NOW: FA WANTS TO BAN PAQUETÁ, FORMER FLAMENGO, FROM FOOTBALL PERMANENTLY

In a recent interview with Band Sports, Neymar, one of the biggest names in Brazilian football, stated that Vinicius Jr., created by Flamengo< /a>, deserves to be the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. The Al-Hilal player highlighted the evolution and overcoming of the Real Madrid striker, praising his ability to overcome adversity and consolidate himself as one of the main athletes in the world .

Neymar was emphatic in saying that Vinicius Jr. is the most suitable name to receive the award this year. "Of course I will support him to win the Ballon d'Or this year. In my opinion, there is no better candidate for the award than him. He is a man who deserves it, as he is a fighter. He has suffered a lot throughout his life and surpassed all expectations and criticism. He became everyone's idol", declared Neymar.

Created by Flamengo and now one of the biggest highlights of the EFL Championship, England's second division, Vinicius Souza established himself as a reference for Sheffield United and began to gain more responsibilities in the English team. Now, the midfielder carries the captain's banner.

Vinicius Souza arrived at Sheffield last season and was one of the Premier League's biggest standouts, second only to João Palhinha, from Fulham, in the tackles ranking (126). However, the English team failed to remain in the top division. Now, in his second season, the midfielder celebrates the recognition by receiving the captain's sash.

“Receiving the opportunity to be captain and represent Sheffield was something that made me extremely honored. This is a sign that my work is being valued. Not only because of what I've been doing on the field, but off it too”, said the former Flamengo player in an interview with “ge”.

O Garoto do Ninho started all six of Sheffield's Championship matches and is the best defensive midfielder in the competition. The young man leads the ranking of tackles, with 27 in total, and is the player in his role with the most defensive actions.

“Despite being a young athlete, I know my responsibility here at the club and I dedicate myself every day to be able to to repay the trust that the board, coaching staff and players have always given me, since my first days in England. Our group is very good, the atmosphere is very positive and everyone is focused on pursuing our main objective of the year.”

Sheffield occupies fifth place in the Championship, with 12 points from four wins and two draws after six rounds. The English team suffered a two-point penalty from the English Football League and that's why they don't have 14. However, the team's start is good and gives confidence to Vinicius Souza and his teammates to think about access to the Premier League again.

This Tuesday (17), Rodolfo Landim, president of Flamengo, gave an exclusive interview to TNT Sports, discussing the possible signing of Lucas Paquetá during the last transfer window. The 27-year-old midfielder was the subject of speculation about a possible return to Mais Querido, but, according to Landim, the operation is far from simple.

Landim acknowledged that the CRF showed interest in Lucas Paquetá, currently at West Ham, but highlighted that any negotiation would only be possible in very specific financial circumstances. The director recalled the athlete's high market value and explained that this makes an agreement unfeasible in the current scenario.

"Without a doubt, Paquetá would be a very desired player for Flamengo. However, he was about to be negotiated for 85 million pounds before a recent problem. This value is completely outside the club's reality, so only in an exceptional situation could it come", said the president.

HISTORY AT FLAMENGO AND INTERNATIONAL CAREER

Lucas Paquetá was sold by Rubro-Negro to Milan, from Italy, in 2018, for €35 million (R$135 million at era). The negotiation was one of the most valuable in the club's history, second only to the sale of Vinicius Jr. to Real Madrid. After spells at Milan and Lyon, the midfielder became a key player at West Ham, where he wears the number 10 shirt and is considered one of the English team's main players.

Currently under contract until June 2027, West Ham has no intention of releasing Paquetá to another club. Furthermore, the player is being investigated by the English Federation for alleged fraud in sports betting, which could further complicate any type of negotiation. The English club, however, is confident that the athlete will be cleared, which would make the sale even more difficult.