Igor Paixao walked back towards the Marseille bench with a closed expression late on Sunday night, the frustration of another difficult outing written plainly across his face. Marseille had secured a 2-0 win at Troyes in the final match of Ligue 1’s sixth round, but the Brazilian winger’s substitution in the 88th minute created an unwanted post-match talking point.
Paixao, 26, was replaced by Faris Moumbagna and shook hands with his replacement before appearing to ignore Bruno Genesio on his way off. The Marseille coach stopped the former Feyenoord player by the arm, before later defending him in his television interview.
It was another subdued performance from a player who had been expected to leave during the summer before remaining at OM. Signed for €35 million in 2025, Paixao has struggled to rediscover the level that made him one of Marseille’s leading performers. His only Ligue 1 assist of the season came against Strasbourg on the opening weekend.
Concern grows around Marseille winger
The confrontation on the touchline drew sharp criticism from Kevin Diaz, who argued that Paixao should have put the team first during a difficult spell. Diaz said the winger, retained after Marseille turned down an offer of €35 million, should have encouraged his team-mates rather than reacting angrily to being withdrawn.
“If I were sporting director, I would call him in tomorrow with his agent,” Diaz said. “We are in a huge struggle and he knows it, then he behaves like a star when he comes off in the 88th minute. It is incredible.”
Walid Acherchour also raised concerns over Paixao’s form, particularly considering both his transfer fee and the interest surrounding him during the summer. He questioned why the winger had not imposed his athletic, technical or shooting qualities against Troyes, attributes Paixao had shown last season in the Champions League.
Marseille leave Troyes with three points, but Paixao’s difficult start to the campaign and his visible anger at his substitution ensure that attention will now turn to his response in the weeks ahead.
