Adrien Rabiot’s career has been a fascinating journey. From a young star at Paris Saint-Germain to a key figure at Juventus, his path has seen highs, lows, and moments of controversy. Now, in 2025, he finds himself at Olympique de Marseille, bringing his experience and leadership to Ligue 1 once again.
With his elegant playstyle, tactical intelligence, and versatility, Rabiot remains a crucial player. Let’s take a deep dive into his career and see how he ended up back in France.
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Early Years: A Star in the Making
Adrien Rabiot was born on April 3, 1995, in Saint-Maurice, France. From a young age, he displayed a natural ability on the ball. His composure, technical skill, and tactical awareness set him apart from other midfielders.
His journey began in various youth academies, including Creteil, Alfortville, and even a short stint at Manchester City. However, he returned to France, joining Paris Saint-Germain’s youth setup in 2010. This decision proved to be a turning point.
His talent quickly became evident. By 2012, he was promoted to PSG’s first team by Carlo Ancelotti. At just 17, he made his professional debut. The future looked bright.
Rise at Paris Saint-Germain
Rabiot’s development at PSG was steady. His tall frame, smooth dribbling, and precise passing made him a valuable asset in midfield.
In the 2013-14 season, he started getting more game time. He scored his first Ligue 1 goal and played a key role in PSG’s domestic dominance. But breaking into a midfield filled with stars like Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti, and Blaise Matuidi was no easy task.
Still, Rabiot continued to improve. His ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of a game became more refined. By 2015-16, he was a regular starter, helping PSG win multiple league titles.
However, his time in Paris wasn’t without controversy. He had several contract disputes, and his mother, who acted as his agent, was outspoken in negotiations. This led to tension with the club.
By 2018, the relationship had soured. Rabiot refused to renew his contract, and PSG froze him out of the squad. He spent most of the 2018-19 season on the sidelines, waiting for his next move.
New Chapter: Juventus and Serie A Success
In 2019, Adrien Rabiot signed with Juventus on a free transfer. It was a fresh start in Italy, but adapting to Serie A wasn’t easy.
His first season under Maurizio Sarri was inconsistent. The league’s tactical nature and defensive intensity required adjustment. However, Rabiot’s quality began to shine.
By 2020-21, he became an important part of Juventus’ midfield. His ability to switch between defensive and attacking roles made him a key player. One of his best moments came in a match against AC Milan, where he scored a stunning solo goal.
Under Andrea Pirlo and later Massimiliano Allegri, Rabiot solidified his place. His work rate, passing range, and defensive awareness improved. He won multiple domestic trophies with Juventus and played regularly in the Champions League.
Despite his success, questions about his consistency remained. Some games, he was brilliant; in others, he seemed passive. Still, his value to Juventus was clear.
France National Team: Redemption and Glory
Rabiot’s journey with the French national team has been eventful. He made his senior debut in 2016, but his relationship with the team had ups and downs.
In 2018, controversy struck. He refused to be on the standby list for the World Cup squad. France went on to win the tournament, and many questioned his attitude. This decision kept him out of the national team for years.
However, he made a return in 2020. His performances improved, and Didier Deschamps brought him back. He played a key role in France’s UEFA Nations League victory in 2021.
At the 2022 World Cup, he became a crucial player. With injuries to key midfielders, he stepped up. He played in every match, helping France reach the final. Though they lost to Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout, Rabiot proved his worth on the world stage.
Since then, he has remained a vital part of France’s midfield. His leadership and experience make him a key figure as they prepare for upcoming tournaments.
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Marseille Move in 2025: A Return to France
After years in Italy, Adrien Rabiot made a surprising decision in 2025—he signed with Olympique de Marseille. The move brought him back to Ligue 1, but this time, he was playing for PSG’s biggest rival.
Marseille saw him as the missing piece in their midfield. His experience, defensive work, and ability to control games made him an ideal signing. With Marseille aiming to challenge PSG for the Ligue 1 title, Rabiot’s presence added stability and leadership.
This move also reignited his connection with French football. Playing in a more competitive Ligue 1, he had the chance to showcase his skills in front of home fans.
So far, his performances have been impressive. He has provided balance to Marseille’s midfield, helping them control possession and dominate games. His vision, defensive contributions, and ability to break lines with passes make him a key figure in their squad.
Playing Style: The Complete Midfielder
Adrien Rabiot is a well-rounded midfielder. He blends technical ability, tactical intelligence, and physical strength.
Key Strengths:
- Versatility: He can play as a deep-lying midfielder, a box-to-box role, or even on the left side of midfield.
- Ball control: He stays calm under pressure and dictates the game’s tempo.
- Passing range: His ability to switch play and create chances is a major asset.
- Defensive work: He covers ground, wins duels, and disrupts opposition attacks.
- Dribbling ability: He can glide past players, adding an attacking threat from midfield.
Though he isn’t a prolific goal scorer, his contributions go beyond statistics. His tactical awareness and leadership make him a valuable player for any team.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite his talent, Adrien Rabiot has faced criticism. Some argue that he lacks consistency. He has world-class performances but also games where he seems less engaged.
His off-field decisions have also sparked debate. His contract disputes and conflicts with managers have created issues in the past.
However, he has matured over the years. At Juventus, he took on more responsibility. Now at Marseille, he seems focused and determined to lead his team to success.
If he can maintain his form, he can still achieve great things in the final years of his career.
What’s Next for Rabiot?
Adrien Rabiot still has plenty to offer. His experience at top clubs and the national team makes him an asset to Marseille and France.
Will he guide Marseille to a Ligue 1 title? Can he help France win another international trophy? His future remains exciting.
One thing is certain—Adrien Rabiot’s journey is far from over. With his talent, intelligence, and leadership, he will continue to make an impact wherever he plays.
Final Thoughts
Adrien Rabiot’s career has been filled with highs and lows. From PSG to Juventus and now Marseille, he has proven himself at the highest level.
His elegant playing style, versatility, and leadership make him a unique midfielder. Despite criticism, he remains a crucial player for club and country.
As he continues his journey in 2025, fans can expect more top performances. Whether in Ligue 1 or on the international stage, Rabiot is still a player to watch.
His story isn’t finished yet. And with his quality, there’s still plenty more to come.
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