Former French footballer, coach and prominent media pundit Rolland Courbis has died at the age of 72, his employer confirmed on Monday.
Born in Marseille, Courbis devoted his life to football and went on to become one of the most recognisable and distinctive voices in French sports broadcasting, admired as much for his forthright opinions as for his deep connection to the game.
During his playing career as a defender, Courbis represented several clubs, including Olympique de Marseille, AC Ajaccio, Olympique Lyonnais and AS Monaco, before transitioning into management.
As a coach, he held roles at a number of French clubs, notably Bordeaux, Montpellier, Rennes, Ajaccio and Marseille. His most prominent achievement came in 1999, when he guided Marseille to the Uefa Cup final, underlining his tactical acumen and leadership at the highest level.
French radio station RMC, where Courbis later became a household name as a commentator, announced his death without disclosing further details.
In a tribute, the broadcaster highlighted the qualities that made Courbis such a compelling media presence.
“His passion was conveyed through his iconic Marseille accent and his direct closeness with listeners — a freedom of tone that respected the language of supporters while sharing their questions and emotions,” RMC said.
Courbis’ passing marks the loss of a colourful and influential figure in French football, whose impact spanned the pitch, the dugout and the airwaves.
