Barça's million‑paying Frenkie de Jong risks fan backlash over World Cup injury

Frenkie de Jong enjoys a lucrative contract at Barça while simultaneously risking the ire of the club’s supporters after playing at the World Cup (WK) despite a knee problem. The contrast pits his financial reward against a growing fan backlash that could affect his standing at FC Barcelona.

Ali Boussaboun highlighted that de Jong’s decision to feature for the Netherlands (Oranje) at the World Cup, even with a knee injury, may now see the Barça fanbase turn against him. The comment came during a WK‑podcast of Sportnieuws, linking his on‑field choice to potential off‑field discontent.

Reports this week revealed that the 29‑year‑old could miss several months of action for Barça because the injury surfaced during a medical examination in Spain. The discovery suggests a prolonged absence from the Spanish club’s lineup.

The knee issue originated during the World Cup when de Jong collided with fellow Dutch player Quinten Timber, sustaining the damage that later resurfaced. That match‑day clash was the first public indication of the problem.

According to the newspaper AS, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, de Jong himself, and the national team’s medical staff may have handled the injury carelessly after the tournament, a claim that has angered his employer, Barça. The alleged mishandling adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the player.

Boussaboun warned, “The problem is that you now also get the supporters against you. He saved himself for the Dutch national team last year for a long time,” adding that “the club pays him millions per year.” His remarks underscore the financial stakes and the potential loss of fan support.

Overall, the situation places a high‑earning midfielder at Barça in a delicate balance between club loyalty, national duty, and the health concerns that could keep him sidelined for months.