Botafogo FC: John Textor's Phone Number Leaked, Botafogo Fans Vent Frustration

Botafogo fans express frustration and anger after owner John Textor's phone number is leaked online. 

Botafogo fans have been expressing their frustration directly to owner John Textor after his personal phone number was leaked online. The reigning Brazilian and South American champions have had a disappointing start to the season, prompting fans to take matters into their own hands.

Textor, the American businessman behind Eagle Football Group, which owns stakes in Olympique Lyonnais, Crystal Palace, and Botafogo, has been on the receiving end of furious messages from fans. The leak of his number has allowed supporters to vent their anger and disappointment directly to the owner.

The leak of John Textor's personal phone number, confirmed to be genuine by sources close to the club, has led to an influx of messages from frustrated Botafogo fans. The origin of the leak remains unknown, but the reaction from supporters has been swift, with many expressing their disappointment and anger directly to Textor.

Neither Textor nor Botafogo have publicly commented on the matter, but sources indicate that the issue is now being handled by the police. The backlash against Textor is partly due to the team's disappointing start to the season and the prolonged search for a new coach following Artur Jorge's departure to Al Rayyan in January. Jorge had led Botafogo to significant success, including a Serie A and Copa Libertadores double.

The appointment of Renato Paiva as Botafogo's coach in late February has failed to alleviate the growing discontent among fans. Despite Textor's backing of Paiva's attacking philosophy, the team has struggled, recording only two wins in eight matches under the Portuguese coach.

Paiva inherited a squad depleted by the loss of key players like Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada. The team's early exits from the Campeonato Carioca and losses in the South American Recopa and Brazilian Super Cup finals have further fueled fan frustration. Botafogo's title defense has been underwhelming, leaving supporters questioning Textor's decisions and the team's direction.

Botafogo are currently struggling in both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian top-flight, sitting third in Group A of the Libertadores and 15th in the domestic league with just five points from five matches. The team's poor performance has sparked outrage among fans.

Supporters took to social media to express their frustration, sharing screenshots of text messages sent to John Textor's leaked phone number. The messages demanded the removal of coach Paulo Paiva and criticized the club's direction. Some fans even claimed to have received responses from Textor before his number was changed, further fueling the discontent.

Barry Hearn wants to see improvements to the Sheffield venue for the World Snooker Championship to stay in Sheffield in the long-term 💷 pic.twitter.com/V2VRCIqDul

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 25, 2025