Darryl Bakola, precocity at the service of OM

Europe 18 March 2025 at 08:32

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

He's only 17 years and 3 months old, but Darryl Bakola has already etched his name in the history books of Olympique de Marseille. On Sunday night, against Paris Saint-Germain, the young Franco-Congolese midfielder became the youngest player for OM to feature in a Classique. A symbolic appearance, even though the Marseillais fell (1-3) at Parc des Princes.

His journey has been anything but smooth sailing. Before signing with OM, Bakola had to show patience and resilience. He went through trials at 13 different clubs, including Auxerre, Le Havre, Caen, and Châteauroux, without ever being retained. A barren run that could have discouraged him, but instead, it built his character.

Born in Clichy, Bakola took his first steps in football at Marignane Gignac before joining Marseille's youth academy. A hard worker, he quickly stood out for his technical quality, vision of the game, and unusual maturity for his age. This season, he has already made his first appearance in Ligue 1, before repeating the feat in one of the biggest matches of the championship.

Under contract with OM until 2027, Bakola represents the future of the club. His gradual integration into the professional squad reflects the staff's confidence, seeing him as a promising figure in midfield. With the announced departure of some key players in the coming months, he could carve out a more significant role in the rotation.