Soccer
01 Ago 2025 | 14:19 |
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Acquitted on July 31, 2025 , Lucas Paquetá is now experiencing relief after a long, emotionally exhausting—and financially costly—trial: approximately R$5.2 million. Faith, family support, and trust in a renowned British law firm were the pillars that sustained the midfielder during the nearly two years of tension caused by the accusation of involvement in sports betting. This information is from journalist Cahê Mota.
The most symbolic moment of this journey occurred on May 4th, during a Premier League match against Tottenham. Upon receiving a yellow card, Paquetá burst into tears on the field. By then, the trial had already concluded, but the sentencing date had not yet been set —which fueled the player's anxiety and emotional tension.
Since the allegations surfaced in August 2023, the Flamengo youth player saw negotiations with Manchester City collapse, was left out of the national team under Fernando Diniz, returned under Dorival Júnior, and ended up missing from Carlo Ancelotti's first squad . All this while the process continued amid uncertain deadlines, changes in the English FA's protocol, and a lengthy evaluation by an independent commission.
During this period, Paquetá decided not to seek professional psychological support . Instead, he immersed himself in spirituality as a way to keep his mind steady. Bible verses shared with his wife on social media became routine—even after his acquittal—as a response to criticism, memes, and insults linking him to the scandal.
The defense was led entirely by the British law firm Level, which specializes in complex sports cases. The investment of approximately 700,000 pounds (R$5.2 million) proved to be a good one . In May, the lawyers were already indicating a positive scenario, given the prosecution's lack of conclusive evidence. Even so, the risk was extreme: either a complete acquittal or a permanent ban from football.
West Ham, in solidarity, covered part of the legal costs. Now, with the acquittal complete, the lawyers must seek restitution of part of the amount from the English Football Association . However, legal action against the governing body is unlikely, as foreign Premier League players sign a waiver that prevents them from suing the association for libel, defamation, or moral damages.
Real Madrid striker remains the most valued Brazilian in world football, but let his place on the podium slip away after a disappointing season
04 Out 2025 | 16:00 |
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A Flamengo product and now a top star at Real Madrid, striker Vinicius Júnior has seen his market value drop again . According to the specialist website Transfermarkt, the Real Madrid number 7 is now valued at €150 million , marking a cumulative loss of €50 million in 2025 alone.
The drop is significant for an athlete who, not long ago, was at the top of world football as the most valuable player on the planet , valued at an impressive €200 million, a figure that continues to represent the top spot, but this time it is Lamine Yamal.
The year 2025 has been challenging for the Brazilian. Vini Jr. 's devaluation occurred in two stages: first, a €30 million drop, followed by a further €20 million reduction in the most recent update . Even so, the striker remains a key player at Real Madrid and one of the great technical icons of his generation.
Despite the loss, Vini Jr. remains the most valuable Brazilian player on the planet , ahead of names like Rodrygo, Endrick, and Gabriel Martinelli. This brand reinforces his prestige on the international stage and his consolidation as a leading player in European football.
With the fall, Vini Jr. left the podium of the world's most expensive players. Barcelona's youngster Lamine Yamal took the top spot with €200 million , followed by Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé, all valued at €180 million.
Check out Transfermarkt's updated top 10:
Campo da Fonte Nova has been heavily criticized recently and is a cause for concern for Mengão's coach ahead of the clash against the Tricolor.
04 Out 2025 | 15:00 |
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After public criticism from Abel Ferreira and Rogério Ceni about the state of the Arena Fonte Nova pitch , the stadium will once again be the stage for a big game this Sunday (05), when Flamengo faces Bahia in the 27th round of the Brasileirão . The arena's management assured that the pitch will be technically fit for the match, even without the usual shade of green.
Arena Fonte Nova manager on the pitch for Bahia vs. Flamengo: "It will be ready for the game"
In an interview, Milena Andrade, operations manager at Fonte Nova, detailed the care taken in preparing the pitch and stated that all technical parameters are within ideal standards: "The pitch will be ready for the Flamengo game, meeting all technical parameters, such as traction, moisture, cutting height, and compaction . The appearance may not be its usual green, but what we evaluate are the technical aspects, not the aesthetic ones," she explained.
Milena also emphasized that the use of sports dye is a safe alternative and widely used in national and international competitions, if necessary: " The technical quality remains unchanged. In October, we will have a favorable window to intensify maintenance and fully restore the lawn's green color," she added.
After the 0-0 draw with Cruzeiro, Filipe Luís and Saúl were questioned about the pitch conditions in Salvador . The red-and-black coach adopted a calm tone, stating that any irregularities will affect both teams equally.
"I don't know if the pitch will improve much since the last game, but it's a problem for both Bahia and Flamengo . We're used to playing on different pitches and conditions. The important thing is to adapt and go for the win ," said Filipe Luís.
Spanish midfielder Saúl echoed the coach's words, emphasizing that the team needs to focus on its own performance: "We don't think about that. It's something we can't control. We have to adapt to the pitch , the weather, and whatever comes our way. If we can't play our style, we'll play differently to win," he declared.
In search of maintaining the leadership of the Brasileirão, Flamengo faces Bahia this Sunday (05), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador. The match will be broadcast exclusively by Premiere (pay-per-view).
Midfielder felt pain in his left ankle and will miss the trip to Salvador, where Mengão will face Tricolor in the Brasileirão
04 Out 2025 | 14:00 |
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In search of maintaining the lead in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo faces Bahia this Sunday (05), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador. Before boarding for the capital of Bahia, coach Filipe Luís defined the list of players related to the match .
Flamengo travels with four players unavailable for the match. Midfielder Saúl Ñíguez is out due to left ankle pain. Defensive midfielder Erick Pulgar is still undergoing physical reconditioning work after recovering from an injury to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.
In addition to them, defender Léo Pereira and left-back Alex Sandro are serving an automatic suspension for having received their third yellow card in the goalless draw in the direct confrontation with Cruzeiro, last Thursday (02).
Flamengo , the sole leader of the Brasileirão, has 55 points, with 16 wins, 7 draws, and only 2 losses. A victory in Salvador could further increase the Rubro-Negro's lead at the top of the table . Bahia, meanwhile, is aiming to break into the top four. Rogério Ceni's team sits in sixth place with 40 points, after 11 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses.
The ball rolls at 6:30 pm (Brasília time) this Sunday (05), at Arena Fonte Nova. The match will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere (pay-per-view) . The match will be commanded by the referee from Pernambuco, Rodrigo Lima.
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Flamengo struggles with the ball rolling time in the Brasileirão and makes a campaign
04 Out 2025 | 10:30
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