Defender to Stay at Chelsea Despite Marseille Interest | OneFootball

Benoît Badiashile Commits to Chelsea as Club World Cup Glory Caps Promising Season

Strong Finish Fuels Optimism at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea closed their campaign in commanding style with a 3-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain to lift the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. It marked the club’s second major trophy of the season, following their Europa Conference League victory over Real Betis. One player who beamed with pride despite watching from the stands was Benoît Badiashile.

The 24-year-old French defender has endured a season of highs and lows, but the silverware confirms Chelsea’s progression under their new regime. Speaking exclusively to Foot Mercato, he reflected: “It’s an incredible end to the season for us. I’m happy and proud to make history with this club.”

Though he missed the final through injury, his contribution across 22 appearances was significant. With the season stretching from mid-August to late July, the toll was considerable. “It’s true that the seasons are very, very long for us. It’s difficult because there’s a lot of fatigue, not just physical, but also mental,” he admitted. “But that’s part of our job.”

Photo: IMAGO

Maresca’s Faith Offers Defensive Stability

As Chelsea transition into Enzo Maresca’s vision, clarity is forming over key roles, and Badiashile appears central to those plans. Despite interest from clubs like Olympique de Marseille, the Frenchman is staying put. As Foot Mercato revealed, “According to our information, Enzo Maresca has made it clear that Badiashile is part of his project and that he is counting on him for the upcoming new season.”

The message is mutual. Badiashile confirmed his intentions without ambiguity: “Yes, I will still be at Chelsea next season. The club, the coach, and all the staff give me a lot of confidence and believe in me. I will do everything to give back to them on the pitch. I love the club, the city, and the supporters. And so I hope to be able to make even more history with this magnificent club.”

That alignment between player and coach could be vital. With the departure of seasoned names and the reshaping of Chelsea’s identity, Maresca needs dependable figures who embrace the pressure and understand the ambitions of the project.

Character and Resilience on Display

Chelsea’s turbulent last two seasons have tested the dressing room. The club has rotated managers, signed swathes of young players, and experienced inconsistency on and off the pitch. Through it all, Badiashile has quietly shown maturity beyond his years.

“There was a lot of work and patience to get to this point. I’m proud of my team, proud of the work we’ve done and the titles we’ve won,” he said.

That sense of unity was evident in the Club World Cup final, where even the injured and rested were invested from the sidelines. While tensions flared after the final whistle, Badiashile explained, “It was the last minutes of a long season that was trying for both teams.”

World Cup Ambitions in Sight

Though Chelsea remain the immediate priority, Badiashile has not hidden his wider ambitions. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the defender knows that consistent club form could be the key to earning more senior caps with Les Bleus.

Photo IMAGO

For now, he’ll take a deserved break before reporting back for pre-season under Maresca. His clarity on staying, commitment to growth, and presence in a developing Chelsea backline all point to a pivotal season ahead.

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For Chelsea fans, Badiashile’s public commitment will come as welcome news. In an era of constant churn, where players move freely and loyalty often feels transactional, this is a defender speaking with intent and clarity. He’s not only staying, but actively wants to be part of something bigger.

The Frenchman has been composed on the ball, aggressive in duels and intelligent in positioning. Injuries disrupted his rhythm, but when fit, he’s looked like a long-term option in central defence. With players like Thiago Silva having moved on and others struggling for consistency, Badiashile offers rare continuity.

Supporters also admire his attitude. He speaks with respect for the badge, the fans and the project. That sincerity, combined with his growing influence, makes him a popular figure at Stamford Bridge. If Maresca is to build a side that balances flair with steel, Badiashile might just be one of the cornerstones.