Why do Barcelona fans dislike Frenkie de Jong?

De Jong has recovered from knee injury and impressed in recent Barcelona matches, but faces ongoing criticism from fans stemming from a 2022 campaign to force his exit over his contract.

Frenkie de Jong has returned to prominence at Barcelona following his recovery from a knee injury, delivering a standout performance at Atlético Madrid where he even played as a right-back during the team's second-half comeback.

The Dutch midfielder's relationship with Barcelona's fanbase remains complicated. When he arrived from Ajax in 2019 as the club's most coveted signing, his future seemed assured. However, in summer 2022, Barcelona orchestrated a campaign to force his departure to the Premier League, citing his high wages signed by former president Bartomeu.

The club leaked details about his contract and held private meetings with journalists to pressure him into leaving. Despite the internal pressure and media storm, De Jong chose to stay, fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for Barcelona.

Though he remained a key player under Xavi and helped Barcelona win La Liga, the damage to his relationship with supporters was lasting. A narrative took hold that he was overpaid and unwilling to help the club, similar to campaigns against Ter Stegen and Ferran Torres.

Yet those within the club—his teammates and coaches—regard him very differently: he is respected, admired, and was elected captain by his peers. Every manager who has worked with him considers him essential, and Flick has already shown confidence in him even in unfamiliar positions.