On Friday, August 1, 2025, Olympique de Marseille announced the signing of Brazilian attacker Igor Paixão, aged 25, from Feyenoord in the Netherlands. The deal, valued at 30 million euros (R$195 million) fixed, with potential to reach 35 million euros (R$227 million) through performance-related bonuses, marks the most expensive acquisition in the French club’s history. Paixão, who signed a five-year contract, arrived in Marseille last Tuesday to a warm welcome from enthusiastic fans. The transfer, also the highest sale in Feyenoord’s history, underscores Olympique’s ambition for the 2025/26 season, which kicks off on August 14 with Ligue 1. His arrival is part of a squad overhaul, as the club aims to reclaim prominence in European football. The Amapá native, developed at Coritiba, established himself as a standout in Dutch football before choosing France, despite interest from clubs in England and Italy.
The transfer of Igor Paixão represents a milestone for Olympique de Marseille, which outbid competitors like Leeds United from the Premier League and Italian clubs Napoli and Roma. The player, who shone last season with 18 goals and 14 assists in 47 matches for Feyenoord, was one of the most sought-after talents in the European transfer window. His decision to join the French club reflects confidence in Olympique’s sporting project, which seeks to strengthen the attack following Luis Henrique’s departure to Inter Milan.
- Key stats from Igor Paixão at Feyenoord: 39 goals and 29 assists in 129 matches.
- Titles won in the Netherlands: Dutch Championship (2022/23), Dutch Cup (2023/24), and Dutch Super Cup (2024/25).
- Eredivisie standout: Second-top scorer in the Dutch Championship with 16 goals in 2024/25.
- Champions League impact: Goals against Milan and Sparta Prague last season.
The player, previously included in pre-selection lists for the Brazilian national team under Dorival Júnior and Carlo Ancelotti, arrives in France as a potential star. His versatility, speed, and finishing ability are seen as key to Olympique’s tactical setup, which aims to compete for the Ligue 1 title and progress in the Champions League.
Igor Paixão’s successful journey
Born in Macapá, Amapá, Igor Paixão began his career in Coritiba’s youth academy, where he stood out as the top scorer in the 2022 Paraná State Championship with seven goals. In August of that year, he moved to Feyenoord for 8 million euros (R$41.6 million), the biggest sale in Coritiba’s history at the time. In Dutch football, he quickly adapted, evolving from a prospect to a core player. His last season, with 32 direct goal involvements (18 goals and 14 assists), cemented his reputation as one of the Eredivisie’s brightest stars.
His time at Feyenoord included memorable moments, such as a hat-trick and two assists in a 6-2 thrashing of FC Twente, earning him the Eredivisie Player of the Month award in March 2025. Paixão also showed consistency in European competitions, scoring against heavyweights like Milan and Sparta Prague in the Champions League. His ability to play on the wings and as a second striker made him a target for top clubs, but Olympique de Marseille secured his signature with an aggressive bid and an appealing sporting project.
- Career milestones for Paixão:
- Breakthrough at Coritiba with 21 goals in 95 matches.
- Record transfer from Coritiba to Feyenoord in 2022.
- Second-top scorer and assist leader in the 2024/25 Eredivisie.
- Pre-selections for the Brazilian national team in 2024 and 2025.
Brasil no sangue. Paixão no nome 🇧🇷🫶
— Olympique de Marseille 🇧🇷 🇵🇹 (@OM_Portugues) August 1, 2025
Bem-vindo a Marselha, @IgorPaixao98 🙌 pic.twitter.com/810KXWrLSZ
Financial impact of the deal
Igor Paixão’s transfer brought significant financial benefits to Coritiba, which retained 20% of his economic rights. The club will receive around R$39 million from the deal, surpassing the amount earned from his initial sale to Feyenoord. Additionally, Fifa’s solidarity mechanism will provide Coritiba with an extra sum, bringing the total profit to approximately R$45.24 million. This amount marks a record for the club, which plans to reinvest the funds in its football department, as required by its SAF (Football Limited Company) contract.
For Feyenoord, Paixão’s sale also set a historic benchmark, being the club’s largest outgoing transfer. The fixed 30 million euros, with a potential additional 5 million in bonuses, reflect the player’s market value. The deal highlights Feyenoord’s ability to develop talents and profit from transfers, reinforcing its reputation in the international market.
Expectations at Olympique de Marseille
Igor Paixão’s arrival at Olympique de Marseille comes at a pivotal moment, as the club seeks to reclaim prominence in Ligue 1 after finishing as runners-up last season. With nine French titles and a Champions League trophy (1992/93), Olympique is banking on a squad overhaul to challenge Paris Saint-Germain and progress in European competitions. Alongside Paixão, the club announced seven other signings, including the return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the additions of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Neal Maupay, and Angel Gomes, among others.
Paixão is seen as the ideal replacement for Luis Henrique, who joined Inter Milan. His versatility across attacking positions and experience in high-level competitions like the Champions League fuel optimism among fans. Upon arriving in Marseille, he was greeted with excitement, with supporters displaying scarves and banners in his honor.
- Olympique’s signings for 2025/26:
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (returning after a stint in Saudi Arabia).
- Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (formerly of Tottenham).
- Neal Maupay and Angel Gomes (Premier League reinforcements).
- Facundo Medina, Jonathan Rowe, and Egan-Riley (young prospects).
Warm welcome and challenges in France
Upon landing in Marseille, Igor Paixão was met by a crowd of fans at the airport, who gifted him a club scarf and posed for photos. The excitement reflects the immediate impact he’s already making. In his first statements, Paixão expressed gratitude to Feyenoord and enthusiasm for the new challenge: “Marseille is a city passionate about football, and I’m ready to give my all on the pitch.”
The attacker faces the task of quickly adapting to Ligue 1’s physical intensity and competitiveness. Olympique’s season debut is set for August 14 against Rennes away from home. Fans hope Paixão can replicate his last season’s form, especially in matches against giants like PSG, the reigning French champions, who face Nantes two days later.
Ligue 1’s competitive landscape
The 2025/26 Ligue 1 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with a strengthened Olympique de Marseille and PSG as favorites. Paixão’s arrival bolsters the club’s profile, but he will face internal competition from players like Aubameyang and Maupay. His versatility will be an asset, allowing coach Roberto De Zerbi to experiment with different tactical setups.
Olympique also returns to the Champions League after a solid campaign last season. Paixão, who shone in the competition with Feyenoord, will have the chance to face Europe’s elite clubs. Fans hope he becomes a cornerstone in the club’s pursuit of titles and its quest to reestablish itself as a continental powerhouse.
- Key Ligue 1 rivals:
- PSG: Reigning champions and favorites, led by stars like Kylian Mbappé.
- Monaco and Lille: Rising clubs with youthful squads.
- Lyon: Traditional rivals with investments in new players.
- Nice: Growing team with strong financial backing.
Paixão’s legacy at Feyenoord
Before leaving Feyenoord, Igor Paixão left a lasting legacy. Over three seasons, he played 129 matches, scoring 39 goals and providing 29 assists, while winning three titles: the Dutch Championship (2022/23), Dutch Cup (2023/24), and Dutch Super Cup (2024/25). His leadership was evident in pre-season, when he wore the captain’s armband in friendlies.
Feyenoord fans bid farewell with heartfelt messages on social media, thanking him for his dedication. The club issued an official statement: “Thank you for three years of unforgettable memories, Igor.” The transfer to Olympique marks the end of a victorious chapter and the start of a new one for the Amapá native.
