Paixao, the joyful winger who has won over Marseille
A personality that lights up the squad
When Igor Paixao arrived in France, the talk around him mostly revolved around the classic image attached to many Brazilian wingers, flair, dribbles, a desire to entertain. According to reporting from L Équipe, that impression is not entirely wrong, but it misses the part that truly defines him inside the club, a genuine warmth in the dressing room and a willingness to work for others.
Teammates describe him as someone who rarely shows up without a wide smile or a quick rhythm step after scoring. Those small moments, almost habits by now, reflect a player who feels free when he plays. At the same time, coaches note that he is attentive in training and diligent in video sessions, qualities that separate him from the stereotype of the purely instinctive attacker.
A player who still takes risks
Paixao is not immune to technical errors and adventurous decisions. During the match against Nice last Friday, L Équipe pointed out that several of his attempted dribbles ended in turnovers in areas that could have been costly. These lapses are not new in his game, and he knows it.
But people around the club also say that his desire to take responsibility compensates for what he sometimes loses. He chases his mistakes, presses without hesitation and brings a tempo that often lifts the team. That tendency, more than the errors, explains why the coaching staff continues to trust him.
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Moments that matter on big nights
Paixao has already left a mark in Marseille s recent European campaign. On September 30, in the win against Ajax Amsterdam, he scored the first two goals of the evening in what became a commanding 4–0 victory, as reported by L Équipe. The scene of Bilal Nadir rushing to embrace him just after the second goal illustrated how valued he is within the squad.
Supporters have begun to associate him with these jolts of intensity, plays that break open games rather than simply decorate them. His ability to produce those moments, even while still polishing aspects of his decision making, is one reason he is expected to start against Newcastle in Tuesday s European fixture.
A reputation built along the way
Before joining Marseille, Paixao developed through Brazilian youth football with Coritiba, where coaches already underlined his humility and eagerness to learn. That same reputation followed him into European football. People who worked with him describe a young man who listens, respects team instructions and rarely hides from extra work.
In Marseille, a club where emotion runs high, those traits have made him particularly popular. Even when supporters debate his risk taking, there is an appreciation for the sincerity with which he plays, the way he throws himself into each duel and brings an element of unpredictability that the team sometimes lacks.
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A player still growing
Paixao is only at the beginning of his European career, and his game will likely evolve as he gains experience. What he already provides is hard to replace, a mix of exuberance, honest effort and flashes of real attacking quality. At a club that often thrives on strong personalities, he has found a way to stand out without trying to overshadow anyone.
Tuesday s match against Newcastle may offer another glimpse of what he can become, a player who gives Marseille both joy and purpose whenever he receives the ball.
Sources, L Équipe
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