ANTONIO BANDERAS DOES SAMBA AT A PARTY IN RIO DE JANEIRO WITH BRUNO GAGLIASSO

Living a special moment on and off the field, Arrascaeta received great news in his personal life : Flamengo's number 10 will be a father for the first time . This Monday (1st), the star revealed that his wife Camila Bastiani is pregnant with a boy.

On social media, the couple posted the news with the caption: "We're waiting for you, son," accompanied by a blue heart, symbolizing the baby's gender . The pregnancy had already been announced on June 30, indicating that the Flamengo midfielder's son is at least three months old.

BEST MOMENT ON AND OFF THE FIELD

The arrival of his first child comes during one of the most memorable years of Arrascaeta's career. By 2025, the Uruguayan has 17 goals and 13 assists in 42 games, figures that put him close to equaling his career-best scoring record for Flamengo , set in 2019 with 18 goals. In terms of assists, his goal is to surpass the 19 he recorded in both 2019 and 2022.

Last Sunday (31), against Grêmio, the number 10 shone again. After exchanging passes with Pedro, he gave a subtle touch, almost like a "snooker shot", leaving no chance for goalkeeper Tiago Volpi . Despite the beauty of the goal, the afternoon ended in a draw, as the opposing goalkeeper himself converted the penalty that decreed the 1-1 draw at Maracanã.

WHEN WILL ARRASCAETA PLAY AGAIN?

Now, Arrascaeta focuses on defending the Uruguayan National Team in the World Cup Qualifiers . The next commitment will be on Thursday (4), against Peru, at the Centenario Stadium, in Montevideo. Next, on September 9, Uruguay faces Chile, in Santiago.

In a comfortable position in the standings, La Celeste needs just one point out of a possible six to mathematically confirm its place in the World Cup. So far, Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil have already secured their place , while Chile is the only team with no chance of qualifying.

Flamengo defender Léo Pereira spoke out this Thursday (28) after news reports circulated that alleged a delay in the payment of child support for his two children with his ex-wife, Tainá Castro. In an official statement signed by his lawyers, the player categorically denied any outstanding payments and criticized the dissemination of false information.

According to the Leo Dias website, the athlete was reportedly notified by a court official due to his default, in addition to appearing at a hearing for family matters. Léo Pereira, however, denied the first part of the information, confirming only that the hearing took place, the content of which cannot be revealed, as the proceedings are under judicial secrecy.

OFFICIAL NOTE FROM LAWYERS REINFORCES

In their public statement, the defender's legal representatives were firm in stating that the athlete has never failed to fulfill his responsibilities to his children, Matteo and Helena. " The athlete Léo Pereira participated in a family court hearing today. As the proceedings are confidential, further details cannot be released. In light of the false reports published, the athlete reiterates that he is up to date with all his obligations to his children and has never defaulted on their child support payments," the statement reads.

The lawyers also emphasized that all obligations are documented and proven in court. "All payments have been duly made and proven in court. The information disclosed is not true. The athlete reaffirms his commitment to transparency and warns that any false publication that affects his honor or that of his family will be subject to appropriate legal action," the statement added.

DEFENDER MAINTAINS PREPARATION

While dealing with legal issues, Léo Pereira continues to work normally with the Flamengo squad. The next challenge will be against Grêmio, on Sunday (31), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship. The defender should be available to the coaching staff for the match.

Samba lost one of its greatest references this Friday (8): Arlindo Cruz passed away at the age of 66 in Rio de Janeiro. Recognized for his vast work with 795 registered compositions, the samba singer marked generations with hits such as “Saudade Louca” and “Boto Meu Povo na Rua” . Born in Madureira, the birthplace of Rio samba, Arlindo was also a passionate Flamengo fan.

His retirement from the stage occurred after suffering a stroke in 2017, which impacted his career and health. Family members confirmed his death, without disclosing the official cause, but emphasized the artist's cultural legacy and his love for soccer, especially for the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved). The wake will be open to the Rio de Janeiro community.

MUSICAL TRAJECTORY AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SAMBA

The son of Arlindão, who had meetings with samba artists like Candeia at home, Arlindo Cruz immersed himself in the musical world from an early age. At 17, he began his professional career as a cavaquinho player on Candeia's 1975 album "Roda de Samba." Over time, he became known for his mastery of the banjo, an instrument he helped popularize in samba and which became his trademark.

A central figure in the founding of the Cacique de Ramos samba circle, the musician rubbed shoulders with greats such as Zeca Pagodinho and Jorge Aragão. With Fundo de Quintal, a legendary samba group, he recorded 10 albums that helped cement the genre . From the 1990s onward, he developed a solo career with successful albums such as "Arlindinho" (1993) and important collaborations with producer Sombrinha.

ROOTS IN MADUREIRA AND A PASSION FOR FLAMENGO

Madureira, a neighborhood that forged its cultural and musical identity, was the setting for compositions that celebrated everyday life, street smarts, and the richness of Rio's samba. A strong connection to Flamengo was present in his daily life: Arlindo frequented the Maracanã stadium, participated in club events, and received tributes on special occasions , cementing his status as a Flamengo icon.