Paixao snubs Genesio on the sideline: OM's Brazilian winger's attitude sparks controversy

Igor Paixao overshadowed Olympique de Marseille’s 0-2 win at Troyes on Sunday evening in the closing match of Ligue 1’s sixth round, pointedly snubbing the outstretched hand of his coach Bruno Genesio as he left the field in the 88th minute, replaced by Faris Moumbagna.

The incident quickly ignited debate. Pundit Kevin Diaz was particularly scathing: “It’s unacceptable, you don’t get to be upset about your performance and walk off. You’re in a very difficult period, you encourage your teammates, you shake hands with your partner. You’re a leader, we kept you, we turned down 35 million to help the club meet the bare minimum of possible objectives.” He continued: “That’s enough, you’ve done my head in. If I were sporting director, I’d call him in tomorrow with his agent and tell him: ‘But you’re crazy. We’re in a mess, you know it, and you’re going to act like a star coming off at the 88th’. It’s incredible.” Walid Acherchour agreed, pointing to the winger’s market value: “With what he cost last year and especially the market value he had this summer, it’s true that things are starting to get complicated.”

Signed for 35 million euros in summer 2025 from Feyenoord Rotterdam, Paixao was retained this summer despite offers matching his purchase price, with Genesio personally involved in keeping him. Since the start of the season, the 26-year-old Brazilian winger has provided just one assist, delivering performances well below his standards.

Faced with the controversy, Genesio chose to play it down. “I think he was disappointed to come off, perhaps disappointed with his performance too. These are things we can understand in frustration, in anger. Like the team, I think Igor needs to regain confidence, and he can count on me to support him in that regard,” the Marseille coach said after the match.