Credit: Manh Tung/Breaking Media

Scott Mason

Fri 27 March 2026 8:30, UK

Leon Bailey’s Jamaica have progressed into the final round of the intercontinental World Cup play-offs, but the Aston Villa star left plenty to be desired with his performance.

The Reggae Boyz secured a 1-0 win over New Caledonia in the early hours of Friday morning to set up a playoff final against DR Congo.

Aston Villa’s Bailey was not selected to start the match, instead having to influence proceedings from off the bench.

The 28-year-old was handed 22 minutes to try and change the game, with Jamaica holding onto their slim 1-0 lead at the time.

However, the winger struggled with Jamaica fans quick to blast Bailey on social media, a negative omen for Aston Villa’s upcoming matches.

Jamaican fans react to Leon Bailey’s performance

Unai Emery would have been hoping his players returned from the international break in top form, but in the case of Bailey, it seems he will not get that wish.

With New Caledonia being an international side formed by part-time players, you would expect a Premier League footballer to have a decisive impact.

Instead, despite Jamaica winning 1-0, Bailey’s performance has left many fans disillusioned and questioning his position in the squad.

His lack of influence, work rate and ability to take on his man have all come under question in the aftermath of the match.

One Jamaica fan took to X to say: “Leon Bailey out there mad lazy.”

Others backed up that sentiment across social media, with plenty feeling Bailey has never turned up for Jamaica.

One supporter could not believe how poor Bailey was and that he was struggling against part time player saying: “Me nuh wah some man tell me nutten bout Leon Bailey again. Man can’t even dribble past a plumber.”

Overall, it seems it was a day to forget for the Villa winger, and he must shake off his struggles ahead of a crucial play-off against DR Congo.

Bailey takes on the African nation on Tuesday, 31 March, with the winner of the fixture entering the 2026 World Cup.

How many dribbles did Leon Bailey complete?

Concerns of Jamaica fans are backed up too by the statistics from Bailey’s display. Against New Caledonia, the Villa star completed just two out of five attempted dribbles.

It is a figure that will certainly raise eyebrows, considering the playing level Bailey currently plays at and the opposition he faced.

The New Caledonian national side are not professional footballers; meanwhile, the 28-year-old is playing for a side currently fourth in the Premier League.

On paper, this was a match where he should have thrived but instead only furthered frustrations with his displays on both a club and international level.

Bailey has been subject to criticism from Villa supporters for his appearances for the Premier League side as of late.