In a surprising turn of events, Tottenham Hotspur's Mathys Tel has found himself in the middle of a social media storm after posting a photo of himself wearing a Willian shirt. The 19-year-old, currently on loan from Bayern Munich, shared the image following Spurs' disappointing 2-0 defeat to Fulham earlier this month, and it has ignited a wave of anger among the Spurs fanbase.
Tel's post, which featured him wearing the white Fulham jersey of the Brazilian winger, drew immediate backlash from Tottenham supporters who have long memories regarding Willian's controversial transfer saga. Back in 2013, Willian was on the verge of signing with Tottenham but had a last-minute change of heart, opting instead to join Chelsea. The decision still stings for many Spurs fans, as Willian went on to achieve significant success at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.
After realizing the uproar his post had caused, Tel quickly issued an apology to the Tottenham faithful, stating, "Ahaha sorry my bad guys I didn't know." Despite his intentions, the damage was done, and fans expressed their discontent. Comments ranged from sympathetic to incredulous, with one fan remarking, "Oh, Mathys…" while another noted, "How do footballers not realize that this goes down like a lead balloon?" A third fan added, "Willian jersey after he's played for both our biggest rivals is kinda nuts." The backlash highlights the sensitive nature of football rivalries and the historical context that younger players may not fully grasp.
Mathys Tel joined Tottenham on loan in January 2025, with Spurs holding an option to make the move permanent for around £45 million. Since his arrival, however, his performances have been underwhelming. In seven appearances, he has managed to score just once, and his time on the pitch has been marked by inconsistency. He's been deployed in various positions across the frontline as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to find the best fit for the talented teenager. Unfortunately, things haven't quite clicked for Tel, who has played a total of 487 minutes so far.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Tel recently attempted to showcase his passion for the club by stepping in to diffuse a heated exchange between Postecoglou and a fan after the defeat to Fulham. This incident demonstrated his commitment to the team, even as his social media blunder overshadowed his efforts. The mixed reactions from fans reflect the ongoing struggle for acceptance that many new players face when joining a club with such a rich history and passionate supporters.
As the dust settles on this incident, it’s clear that Mathys Tel's future at Tottenham remains uncertain. Many fans are skeptical about whether he will stay beyond his loan spell, especially after the Willian controversy. The photo incident has raised questions about his understanding of the club's history and the significance of rivalries within London football.
With the summer transfer window approaching, the club must decide whether to activate the option to make Tel's loan permanent. Fans are divided on the issue; some believe that despite his age and relative inexperience, he deserves a chance to grow within the squad, while others feel that his recent actions indicate a lack of commitment to the club.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Willian is not just a former Tottenham target, but also a player who has spent time at Arsenal, another fierce rival of Spurs. The emotional weight of such a history cannot be understated, and it’s clear that Tel's misstep has reopened old wounds for many supporters.
As he navigates through this challenging period, Tel will need to demonstrate not only his on-field abilities but also his understanding of what it means to wear the Tottenham shirt. The club's supporters are known for their loyalty, but they also expect their players to respect the club's legacy and rivalries. Moving forward, Tel will have to tread carefully as he seeks to win over the fans and prove his worth at Tottenham Hotspur.
In the meantime, Spurs fans will be watching closely to see how Tel responds to the backlash. Will he learn from this experience and grow into a key player for the club, or will this incident linger in the minds of supporters as a cautionary tale of a young player caught in the crossfire of football's passionate rivalries? Only time will tell.
