Jeffrey de Lange is very impressed with former Feyenoord forward Igor Paixão at Olympique Marseille. The 27-year-old goalkeeper sees a lot of qualities in the Brazilian and expects that the French club will enjoy him a lot in the future.
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This summer marked a new chapter in the career of Igor Paixão, as the Brazilian winger decided to leave Feyenoord and take on a new challenge in Ligue 1 with Olympique Marseille.
The French giants showed how highly they rated him by paying a transfer fee of thirty million euros, a figure that underlines both his potential and the growing trend of French clubs investing heavily in young attacking talents. At just 24 years old, Paixão is seen as a long-term project, but also as a player who can already make an impact in the short term.
Since arriving at Marseille, Paixão has been gradually integrated into the squad. So far, he has featured in four matches, but he is still waiting for his first direct contribution in terms of goals or assists. This, however, has not dampened the optimism within the club or among his teammates. Jeffrey de Lange, the 27-year-old Dutch goalkeeper who shares the dressing room with him in Marseille, has been particularly impressed. Speaking to ESPN, De Lange highlighted both the challenges Paixão has faced and the qualities that make him such an exciting prospect.
"He arrived with an injury from Feyenoord, so that was a bit difficult for him," De Lange explained. "But you can see the qualities he has and how quickly he’s adapting, even though he’s not yet at one hundred percent. I think we’re really going to enjoy him a lot." His words reflect the general feeling around the club: that once Paixão reaches full fitness, he could become one of the standout players in Ligue 1.
Paixão’s versatility on the wing, his explosive pace, and his ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations have already been noticed by fans and analysts alike. While the statistics don’t yet show his influence, his movement, pressing, and dribbling have added a new dimension to Marseille’s attack. His adaptation is also being closely watched, as many Brazilian players in recent years have taken different paths when moving to European football, with some flourishing immediately and others needing more time. Paixão, having already gained valuable European experience at Feyenoord, appears to be finding his rhythm quickly.
One of the biggest milestones so far in his Marseille journey came when he earned his first start for the club in a high-profile clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Facing the reigning French champions and one of the strongest squads in Europe is no easy task, but Paixão showed glimpses of the confidence and flair that made him such a sought-after player in the transfer market. Although he didn’t register a goal contribution in that match, his inclusion in the starting eleven suggests that manager Roberto De Zerbi already trusts him to perform on the biggest stage.
Now, attention turns to European competition. Marseille are set to take on Ajax on Tuesday night in the Champions League, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00 p.m. This match carries added weight for Paixão, given his history in Dutch football. Facing Ajax will bring him up against a familiar opponent, as he spent two years in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord and played in multiple heated encounters with the Amsterdam club. His experience in the Dutch league could prove valuable for Marseille, who will look to him to bring both creativity and unpredictability against a team he knows well.
For Marseille supporters, there is a growing sense of anticipation about what Paixão can become. His price tag has naturally raised expectations, but the early signs despite his injury setback are positive. If he continues to gain rhythm and confidence, it may only be a matter of time before he records his first goal or assist for the club. From there, the belief is that his contributions will snowball, helping Marseille both in their domestic campaign and in Europe.
Looking at the bigger picture, Paixão’s move is also a sign of Ligue 1’s increasing appeal as a destination for young talent. French clubs, with their mix of competitive football and strong development systems, are becoming attractive landing spots for players seeking both growth and exposure. For Paixão, Marseille is a stage to showcase his skills, and if his adaptation continues smoothly, he could become one of the standout performers in France over the coming seasons.
Updated: 10:56, 29 Sep 2025
