OM(G)! Marseille breaks club record to beat Leeds and sign Brazilian winger

Igor Paixao, 24, is no longer a Feyenoord player. The Brazilian winger has officially signed with Olympique Marseille in a transfer that has stirred both Dutch and French football circles, especially since it came at the expense of Leeds United, who reportedly offered a higher fixed fee.

Marseille paid a hefty €30 million upfront, with an additional €5 million in bonuses - making this the most expensive sale in Feyenoord's storied history and the most expensive signing ever for the French giants!

Paixao joined Feyenoord from Brazilian side Coritiba in 2022 and evolved from a promising talent into one of Dutch football's standout stars. During his time in Rotterdam, he played 129 matches, scored 39 goals, and delivered 23 assists. Last season was by far his best - 18 goals and 19 assists across all competitions, a KNVB Cup title, and a Champions League run that saw Feyenoord reach the Round of 16.

It was on the European stage that Paixao truly caught everyone's attention. He dazzled against Sparta Prague in the group stage and earned Man of the Match honors in the knockout tie against AC Milan at the legendary De Kuip.

Marseille fans greet their favorite striker

The writing had been on the wall for some time. After Feyenoord's final match of the season against Heerenveen, Paixao took to Instagram to post a farewell message to the fans, thanking them for the "incredible moments he'll never forget" and promising that Feyenoord would always remain in his heart.

OM president Pablo Longoria personally led the negotiations, and Paixao made it clear to Feyenoord's board that his desire was to move to the Velodrome. When the €35 million package landed on Feyenoord's desk, the Dutch club had little room to resist. The deal was finalized late last week.

Paixao becomes the fifth signing under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, following the arrivals of Facundo Medina, Angel Gomes, CJ Egan-Riley, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Brazilian is expected to slot in immediately on the left wing, bringing pace, energy, and goals to a system based on high pressing, speed, and possession.