1 – Ethan Nwaneri played 58 minutes in his debut for Marseille against Lens:
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 24, 2026
1 goal
2 shots, both on target
3 dribbles completed (most for Marseille)
101 metres progressive ball carries (most in the match)
Baller.@Ligue1_ENG | @OM_English | @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/uZeZkdgpXD
Ethan Nwaneri scored a stunning goal just 13 minutes into his Marseille debut, earning rave reviews from French sports media who praised the 18-year-old Arsenal loanee’s composure, skill, and immediate impact in the 3-1 victory over RC Lens.
by Nij Martin
The loan move had barely been announced 24 hours earlier, but Ethan Nwaneri wasted absolutely no time proving why Marseille fought off competition to secure his services for the remainder of the season. In just his 13th minute wearing the famous white shirt of Olympique de Marseille, the Arsenal academy graduate announced his arrival in French football with a goal that had the Stade Vélodrome on its feet and the French sports media reaching for their superlatives.
Roberto De Zerbi’s decision to throw the teenager straight into his starting lineup against RC Lens on Saturday evening was vindicated almost immediately. With Marseille already leading through Amine Gouiri’s early strike, Nwaneri collected the ball just inside the opposition half and embarked on a mazy run that would become the talking point of Ligue 1’s weekend fixtures. The London-born starlet drove forward with purpose, covering approximately 30 meters before cutting inside onto his favored left foot around 25 yards from goal. What followed was a moment of composure well beyond his 18 years – a perfectly placed curled effort that nestled into the bottom corner, leaving Lens goalkeeper Risser with no chance.
The French sports media were quick to recognize they had witnessed something special. RMC Sport’s match report captured the excitement perfectly: “WHAT A GOAL FROM THE GEM ETHAN NWANERI! He takes the ball at the halfway line, runs 30 meters, cuts inside, and curls a right-footed shot into the net. It’s low but perfectly placed; Risser is caught out. 2-0 to OM, who have made a perfect start to the match.” The same outlet continued to track Nwaneri’s influence throughout the match, noting how “Nwaneri provokes again. He cuts back into the center again, Udol fouls and gives OM a good opportunity.”
Beyond the goal itself, Nwaneri’s overall performance showcased exactly why Arsenal were so protective of their young prodigy. Playing on the right flank, he registered 41 touches and consistently looked to create opportunities, demonstrating the kind of fearlessness and technical ability that sets elite prospects apart. Get French Football News offered a comprehensive assessment: “A hugely promising debut from the Englishman, whose run from the halfway line finished with his first goal in Ligue 1 just days after signing for the club. He showed his quality in tight spaces, dribbling, and flicks. He did come off on the 60th minute for Mason Greenwood’s introduction – but the Arsenal man certainly enjoyed himself out there, and he’ll be an indispensable asset for Roberto De Zerbi in the coming months.”
The reaction from Marseille’s fanbase and local media suggested Nwaneri has already won hearts in southern France. Anthony Aubes, a press officer from Marseille, captured the sentiment perfectly when he wrote: “Ethan Nwaneri, I have a feeling we’re going to love you in Marseille.” When the teenager was substituted in the 58th minute, having completed his first competitive outing in some time, the Vélodrome faithful showed their appreciation in the best way possible. As RMC Sport noted: “The Vélodrome crowd gave a standing ovation to the young Englishman, on loan from Arsenal, who scored in his first match.”
Speaking to Ligue1+ after the match, Nwaneri displayed the same composure he had shown on the pitch: “I’m very happy for the team, we played a good match, very happy to have started like this… I’m excited, there are a lot of high-quality players, we can achieve something special. My goal? I saw the space, I took advantage of it, I accelerated, and I felt there was an opportunity to score. I’m very happy for myself and the fans.”
The move to Marseille represents a crucial juncture in Nwaneri’s development. Despite signing a new contract at Arsenal until 2030 last summer, his pathway to regular first-team football at the Emirates had become increasingly congested following the summer arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. With just six Premier League substitute appearances this season and no starts, the teenager needed minutes to continue his progression.
Mikel Arteta acknowledged as much when explaining the loan decision: “Talented players need to have minutes and Ethan in this case wasn’t having enough minutes. The last thing I want to do is cut his development because he is such a talent.”
If Nwaneri’s debut is any indication, both Arsenal and Marseille will benefit handsomely from this arrangement. The French media have already seen enough to believe they have a special talent in their midst, and with Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy providing the perfect platform, this could be the making of Arsenal’s next superstar.