Against Marseille, the Club He Left in Controversial Circumstances: A Special Night for Murillo
Beşiktaş’s UEFA Europa League opener against Olympique Marseille on Thursday carries a special significance for Amir Murillo. The Panamanian right-back will face his former club for the first time since leaving France under difficult circumstances approximately seven months ago.
Murillo’s departure from Marseille followed a public disagreement with then-manager Roberto De Zerbi. Just days after the defender completed his move to Beşiktaş, De Zerbi also left the French club, making the upcoming match even more intriguing.
Tensions Rose After the Paris FC Match
The dispute reportedly began after Marseille surrendered a two-goal lead against Paris FC on January 31, 2026. Despite taking a 2-0 advantage, Marseille were held to a 2-2 draw, prompting criticism of the defensive unit.
According to reports in the French media, De Zerbi highlighted several of Murillo’s mistakes during the post-match video analysis session. The coach allegedly questioned both the player’s performance and his level of commitment in front of the squad.
Murillo was said to have been uncomfortable with the public nature of the criticism. A heated verbal exchange reportedly followed between the player and the Italian coach, turning a tactical disagreement into a serious internal conflict.
Removed from the First-Team Squad
Following the incident, De Zerbi excluded Murillo from Marseille’s senior squad and sent him to train with the reserve team. At a press conference on February 2, the coach confirmed that the player had been given permission to find a new club.
De Zerbi stated that mistakes could be tolerated, but a lack of desire and intensity could not. His message was clear: players who did not show sufficient hunger would not be part of his plans.
At the same time, De Zerbi insisted that the decision was not personal. He described Murillo as a good person and a strong footballer, adding that they had maintained a close relationship away from the pitch.
Beşiktaş Acted Quickly
Beşiktaş moved rapidly once Murillo became available. The Istanbul club reached an agreement with Marseille during the final days of the transfer window and completed the signing on February 6, 2026.
Murillo signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Beşiktaş, including an option for an additional season. Reports indicated that the transfer fee consisted of approximately €5 million in guaranteed payments, with a further €1 million available through performance-related bonuses.
Marseille had signed the Panamanian defender in 2023 for around €2.5 million. Including bonuses, the French side could ultimately receive as much as €6 million from his transfer to Beşiktaş.
De Zerbi Left Marseille Shortly Afterwards
Murillo’s departure was followed by another major change at Marseille. Around five days after the transfer was completed, De Zerbi also left his position.
The French club had failed to reach the Champions League and subsequently suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Marseille later announced that the relationship with De Zerbi had ended by mutual agreement.
As a result, both figures at the center of the controversy left the club within a very short period. Murillo moved to Istanbul, while the coach who had removed him from the squad also brought his Marseille tenure to an end.
An Experienced Marseille Player
Murillo represented Marseille between August 2023 and February 2026, making 82 appearances in all competitions. During that period, he scored six goals and played in several defensive roles.
Although primarily used as a right-back, the Panamanian was also deployed as a center-back and as part of a deeper right-sided defensive role. His physical strength, defensive versatility and willingness to support attacks made him a valuable squad player.
However, disagreements during the final stage of the De Zerbi era brought his time in France to an unexpected conclusion.
A Fresh Start in Istanbul
After joining Beşiktaş, Murillo quickly began rebuilding his reputation. Under Vincenzo Italiano, he was given greater freedom to move forward and contribute to attacking phases.
The defender has not limited himself to his defensive duties. His runs into the penalty area and ability to create numerical advantages on the right flank have added another dimension to Beşiktaş’s game.
Murillo has played 271 minutes across four Süper Lig matches this season. He scored against Çorum FK and also played a key role in the move that ended with İlhan Fakılı scoring against Erzurumspor.
Following the opening five league rounds, Murillo had recorded an average performance rating of 7.64, placing him among Beşiktaş’s most consistent players.
His First Test Against His Former Club
The Marseille match will be Murillo’s first opportunity to face the team he left in controversial circumstances. The encounter will therefore be more than a routine European fixture for the Panamanian defender.
He is expected to receive significant attention from both the French media and Marseille supporters. Every duel, tackle and attacking contribution is likely to be closely followed, particularly because his departure was linked to an internal dispute with the former coach.
For Beşiktaş, Murillo’s experience in French football could also be an important advantage. He knows Marseille’s defensive habits, attacking patterns and the atmosphere surrounding the club. That familiarity may help the Turkish side prepare more effectively for the match.
A Chance to Respond on the Pitch
Murillo’s best response to the events in Marseille will come through his performance rather than his words. A disciplined display, strong one-on-one defending and aggressive support in attack could underline how important he has become to Beşiktaş.
The player has already shown that he has adapted quickly to his new environment. His high performance rating and regular involvement in attacking moves suggest that the transfer gave him the opportunity to regain confidence after a difficult period.
The match may also serve as a personal turning point. Instead of being remembered solely for his disagreement with De Zerbi, Murillo now has the chance to create a new narrative with Beşiktaş.
Beşiktaş Will Expect Leadership
With European competition bringing additional pressure, Beşiktaş will need experienced players to take responsibility. Murillo’s previous international and club experience makes him one of the defenders capable of providing leadership during difficult moments.
His versatility could prove particularly useful during the match. Depending on the tactical plan, he can remain wide on the right, move into central defensive areas or support the midfield during build-up play.
The key challenge will be maintaining balance. Marseille can punish spaces left behind attacking full-backs, so Murillo will need to combine his forward ambition with defensive discipline.
A Match Full of Personal Meaning
The upcoming meeting combines sporting importance with a strong personal storyline. Murillo will face the club where he made 82 appearances, scored six goals and established himself as a versatile defender before his relationship with the coaching staff deteriorated.
Now wearing the black-and-white shirt, he will try to prove that the difficult ending in Marseille was only a temporary setback. For Beşiktaş, his form could be decisive in starting the Europa League campaign positively.
Thursday’s match will reveal whether Murillo can turn a controversial past into motivation and produce a memorable performance against his former team.