Until a few months ago, it seemed that Derek Cornelius’ career (Ontario, Canada, 1997) would never fully take off. A globetrotter who started his career in Canada, and played in countries like Serbia, the United States, Greece, and Sweden, until, at 26, he became one of the leaders who guided Canada to the semifinals of the last Copa América. A performance that, like many of his teammates, helped him make the jump from Malmo to a major competition like Ligue 1, wearing the colors of a historic club like Olympique Marseille.

Question: First of all, Derek, there are still several matches left to finish the season. But, what grade would you give your first year in Ligue 1?

Answer: A grade? I’m not sure I’ve thought about a grade. I just try to make sure I give my best in every game and bring that to each game I play. And yes, the season has had its ups and downs in my first year. But I’m also learning that this is Olympique Marseille. You have to keep a high level and stay calm in the good and bad moments. But yes, I’m enjoying it.

Question: You were a key player in helping Canada reach the semifinals of the Copa América. Do you consider that the biggest turning point in your career?

Answer: Yes, definitely the Copa América was a big turning point. I’m very proud, but I also learned several lessons. I think the team wanted to fight for third place. It’s something that is sad when you look back.
As for a turning point, I’m not sure. I try not to think too much about those things. I focus on being the best I can be and improving every day. But yes, I’m proud of my performance with the national team. Also the time I had at Malmö, where I felt I improved and developed a lot. I’m still trying to do the same here at Olympique Marseille.

Question: After the Copa América, many Canadian players came to Ligue 1. A few weeks ago, we had the chance to talk about this with Theo Bair and Bombito. Is there a reason behind this trend other than the language?

Answer: Well, I don’t speak French. So I don’t think the language is a reason (laughs). I’m still learning French. But I think for a long time, Canadian players knew we had the talent and ability to play at a high level. But I think we were lacking exposure against good teams. I think that’s what’s changed. Before the Copa América, we played two friendly matches against the Netherlands and France. Then, we entered the Copa América and played against Argentina, one of the best teams in the world. And I think we can play at that level. From there, we know that many eyes are on those teams and their games all the time. When you play well, teams want to play against us. We’re happy to raise the level of Canadian football and show the next generation that it’s possible to play at a high level coming from Canada.

Question: In your case, you decided to sign for Olympique Marseille. How did they convince you to make this decision?

Answer: Yes, it was always my first choice when they called me. I was very excited. It’s the biggest club in France historically. And it’s something I’m very proud to say I’ve achieved in my career. When they called me and explained the project with De Zerbi, with the group and the players they were signing, it made it even more exciting. So yes, when they called me, it wasn’t a tough decision to sign for Olympique Marseille.

Question: Olympique Marseille is the only French team that has won the Champions League, and the pressure is always high. How does it feel to play in the Vélodrome under that pressure?

Answer: Yes, there’s definitely pressure. But I try to keep the mindset that having pressure is a privilege. Obviously, there’s pressure playing at the Vélodrome. But it’s also a blessing to play in front of so many passionate fans who come to every match, who support us, who follow us. It’s really a blessing. Every kid wants to play in front of fans like that. So I try not to forget that, even when things may not be going well, and it feels like the pressure is really high. I try to remember that it’s a blessing to play in this stadium in front of these fans for this club and try to enjoy every time I get to play there.

Question: The arrival of De Zerbi generated a lot of excitement in Marseille. Is he as special a coach as he seems? Did it take time to adapt to all his concepts?

Answer: Yes, I definitely had an adjustment period. Working with him every day is sometimes tough because every detail is important. But I also know that when I reflect on it, those are the details that are going to make me a better player and help me improve. So yes, I’m happy to be playing and learning with him every day. I hope we spend more years together.

Question: At 27 years old, you could be considered to have arrived late to your breakthrough. However, you’ve become a regular starter in 2025. Do you think you’re in the best moment of your career?

Answer: I don’t know. I hope to reach even higher levels. But yes, I’ve always believed in myself. I’ve always tried to work hard and tell myself that it’s possible to play at a high level and for big clubs. My goals are always very high, so I try to keep pushing myself to reach them. When you play at a club like Marseille, you don’t have much time to reflect and ask yourself if this is the best you’ve ever done in your career. The focus is on every day and every game you play well. Maybe after my career, I can reflect and ask myself when my best moment was. But right now, I just need to keep working hard and focusing on the upcoming matches.

Question: Reviewing the stats, I’ve noticed that you’ve only suffered two injuries in your career. Do you dedicate 24 hours a day to football, or do you like to disconnect?

Answer: No, I like to disconnect. I think you have to disconnect.
Football can be very tough sometimes, both physically and mentally, and people don’t think about that. I’m lucky to have a good environment around me, with my family, my friends, my girlfriend as well, who have helped me support myself in tough moments and disconnect from football. So when I go back to work and train, I can give my 100% because I have a fresh mind. But yes, I try to enjoy it and give my best every day to make sure I’ll do the most of my career.

Question: The last few weeks have been tough for you. Do you feel ready to take Marseille back to the Champions League five years later?

Answer: Yes, that’s been the goal since the start of the season.
We have eight more matches to make that goal a reality, and the team will do everything to make it happen. We’re going into these eight matches with confidence. Humble but confident as well. And we believe that if we keep doing what we’ve been doing all season, we’ll achieve our goals. So yes, we’re looking forward to these next eight matches. It’s going to be exciting.

Question: Even so, the improvement compared to last season has been evident after the revolution made in the summer. However, keeping up with PSG seems impossible. What has been missing for you to be able to fight for the title until the end of the season?

Answer: Yes, I think it’s always a tough task. Paris, obviously, has a very strong team. Financially, they are also very strong. But yes, as I said, it’s another challenge for me and the club. That’s the standard we need to reach, that’s the level we need to be at every day. And I think no one in Marseille questions that challenge. We’re doing everything possible to make that happen, to make that goal happen. And yes, I believe we are on the right path to close that gap.

Question: I understand that to try to compete with PSG next season, it will be essential to maintain the spine of the team and keep improving the squad. Pablo Longoria spoke about the possibility of signing Paul Pogba. Personally, would you like to see him at the Vélodrome?

Answer: He’s an incredible player, why not? But football changes so quickly. One day the club wants a player, something happens, and another player appears. The summer window is far away. I trust Pablo (Longoria), Medhi (Benatia), and the scouting team to make the right decisions for what the team needs. I don’t try to focus too much on that.
I try to stay focused on my work and do what I need to do. Because I know that when I’m at my best level, the team will be better.

Question: There are still several rounds left to finish the season… and then you’ll go with Canada to the Gold Cup. How do you feel after the Nations League?

Answer: Yes, the Nations League was a bit frustrating because we went there expecting to win. We believe in our team. We have the quality and players to be the best team in the Nations League. It didn’t happen this time, but the Gold Cup gives us another chance to bring the title to Canada. So I think it’s exciting that we have another opportunity so soon. We’ll give it our all to make it happen.

Question: The feeling is that you make up the best generation in the history of Canada, which has only participated in two World Cups. You were in Qatar, where you were eliminated in the group stage. But after what you did in the Copa América, how far do you think you can go?

Answer: Our goal is to do better than in the last World Cup. I think everyone in Canada was proud that we could participate in the World Cup and play on such a stage. But they were also disappointed with what the team did. Now we have a new goal so that when we’re on that stage, we can perform better. I think the Copa América gave the team the confidence that we can do this and compete against good teams and quality teams. So, yes, we’re looking forward to the World Cup, especially because it’s in Canada, at home. We’re looking to perform well and make the country proud.