It’s not often that a failed move to Sunderland will cause a player to go off the rails. But there’s always an exception and Igor Paixao seems to be it.
The Brazilian winger is less than happy at Marseille at this moment in time. He wanted to join Sunderland this summer and was extremely close to doing so on deadline day.
Indeed, Sport Witness covered a report explaining he was just minutes away from doing so.
The deal didn’t go through, and not everyone is happy about that. Paixao has already been causing drama and falling out with people.
Obvious unhappiness
That continued last weekend against Troyes. Paixao showed his displeasure in that game when he was substituted in the 87th minute and wasn’t quiet about it either.
That led to questions about his disappointment. Was the frustration stemming from another lacklustre performance, being taken off, or his failed move to Sunderland?
Manager Bruno Genesio was asked about it all at his recent press conference. And he admitted his player is still annoyed about the Sunderland transfer collapse.
“There’s always an explanation for everything,” Foot Mercato report him saying.
“As you know, Igor could, and should, have gone to Sunderland; it didn’t happen for various reasons. Perhaps he hasn’t fully processed that frustration yet.”
Igor Paixão
Marseille — this season vs last season
| Statistic | 2025/26 Full season |
2026/27 Season so far |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 42 | 6 |
| Minutes played | 2,777 | 399 |
| Goals | 12 | 0 |
| Assists | 6 | 0 |
| Goal contributions | 18 | 0 |
| Minutes per goal | 231.4 | — |
Goal contributions = goals + assists. Minutes per goal = minutes played divided by goals, rounded to one decimal place. A dash indicates no goals scored.
Source: Opta Analyst. Updated: 15 October 2026, before the day’s fixtures.
Still committed
He, though, is insistent that the winger remains committed to the French side for now.
“We talk a lot about his attacking output—let’s be honest, he isn’t producing the same numbers he used to,” he added.
“But his level of commitment hasn’t changed: he tracks back and helps out his left-back. He’s going through a period of doubt, and it’s up to us to show him we have faith in him.
“These are the moments when he needs our support and help to rediscover his attacking rhythm. He knows he can count on us. Sometimes it doesn’t take much—a little spark, a goal. For attackers, confidence is everything.”
