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Düsseldorf, Germany – In a surprising last-minute decision, German 2. Bundesliga side Fortuna Düsseldorf have abandoned plans to sign Israeli international striker Shon Weissman from Spanish club Granada. The collapse of the transfer, which had been close to completion, comes in the wake of fan protests and a resurfacing of Weissman’s past social media posts calling for extreme military action against Gaza.
While the club did not publicly cite fan backlash as the decisive factor, German outlet Bild reported that strong opposition from supporters over the posts forced the management to reconsider and ultimately pull the plug on the deal.
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A Transfer That Was Nearly Done
For weeks, Fortuna Düsseldorf had pursued Weissman, a 29-year-old forward known for his prolific goal-scoring spells in Austria and Spain. Negotiations with Granada had progressed smoothly, and by the start of August, only the official announcement stood between the striker and his new club.
Sources within the club confirmed that Weissman had passed preliminary checks and agreed personal terms. An unveiling was tentatively scheduled, and many expected Düsseldorf to add the Israeli as a key figure in their push for Bundesliga promotion this season.
However, in the days leading up to the announcement, screenshots of Weissman’s old posts began circulating online among fan groups. In them, he allegedly called for Israel to “wipe Gaza off the map” and to “drop 200 tons of bombs on it.” The posts, now deleted, dated back to late 2023 and were reportedly made in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Fans Mobilize Against the Move
Fan backlash was swift. Supporters’ groups, already aware of similar controversy when Weissman joined Granada in 2023, voiced strong objections to signing a player associated with such remarks.
Online petitions began circulating, calling on the club to reconsider. Some fans argued that the posts were incompatible with the club’s values of inclusivity and respect, while others feared the move would damage the club’s image in Germany’s politically sensitive football landscape.
In a city known for its diverse community and politically engaged fan culture, the protests gained momentum quickly. Within days, banners appeared at the club’s training ground and outside the Merkur Spiel-Arena, urging the management to “say no to hate.”
Club’s Official Statement
On Tuesday, Fortuna Düsseldorf issued a short statement via social media:The brief note made no mention of the fan backlash or the social media posts, framing the withdrawal as the result of a thorough review process. Nevertheless, Bild and other German media outlets cited internal sources who confirmed that public pressure had been the decisive factor.
The club declined to comment further, and sporting director Klaus Allofs did not respond to questions about whether Weissman’s political statements played a direct role.
Weissman Responds to the Fallout
Shortly after the announcement, Weissman took to social media to address the controversy. In a series of posts, he insisted that he does not promote hate and that the offending messages had been deleted almost immediately after being posted.He acknowledged that emotions were running high at the time and emphasized that his intention was not to call for harm to innocent people.Weissman also expressed frustration that his full context was ignored, saying:
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A Career Overshadowed by Controversy
Weissman has been a well-regarded striker in European football since breaking through in the Austrian Bundesliga with Wolfsberger AC, where he scored 30 goals in the 2019–20 season. His performances earned him a move to La Liga’s Real Valladolid, and later to Granada.
However, off the pitch, his public image has been complicated by political statements linked to the ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict. His comments during the 2023–24 season sparked protests from some Granada fans, although the Spanish club ultimately stood by him at the time.
This latest episode suggests that his past remarks remain a stumbling block for clubs wary of fan opinion and reputational risks.
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The Wider Context: Politics in Football
Football has long been a stage where politics, identity, and sport intersect – sometimes explosively. In Germany, where football clubs often have deep community ties and active supporter culture, player signings are not judged solely on athletic merit.
German football supporters have historically mobilized around social and political causes, including anti-racism, anti-fascism, and pro-refugee campaigns. As such, clubs often find themselves navigating sensitive political terrain when making personnel decisions.
The Israel–Gaza conflict is particularly polarizing, and any perceived insensitivity toward civilian casualties can ignite fierce debate. In recent months, several European clubs have faced pressure over player statements on the conflict, leading to suspensions, public apologies, or contract terminations.
Reaction From Supporters and Commentators
Reactions to Düsseldorf’s decision have been mixed. Some fans praised the club for listening to its base and upholding its values.
Others criticized the move as an overreaction and a form of “trial by social media.”Sports journalists have also weighed in, with some warning that the decision could set a precedent for clubs vetoing signings based on political controversies, while others saw it as a necessary stance against divisive rhetoric.
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What’s Next for Weissman?
The collapse of the Düsseldorf deal leaves Weissman’s immediate future uncertain. He remains under contract with Granada but was expected to move on this summer after a modest goal return last season.
Clubs in other leagues, particularly those less sensitive to political controversies, may still be interested in his services. However, his market value could be affected by the perception of him as a divisive figure.
In his closing remarks on social media, Weissman signaled his intent to keep playing at a high level and to represent Israel wherever he goes.
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Final Word
The Weissman–Düsseldorf saga underscores the challenges modern football clubs face when navigating the intersection of sport, politics, and public opinion. In an era where past social media posts can resurface in seconds, reputations can turn into liabilities, and fan power can sway boardroom decisions.
For Weissman, this is another reminder that in today’s hyperconnected world, the lines between athlete, citizen, and political actor are increasingly blurred. For Düsseldorf, it’s a calculated move to protect the club’s standing with its community – even at the cost of a potentially valuable signing.
Whether this episode will fade or further define Weissman’s career remains to be seen. What is certain is that the discussion about the role of politics in football is far from over
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