Willy Delajod
He is one of the youngest FIFA referees in France, a precocious talent already entrusted with the most high-profile matches, including the "Classique". However, for OM supporters, the name Willy Delajod is often associated with challenging evenings and crushing defeats. A portrait of a referee with immense potential, but whose relationship with Marseille is nothing short of complicated.
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Identity Card — A Recap
Willy Delajod, born in 1992, is a rising star in European refereeing. Promoted to Ligue 1 in 2018, he quickly obtained his FIFA badge in 2020. His CV is already impressive for his age: he officiated the 2023 French Cup final (Toulouse-Nantes) and, as proof of the authorities' absolute trust, he was the video assistant referee (VAR) for the 2022 World Cup final. He is a referee destined for the top.
What the Marseilles Fans Say
On social media, Willy Delajod is a name that inspires suspicion. Less for his refereeing style, often considered consistent, than for the results of OM under his supervision, especially during big matches.
The "Black Cat" of Big Nights? This is the prevailing sentiment. Fans remember the heavy losses against direct rivals (PSG, Lyon) when he was on the whistle. His name has become, rightly or wrongly, synonymous with a bad omen for many.
A Calm Refereeing, Tough Results: Paradoxically, criticism rarely focuses on supposed "anti-OM" refereeing. Fans acknowledge his calm and his approach that favors the game. The frustration rather stems from the gap between the perceived quality of his refereeing and the harshness of the final scores, such as during the 4-0 at Parc des Princes.
OM's Track Record with This Referee
The actual track record of Willy Delajod with OM is quite different from the myths. It is marked by high-profile matches, but unfortunately, often unfavorable results for the Phoceans.
| Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Result | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-09-24 | Paris Saint-Germain | Away | L 0-4 | A rout in a one-sided Classic. |
| 2023-03-05 | Stade Rennais | Away | W 1-0 | The only victory for OM with him in recent matches. |
| 2022-05-06 | Strasbourg | Away | D 1-1 | An engaged draw. |
| 2022-05-01 | Olympique Lyonnais | Home | L 0-3 | Heavy defeat at the Vélodrome in an Olympico. |
| 2022-01-16 | Lille OSC | Home | D 1-1 | An intense match with the expulsion of a Lille player. |
The record is undeniable: only one win for two draws and two heavy losses against direct rivals. The matches against PSG (0-4) and Lyon (0-3) have particularly stood out and shaped his reputation among Marseille fans.
Trends That Matter for OM
Willy Delajod is a modern referee who likes to let the game flow. He is not a "card-happy" referee, and his average number of fouls called is on the lower side of Ligue 1. He favors fluidity and dialogue. His most notable tendency is his serenity: it is rare to see him lose his calm or engage in conflict with players.
For OM, this means there is no blame on "choppy" or "fussy" refereeing. His style allows teams to express themselves. The trend that truly matters is that of results: OM must find the key to reverse the negative dynamic during matches he officiates.
VAR & High-Stakes Matches
His appointment as VAR in the World Cup final speaks volumes about his mastery of the tool. He is considered one of the best French specialists in this field. He uses the technology with precision, and his interventions are generally quick and clear. He has not been at the center of major VAR controversies in his matches with OM.
He is clearly a referee for high-stakes matches. His appointment for a "Classic" at only 30 was a huge vote of confidence. He has managed these encounters with impressive calm, even when the score was heavy. He is not influenced by the stakes or the atmosphere.
What to Expect Next Match
When Willy Delajod is on the whistle, you can expect top-level refereeing but also be prepared to face our own demons. The match will probably be fluid, and the referee will not be the protagonist. Everything will be played on the field.
For our players, this is the chance to break a bad streak. A high-level performance will be necessary because, against refereeing of this quality, there are no excuses. It is a challenge for the team to prove they can win, no matter who holds the whistle.