'A dream come true' - USMNT's Tim Weah celebrates being first American to score against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in 'bittersweat' loss for Olympique de Marseille

Real Madrid C.F. v Olympique de Marseille - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

U.S. international Tim Weah scored his first club goal for Olympique de Marseille, a moment he hailed as a “dream” considering it happened at Real Madrid's famed Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. However, the winger acknowledged he wished the Marseille could have found a result in the Champions League match Tuesday, which they ultimately lost 2-1.

Real Madrid C.F. v Olympique de Marseille - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

'You dream of moments like that'

Weah reflected on the moment with one of his idols, former Arsenal star Thierry Henry. 

"Happy to score my first goal for the club, and the fans deserved it," Weah said on Paramount+. "But to leave here without a win is bittersweet. I would have preferred to win the game. It’s a pleasure. It’s a dream come true. As a kid, you dream of moments like that.

"There’s no better club to do it with, and I’m so happy to be at Marseille, and I’m so happy to give the fans something to cheer about. Super happy, and the job doesn’t stop here. I put this game behind me, and now it's time for the next."

The 25-year-old from Queens, New York admitted he didn't know if an opportunity to play at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu would happen in his career. 

"In a 100 years, I didn’t think I would play here," he said. "I grew up in Rosedale playing on a small turf pitch, so a dream come true. Definitely humble and happy to be in my position."

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'I’d fight to the death for him'

Regarding his move from Juventus to Marseille in Ligue 1, the former PSG academy product said the passion of the fans, manager Roberto De Zerbi and the fact that his father George played with the club and all factored into his decision. 

"When I got the call from Marseille, my dad was the first one [I called] and he said he loved it there," Weah said. "It’s something special playing for this club. When you watch a home game, the supporters [are special]. Even tonight, 4,000 tickets sold and almost 10,000 fans came. I’m just happy to be a part of that.

"There are some great things here, and I really want to succeed here. That’s the perfect way to pay back the support they show to us every game." 

Weah said that De Zerbi, who previously had success at Brighton, aggressively recruited him to return to France after previously playing for PSG and Lille earlier in his career. 

"He’s a player’s coach. He was one of the main reasons why I came to this club," Weah said. "He called me one late night, and he told me how much he wanted me and how he’s going to make me a better player. I believe in him and I believe in his philosophy and everything he does.

"He shows his passion, and it's great we have a coach who loves the game and makes you want to love the game too, and enjoy the game of football. Super happy to be one of his players, and I’d fight to the death for him."

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A man of many positions

De Zerbi has used Weah all over the pitch in his first five games for the club, ranging from fullback on both flanks and on the wings, but the American has seen the most success up top on the left - as evidenced against Madrid and previously against Paris FC. 

Le Classique awaits

Marseille will now look ahead as they take on Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1's biggest rivalry on Sunday.