The 2008/09 Olympique de Marseille squad was in a period of transition under the guidance of Eric Gerets, the Belgian coach who had arrived at the club in 2007 with the goal of returning OM to the French elite. The team finished second in Ligue 1, behind Laurent Blanc's Bordeaux, in a competitive season that foreshadowed the league title that would arrive in 2010. Players like Samir Nasri—in his final year before leaving for Arsenal—, Lorik Cana, and Mamadou Niang formed the core of a team under construction that was starting to regain the identity and level that the Vélodrome demands. A transition season with the taste of a half-kept promise, but one moving in the right direction.
The garment is the 2008/09 third shirt, manufactured by Adidas. Gold in color—a chromatic choice rarely seen for OM and precisely why it is especially valued by collectors—, featuring the three Adidas stripes and the club crest on the chest. The most unique detail of this piece is its 3/4 sleeve cut, midway between short and long sleeves, a design rarely seen in football kits of that era. Size XL, without player number or nameset. In good condition. A rare piece due to its color, season, and sleeve type.
