OM: Igor Paixão, promising first steps in the Olympien shirt

An Anticipated Debut

Barely had the 4–0 victory against Lorient sunk in when one name kept coming up in supporters’ conversations: Igor Paixão. A summer signing who had been sidelined with a long injury, the 25-year-old Brazilian finally stepped onto the Vélodrome pitch for his big debut. “It’s as if a new season is starting,” said Roberto De Zerbi after the match. And for Paixão, Friday night truly marked the beginning of his Marseille story.

Starting on the bench, he came on in the 61st minute to replace Timothy Weah, with a clear mission: to energize the left wing and bring pace and creativity.

Thirty Minutes to Impress

In just half an hour, the native of Macapá showed why OM invested in him. Always looking to push forward, he sought to speed up play, constantly making runs and calling for the ball. Two duels won, one ball recovered, one interception, but above all a clear chance in the 72nd minute: his well-directed mid-height header that forced Yvon Mvogo into a save.

Moments later, he sparked a superb team move finished by Greenwood, who came close to doubling his tally. Proof that in such a short time, he has already developed a certain understanding with his new teammates. The only downside: a preventable yellow card at the end of the match for diving (87th). But nothing that really spoiled his debut.

A Style Already Identified

Paixão brings a profile OM had been missing: small frame (1.68m), fast, and capable of creating danger with the ball at his feet. His introduction confirmed that he could destabilize deep blocks, a recurring Achilles’ heel for the Marseille side.

“We really missed him,” De Zerbi admitted in the press conference when asked about his winger. His return comes at the perfect moment, right before a make-or-break week. Because while Gomes, Pavard, and Aguerd found the net on Friday, OM will need attacking variety to stand a chance against Real Madrid and PSG.

A Rise to Watch

This first outing won’t go down in history, but it has already given reasons to hope. Paixão still needs rhythm and familiarity, but he hinted at his potential. In a team undergoing rapid reconstruction, his contribution could become decisive.

And what if the Brazilian chose the Bernabéu or the Vélodrome against Paris to open his scoring account? Now that would be a scenario to set an entire fan base alight.