The 1996-97 campaign delivered Olympique Marseille's vital return to the top flight, Division 1, after their ascent from the second tier. Backed by new owner Robert Louis-Dreyfus, the club secured an 11th-place finish, a foundational year built on re-establishing their place among the elite. Spearheading the attack was the prolific forward Xavier Gravelaine, whose crucial 15 league goals provided the necessary cutting edge in a season that saw the arrival of big names like Fabrizio Ravanelli, Laurent Blanc, and Andreas Köpke. It was a year of renewed ambition that marked the club's successful fight to secure their top-tier status and remains a pivotal chapter in their modern history.