Key Highlights
- Mason Greenwood is preparing for a high-profile Champions League match against Liverpool despite his controversial past.
- Greenwood’s form in Ligue 1 has seen him become Marseille’s top scorer, but he remains out of the England World Cup squad.
- The controversy surrounding Greenwood includes an attempted rape charge that was later discontinued due to a withdrawal of key witnesses.
- Despite his performances, Greenwood faces challenges in securing international recognition from the England team under coach Thomas Tuchel.
Marseille’s High-Profile Match: A Chance for Redemption?
Mason Greenwood is set to face one of the biggest tests of his career when Liverpool visit Marseille on Wednesday, 25 January 2026. The match against his former club is not merely a simple Champions League encounter but a potential audition stage for a man who has seen his international career hampered by past controversies.
The Controversial Past
Greenwood’s journey to Marseille was marked by controversy. In January 2022, he faced serious allegations of attempted rape and controlling or coercive behavior, leading to his suspension from Manchester United. Although the charges were later dropped in February 2023 due to a withdrawal of key witnesses, Greenwood remained suspended until he was loaned out to Getafe for the 2023-24 season. After being sold by Manchester United, he signed with Marseille in the summer of 2024.
Form and Impact
In his time at Marseille, Greenwood has made a significant impact, scoring 26 goals and providing 17 assists in just 29 appearances. Fabrice Lamperti, a journalist for Marseille-based La Provence, described him as “OM’s best right-winger of the 21st century.” His performances have not gone unnoticed; he has been named the joint top scorer of Ligue 1 alongside Ousmane Dembele and is considered influential in Marseille’s attack.
According to Lamperti, Greenwood is “a fantastic player capable of influencing the course of a match at any time” and has “broadened his game.” His two-footedness and consistency have impressed many, though he still occasionally succumbs to individualism. Despite these strengths, Greenwood’s international career remains in limbo as England coach Thomas Tuchel continues to overlook him.
The International Ambition
Greenwood’s form has not only seen him welcomed with open arms at Marseille but also led to a brief interest from the Jamaica national team. However, he is still hesitant about committing fully to international football, as evidenced by Steve McClaren’s comments in September 2025: “We expected him to be coming to this camp, but on a conversation with his family, he’s not going to commit at this time to anybody.” This reluctance may stem from his belief that he can still secure an England call-up.
Nonetheless, Tuchel remains unswayed. At a press conference in September 2025, the England boss stated, “My understanding was that he tries to play for Jamaica so we didn’t give it another thought. He was not in the mix at the moment and he is not in our thoughts for our team.” Despite this official stance, the England Football website still lists Greenwood under its profile.
The Match Against Liverpool
Greenwood’s performance against Liverpool could be pivotal. The 24-year-old has not played for his country since a single cap against Iceland in September 2020. His last outing for England was marred by the controversy, which still taints his reputation.
However, he remains hopeful of making a comeback and believes that a strong performance could be an audition for Tuchel’s squad.
Despite his past, Greenwood continues to receive favorable coverage in France, with accounts on social media often playing up his performances and contributions. His presence at the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer is highly unlikely, given that he has not been selected for the final squad.
In conclusion, while Greenwood’s form at Marseille remains commendable, the road to an England call-up is fraught with challenges. The match against Liverpool will be crucial for both his domestic career and his hopes of securing a place on the national stage.
