Former Olympique de Marseille head coach turned pundit Rolland Courbis has passed away at 72, RMC Sporthave announced this Monday. A three-time French champion with Marseille and AS Monaco, Courbis became one of the most reknown and popular head coaches in French football, with stints at Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille and Montpellier.
🖤 In 1998, with his Marseille side 4-0 down at home, Rolland Courbis went past Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin:
– “I think we’ll win 5-4.”
– “You got balls.”
– “If I didn’t believe it, I would have stayed in the dressing room.”
Marseille won 5-4.pic.twitter.com/ie8d37c9EY— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 12, 2026
A larger-than-life character with his directness, his passion and his outspoken opinions shared with his thick southern accent, Courbis seemlessly became one of the most sought-after football pundits in France. “Coach Courbis” was a major figure in the landscape of French football. GFFN and the football community send their condolences to Courbis’ loved ones during this difficult time
GFFN
