Spanish football fans in Marseille have been left stunned after the supporters of Olympique de Marseille, the French club, showed their backing for the Spanish national team. According to a report by Olé, the fans of the Marseille club created a massive mosaic with the Spanish flag, reading "Viva Roja" (Long live the Red), despite Spain being the team that knocked France out of the World Cup semi-finals in 2026.
The gesture was seen as a rebuke to the Paris Saint-Germain, which the Marseille fans identify with the French central power. The fans' decision to show support for Spain was also seen as a way to pay homage to the Marseille residents of Spanish descent. This is not the first time the fans have shown solidarity with Spain, as they also did after the DANA flood in 2024, which affected the southern part of the country.
The fans' gesture was made during the Marseille club's match against Racing de Strasbourg in the opening game of the Ligue 1. The Marseille team went on to win the match 4-0, without their injured player Leonardo Balerdi, who is currently recovering from a muscle injury in his right leg. Balerdi's absence led to Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine coach, calling up Marcos Senesi in his place.
The fans' decision to show support for Spain has been seen as a contrast to the current tensions within the Marseille club, including the financial and institutional issues that the club is facing. The fans' gesture has also been seen as a way to highlight the club's international recognition, despite the internal problems.