The 2000-01 campaign was a deeply turbulent season of financial struggle and on-pitch anxiety for Olympique Marseille, as OM ultimately clung onto their top-flight status with a crucial 15th-place finish in Division 1. The year was defined by the controversial, expensive sale of star Robert Pires to Arsenal, a near-bankruptcy, and subsequent managerial turmoil, with Javier Clemente being replaced by Tomislav Ivić to secure their survival. Amidst the chaos, the inspirational midfielder Djamel Belmadi stepped up to lead the scoring charts with 8 vital goals, including crucial late-season winners against Toulouse and Sedan that provided a much-needed lifeline and kept the club out of the relegation zone. It was a dark and unforgettable chapter, but one that showcased the enduring fighting spirit of a club featuring icons like Franck Lebœuf and George Weah.