The 2001-02 campaign saw Olympique Marseille stabilize as a mid-table side, with Les Phocéens securing a 9th-place finish in Division 1. Leading the charge was the Ivorian forward Ibrahima Bakayoko, whose 8 league goals proved vital in a season defined by defensive resilience and the captaincy of Frank Leboeuf. Despite a turbulent year featuring multiple managerial changes, the club maintained a massive following at the Stade Vélodrome, providing a sense of unity as OM looked to move past financial uncertainty and re-establish themselves among the French elite.