporters in France of fully embracing a fresh start: “When I arrived here, they took on a player who was a bit broken, lacking in confidence. Getting up in the morning was hard for me, going to training. Because things weren't going well for me. So they took a chance on me.”Weah now claims to feel “a bit like a Marseillais”, having been taken to the hearts of a new fan base. He is also enjoying working under enigmatic Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi - the man that talked him into a bold move.The 25-year-old New York native added: “The coach really believed in me. He called me at four in the morning in my pajamas, on FaceTime. He was smoking, and he said, 'Tim, you have to come here. You'll see, this is your home.' And at the airport, I was received as if I were at home.”Having taken in 28 appearances for Marseille, including a history-making outing against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League, Weah says that he is now hoping “to stay here for a long time, if I can”.Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Weah has previously told Le Dauphine Libere of adjusting to life on the Mediterranean coast: “I put myself in my own bubble… but it's also a thrill, an honour. Playing in a stadium full for every match, with the shouts of the fans, is special. There aren't many similar stadiums in the world.“I really want to succeed here. In France, all the other clubs, all the other fans are against OM. We are opposed everywhere and I like this aspect of being alone against everyone.”Being back in France also means that Weah can return to Paris on a regular basis a - city that saw him step out of the academy system at PSG. He has said of those trips: “It's funny, I run into more OM supporters than PSG supporters in Paris. Every time I go back up there to see friends, I meet OM fans. That's also what shocked me. It's incredible. We're everywhere!”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWeah insists that Marseille were the only club he truly connected with after being linked with teams across Europe - including some in the Premier League - with a return to France making sense for all concerned. He said of that decision: “There were other clubs, but as soon as they [Marseille] called me, there was only one club. For me, it's perfect. There's competition. We know the stadium and the fans.”His move also has the support of those back home, with USMNT legend Alexi Lalas saying when Weah’s switch was confirmed: “I think this is a good move for Tim Weah... I think he and his agent played this well in terms of getting to a place where I think he recognises he's going to have a good chance of playing and where he's going to be comfortable.”Weah has become that, with three goals and four assists to his name, and is determined to help ensure that Marseille return to the Champions League next season - with a testing clash against PSG next on the agenda for De Zerbi’s side.

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A Tale of Redemption

USMNT star Tim Weah recently revealed that he arrived at Marseille as a 'broken player' after facing tough times at Juventus. His journey of overcoming struggles and embracing a fresh start is a testament to his resilience and determination. Weah's vulnerability in admitting that 'getting up in the morning' was a challenge sheds light on the mental toll sports professionals can face.

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Finding a Home in France

After a challenging stint at Juventus, Weah's move to Marseille in 2025 has proven transformative. The warm reception and unwavering support from the Marseille fan base have helped him find his footing and rebuild his confidence. The belief shown in him by coach Roberto De Zerbi played a pivotal role in his resurgence, highlighting the impact of mentorship and support in an athlete's journey.

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Embracing New Opportunities

Weah's decision to return to Ligue 1 has paid off, with his performances on the pitch reflecting his renewed sense of purpose and passion. His desire to contribute to Marseille's success and lead them back to the Champions League speaks volumes about his commitment to the club and its supporters. Weah's positive outlook and determination to thrive in France showcase his unwavering dedication to his craft.

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A Player Reborn

As Weah continues to excel on the field, scoring three goals and providing four assists for Marseille, his journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes facing adversities. His story exemplifies the power of resilience, self-belief, and perseverance in overcoming setbacks and emerging stronger than ever. Weah's impact both on and off the pitch is a testament to the transformative power of sports in shaping lives.

Published on Feb 8, 2026