Matt O’Riley – Celtic, Marseille and beating Ajax 4-0 in Champions League
MARSEILLE – L-R Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Olympique Marseille, Igor Paixao of Olympique Marseille, Timothy Weah of Olympique Marseille, and Matt O Riley of Olympique Marseille celebrate the 4-0 goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique Marseille and Ajax at the Stade Velodrome on September 30, 2025, in Marseille, France. ANP MAURICE VAN STEEN
Matt O’Riley believes that his time at Celtic has equipped him well for the challenges of playing at Olympique de Marseille, who last night thrashed Ajax 4-0 in the UEFA Champions League…
The central midfielder—who moved from Celtic to Brighton and Hove Albion for £25 million last summer—is now on a season long loan at the French side, who paid a loan of £2m to Brighton and do NOT have an option to buy in the loan deal;
O’Riley has featured in five games for Roberto Di Zerbi’s side and spoke to the press ahead of their stunning victory in the Champions League against Ajax at the Orange Velodrome last night.
Speaking via OM YouTube channel, a French journalist posed to O’Riley, “You spent one season at Celtic Glasgow. What major differences have you noticed in terms of enthusiasm and fervour compared to your experience here at Olympique de Marseille?”
Olympique de Marseille VS AFC Ajax Amsterdam – Champions League – 30/09/2025 Kenneth Taylor AFC Ajax / Matt O Riley OM – Champions League match between Olympique de Marseille and AFC Ajax Amsterdam on September 30, 2025 at the Orange Velodrome Stadium in Marseille. Marseille France: Photo
William Cannarella
The former Celtic fans-favourite replied: “I have not been here so long yet, so I need more time here to answer that question, but I can only speak for both clubs being very big and very passionate.”
“It’s a big privilege to play in front of these fans who are so passionate and have so much love for football. Of course, there’s pressure that comes with that, but there’s more of a responsibility, which I really enjoy.”
“Of course, I have that experience with Celtic, needing to win every single game, and that’s prepared me for coming to Marseille,” O’Riley added.
Matt O’Riley of Celtic celebrates scoring our second goal with teammates during the Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Celtic at Ibrox on April 07, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Marseille’s loan deal for O’Riley does not include a purchase option, with the French club paying Brighton €2 million plus potential add-ons for his season-long loan.
De Zerbi’s men currently sit third in Ligue 1, trailing leaders Paris Saint-Germain by three points after six matches. O’Riley was part of the Marseille side that defeated the Parisians 1-0 last week in what was the club’s first home victory over the Champions League holders in 14 years.
This is an exciting move for O’Riley who is able to play in the Champions League, in a competitive league and under a terrific manager whilst playing week in week out.
Conor Spence
