Arriving this summer at Olympique de Marseille, Neal Maupay quickly had to adapt to the high expectations of a legendary club. Between the fervor of the supporters and the constant pressure of the Vélodrome, the former Premier League player was able to find his place thanks to a character trait that sets him apart: his strong personality. In an environment where passion reigns, he wasted no time in imposing his style on and off the field.
In an interview given to The TeamNeal Maupay spoke about what makes his strength: his personality. Under the leadership of Roberto De Zerbi, the Olympique de Marseille striker loudly asserts his character as being essential to evolve in an environment as demanding as that of the Marseille club. “Here, at OM, with the fervor around the club, the Vélodrome full at all matches, if you don’t have character or personality, it’s hard, you can quickly become inhibited”he explains.
Maupay, a “big mouth” who does not want to play a role
The player highlights the crucial role of his coach in his way of developing this quality: “It requires courage, taking risks. To succeed in all this, you need character.” A philosophy that adapts perfectly to a club known for its passion and its demands.
Neal Maupay makes no secret of his outspokenness, a facet of his personality which has often been a source of criticism, particularly during his time in England. But for him, it is a strength:
“It’s me, I don’t want to change who I am.” He stresses the importance of remaining authentic, saying that pretending to be someone else would be a waste of time.
His state of mind is also reflected in his way of playing. If he admits that he is not a Haaland or a Mbappé, he believes that his character allowed him to have the career he has today. A way to show that authenticity can be as powerful a weapon as raw talent.
OM, an ideal terrain for a strong personality
In the Marseille context, where pressure from supporters and the media is omnipresent, Maupay seems to have found the perfect framework to express his personality. For him, it is a test of character that pushes him to give the best of himself. With his frankness and authenticity, he perfectly embodies the values of a club where commitment and passion are essential.
