OM – Amir Murillo, the unsung soldier who delivers for Marseille

An Unexpected Hero at La Meinau

There are nights when history is written by supporting players. On Friday, it was Amir Murillo who took on the role of savior. In the 91st minute, just as everyone expected OM to leave frustrated, the Panamanian appeared after Vaz’s cross-field ball to smash the ball into the net. 1-2, an explosion of joy, three points snatched. The kind of goal that changes a season, and a reminder that rotation is not a luxury, but a weapon.

The Perfect Rotation Player

Under De Zerbi, every position has become demanding, complex, coded. On the right flank, you need to alternate between stretching the play wide, moving inside, and ensuring defensive density. Murillo, originally trained as a defensive midfielder in Panama before converting into a full-back, possesses that tactical intelligence. He doesn’t always shine, he may sometimes leave space, but he knows how to do the dirty work and, most importantly, he delivers when the coach throws him into the fight.

An Uncertain Future… Turned Into Strength

He was almost forgotten. In the summer of 2024, his name appeared on the departure list. Signed for less than €3M from Anderlecht, often injured, Murillo seemed destined for the role of anonymous backup. But the Panamanian never gave up. 30 Ligue 1 matches last season, an extension until 2028, and now a status as a reliable player the coach can count on. His goal at La Meinau is the reward for exemplary tenacity.

The Ideal Profile for a Long Season

At 29, Murillo isn’t looking for the spotlight. No big statements, no star role, just a soldier’s mentality. And in a season where OM is aiming for the Ligue 1 podium and a deep Champions League run, this profile is vital. Players who can come off the bench, bring energy, and never betray the collective idea: that is what makes the difference between a team that endures and a team that wins.

The Value of “Supporting Roles”

In Strasbourg, Murillo did much more than score his first goal in Marseille’s colors. He reminded everyone that a strong dressing room is also built with men in the shadows, capable of becoming heroes for a night. In De Zerbi’s project, rotation is not an option: it is a pillar. And Murillo is living proof of that.