Top 10 Brazilian players who have played for OM
For decades, Olympique de Marseille has maintained a special relationship with Brazilian football. OM's Brazilian players have often brought technical skill, attacking flair, and passion to the Vélodrome. Whether they were strikers, defenders, or playmakers, many have left their mark on Marseille supporters with their spectacular style.
Here is our ranking of the 10 best Brazilian players of OM , a top 10 that mixes legends, artists and warriors of Brazil.
10. Luis Henrique
Arriving in 2020 from Botafogo, Luis Henrique joined OM as a highly touted Brazilian prospect. A fast and technically gifted left winger, he played 49 matches in all competitions for the club between 2020 and 2022. While he never quite established himself as an undisputed starter, he displayed impressive attacking and dribbling skills in what was sometimes a challenging environment for a young player of just 18 years old.
👉 Key moment: his match against Dijon in April 2021, where he delivered two assists in just a few minutes, revealing his ability to unlock a defense. His time there left a sense of unfinished business, but it symbolizes the continued presence of Brazilian talent at OM, always in search of attacking flair.
9. Brandão
Signed in 2009, Brandão remains one of the club's most memorable Brazilians thanks to his unique style. A powerful striker, generous in his effort, he wasn't the most technically gifted but scored decisive goals. With 18 goals in 112 matches, he left his mark on OM's history through his commitment and his flair for the big occasion.
👉 Key moment: his improbable goal against Inter Milan in 2012, scored with a backheel control followed by a shot, remains etched in the annals of the Champions League and OM. This bizarre feat symbolizes both his technical limitations and his ability to be decisive at the most crucial moment.
8. Vitorino Hilton
A central defender who arrived in 2008, Hilton played 57 matches for OM before joining Montpellier. Composed and experienced, the Brazilian brought stability to the Marseille defense. Always well-positioned and strong in duels, he was a discreet but valuable player for the team.
👉 Key fact: in 2010, he played a key role in OM's last French league title, forming a solid partnership with Souleymane Diawara. His time there, though short, remains associated with Didier Deschamps' successful period as manager.
7. André Luiz
Arriving in 1993, André Luiz played 60 matches for Olympique de Marseille. A solid central defender, the Brazilian rock-solid player made his mark with his physique and discipline during a difficult period for the club. His consistency and commitment allowed OM to remain competitive despite the challenges.
👉 Key moment: During the 1994-1995 season, in Ligue 2, he was one of the team's key players and contributed significantly to Marseille's immediate promotion back to the top flight. An example of professionalism that left a lasting impression on the fans.
6. Jairzinho
A 1970 World Cup winner with Brazil, Jairzinho arrived at Olympique de Marseille in 1974. Although his time there lasted only a season and a half, he left an indelible mark with his charisma and experience. In 42 matches, he scored 16 goals, confirming his status as a world-class striker.
👉 A notable moment: in 1975, he scored a hat trick against Troyes, reminiscent of his exploits with Brazil in Mexico in 1970, where he scored in every match of the tournament. His brief stint in Marseille remains a historical curiosity for fans.
5. Fernandão
An attacking midfielder who arrived in 2001, Fernandão played 61 matches for OM and scored 6 goals. Elegant and intelligent in his play, he was quickly appreciated for his vision and team spirit. An exemplary captain, he embodied a figure of stability within the squad.
👉 Key moment: He captained the team in the 2004 UEFA Cup final against Valencia. Even though OM lost (2-0), his charisma and leadership left a lasting impression on a generation of fans. After leaving Marseille, he achieved great success with Internacional in Brazil, where he won the Copa Libertadores.
4. Carlos Mozer
A central defender who arrived in 1989, Carlos Mozer is a Brazilian defensive legend at Olympique de Marseille. Tough, solid, but also an excellent passer, he was one of the pillars of Bernard Tapie's great Marseille team. With over 80 appearances, he won two French league titles (1989, 1990).
👉 Key moment: In 1990, he scored a decisive goal against Benfica in the European Cup, showing that he could also contribute offensively. His fighting spirit and tough-guy style made him a fan favorite at the Vélodrome.
3. Luiz Gustavo
Arriving in 2017, Luiz Gustavo immediately became a leader. A tireless Brazilian defensive midfielder, he played 92 matches and scored 10 goals. His positioning, clean distribution, and unwavering commitment won over the Marseille fans. He embodied the fighting spirit of modern OM.
👉 Key moment: his rocket of a goal against PSG in October 2017 at the Vélodrome, which rattled the net and shook the entire stadium. This goal will forever be remembered as one of the great moments of the decade's Classiques.
2. Gerson
Signed from Flamengo in 2021, Gerson played 61 matches and scored 11 goals for OM. A technically gifted and elegant attacking midfielder, a "pure product of Brazil" who brought creativity and an inimitable Brazilian flair. Nicknamed "Il Professore" (The Professor), he shone with his dribbling skills and vision.
👉 Key moment: In the 2023 Coupe de France, he scored a decisive goal against PSG, becoming a hero at the Vélodrome. Even though his time in Marseille was short, his impact was immediate.
1. Sonny Anderson
Before becoming a legend at AS Monaco and especially Olympique Lyonnais, Sonny Anderson played for OM during the 1993-1994 season. Signed from Servette Geneva, he quickly established himself as a complete striker: speed, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement. With 16 goals in 31 Division 1 matches, he became one of the most prolific goalscorers of the decade in Ligue 1.
👉 Key moment: During the 1993-94 season, Anderson impressed with his consistency despite a turbulent period for the club. His brace against PSG in the league remains etched in the memories of Marseille fans, a symbol of his effectiveness in big matches. Even though his time at OM was brief, he remains one of the best Brazilian strikers to have worn the Marseille jersey and paved the way for his brilliant European career.