In the high-stakes world of European football, reputations can be made and broken in mere moments. For Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard, his name is now at the center of a firestorm following a catastrophic error in the UEFA Champions League that allowed Paris Saint-Germain to seal a dramatic victory — and potentially ended Inter’s European dream.
The loss, already painful given the magnitude of the match, has become even more bitter for fans after Pavard’s performance was dissected frame by frame across social media. His defensive lapse, which led to a crucial PSG goal, is now being branded as the turning point of the tie. Inter supporters, known for their passion and unrelenting expectations, have made their stance painfully clear: Pavard is no longer welcome.
With hashtags like #PavardOut, #InterDisaster, and #SellHimNow trending among the club’s online community, it’s safe to say the French defender has gone from hero to villain in a matter of ninety chaotic minutes. What went wrong for Pavard, and how did a seasoned World Cup winner find himself at the center of Inter Milan’s European collapse?
🏆 A NIGHT TO FORGET IN PARIS: THE PIVOTAL ERROR
The second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan was already being billed as a battle of giants. With the tie finely poised, tension filled the air at Parc des Princes. But what unfolded shocked even the most seasoned football observers.
In the 78th minute, with Inter pushing forward for a vital away goal, PSG launched a lightning-fast counterattack. In a widely circulated image and match footage, Kylian Mbappé can be seen bursting forward with blistering pace. Benjamin Pavard, the man tasked with tracking him, was a step behind from the start. Despite having cover from teammates, Pavard chose to step forward too aggressively, attempting to intercept a pass rather than contain the danger.
Mbappé skipped past him effortlessly, Pavard stumbled, and within seconds, the ball was in the back of the net. PSG had taken the lead — and the momentum — while Inter’s dream of progressing to the Champions League semifinals lay in tatters.
It wasn’t just a goal conceded. It was a psychological collapse. The Nerazzurri never recovered.
😡 THE FAN BACKLASH: “WE SAW THIS COMING”
The response from Inter Milan fans was swift and brutal. Within minutes of the goal, social media lit up with scathing posts:
“A big loss for us. We said it before — Pavard is not the answer. He needs to go this summer.”
“That was Sunday league defending from a World Cup winner. He’s a liability. No excuse.”
The general sentiment? Pavard was never fully convincing, and this match simply confirmed what many already suspected. Fans pointed to several prior games this season where his decision-making and positioning raised concerns, including a nervy display against AC Milan and a costly error in a Coppa Italia quarterfinal.
While Pavard arrived from Bayern Munich with considerable pedigree — including a World Cup title and Bundesliga silverware — some Inter fans have long questioned whether his style of play suits the Serie A environment. His proactive, high-line defending might work in Germany, but in Italy, where tactical discipline is paramount, the risks are magnified.
Now, after PSG punished one such risk, fans believe the experiment has failed.
📉 INZAGHI’S DILEMMA: FAITH OR FAREWELL?
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi now finds himself at a crossroads. Pavard was not a cheap acquisition — the club shelled out €30 million last summer to secure his services from Bayern. Inzaghi had campaigned for the move, seeing Pavard as a versatile defender who could play both centrally and as a right-back in a back three.
But with results on the line and pressure mounting, can the manager afford to keep backing him?
Reports suggest that Inzaghi was furious in the dressing room after the PSG match, specifically calling out “complacency at the back” without naming names. But insiders say Pavard’s confidence has taken a hit, and the coaching staff are considering benching him for the final league matches as Inter chase the Scudetto.
Inzaghi’s press conference the following day was equally telling. When asked directly about Pavard’s mistake, he replied:
“In these types of games, every decision matters. One moment can change everything. We’ll review and learn.”
That non-answer speaks volumes.
⚽ STATISTICALLY SPEAKING: PAVARD’S SEASON UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
For a player of Pavard’s profile, the numbers don’t tell a reassuring story. Here are some concerning statistics:
- Errors leading to goals (Champions League 2024/25): 2 (joint highest among Inter defenders)
- Tackles won % in key matches: 58% (below average for Serie A center-backs)
- Successful duels vs top-tier opposition (e.g., Juventus, Napoli, PSG): 43%
- Aerial duels won: 50% (significantly lower than Bastoni, Acerbi)
When compared to his teammates, Pavard’s defensive efficiency, particularly under pressure, appears lacking. While his passing accuracy remains high, critics argue that it’s meaningless if he can’t provide stability at the back.
🤝 LOCKER ROOM REACTION: ISOLATED OR SUPPORTED?
Another concerning layer to the fallout has been the apparent isolation of Pavard in the dressing room. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, sources close to the club claim that several senior players were frustrated with Pavard’s decision-making, particularly his “over-commitment” that left the backline exposed.
One source allegedly overheard a heated exchange between Pavard and Francesco Acerbi, who reportedly confronted him post-match:
“This is not Bayern. You can’t switch off like that here.”
Whether that tension lingers remains to be seen, but cracks in team chemistry during a crucial stage of the season could prove disastrous.
💸 THE TRANSFER QUESTION: COULD INTER CUT THEIR LOSSES?
With Pavard’s stock falling rapidly, speculation is mounting that Inter may consider offloading the defender in the upcoming transfer window. Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Newcastle have shown interest in the past, and a summer sale could help the Nerazzurri recoup part of their investment.
However, any decision to sell would depend on two things:
- Finding a suitable replacement: Inter would need a proven right-sided defender to slot into their back three system.
- Willingness to take a financial hit: Pavard’s wages and contract length could complicate a quick transfer unless he takes a pay cut.
🇫🇷 FROM WORLD CUP GLORY TO EUROPEAN CRISIS
It’s worth remembering that Benjamin Pavard was once a national hero. His stunning volley against Argentina in the 2018 World Cup is still replayed in highlight reels today. He was considered one of the most promising defenders in the world, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair.
But football moves fast, and reputations are fleeting. Since moving to Inter, Pavard has struggled to recapture the form that made him a mainstay in France’s golden generation. Injuries, tactical mismatches, and now, confidence issues, have all contributed to a downward spiral.
🔮 WHAT NEXT FOR INTER AND PAVARD?
The final months of the season will likely determine the fate of Benjamin Pavard in Milan. With a Scudetto still within reach and tensions high, the defender may get a chance to redeem himself. But make no mistake: the margin for error is now zero.
If he stays, it will require not just improved performances, but also a rebuilding of trust — from the fans, the coaching staff, and most critically, his own teammates. If he goes, he may find that the doors to top-tier clubs are not as open as they once were.
Football is unforgiving. One mistake can define a match. Several can define a career.
📝 FINAL THOUGHTS: FROM KEY SIGNING TO KEY QUESTION
When Inter Milan signed Benjamin Pavard, they believed they were bringing in experience, class, and leadership. But as the dust settles from their European exit, all they’re left with is regret and a fanbase demanding accountability.
The Frenchman now stands at a crossroads. Will he fight to prove his worth in Serie A, or will he be the latest in a long line of expensive signings who couldn’t deliver when it mattered most?
One thing is certain: the clock is ticking.
And Inter fans are no longer patient.
