A COMPANY OF VINÍCIUS JÚNIOR, BELLINGHAM APPOINS THE EX-FLAMENGO AS THE BEST IN THE WORLD

This last Sunday (29), a meeting between two goalkeepers trained by Flamengo took place in the first division of Portugal. With Gabriel Batista, Santa Clara beat Boavista, from César, 1-0 and rose to fourth place in the competition.

The confrontation was completely dominated by Santa Clara, which gained access to the elite last season and has had a surprising campaign so far. The goal of the match was scored by striker Vinícius Lopes. The result leaves Gabriel Batista's team with 15 points, behind only Sporting (1st), Porto (2nd) and Benfica (3rd). However, the two former Flamengo goalkeepers were the highlights.

This is because Gabriel Batista did little against Boavista, but he still saved the two balls that went towards the goal. Santa Clara's absolute starter, the archer was very involved with the ball at his feet.

César, who returned to play in an official match after almost two years, received a new chance this Sunday (29). Despite the defeat, the goalkeeper showed he was prepared to take on the position despite the long period of inactivity. He made three difficult saves during the 90 minutes, in addition to intervening outside the box.

The result of the match leaves Boavista de César in 16th place in the Portuguese Championship after seven rounds. The team only has five points, with one win, two draws and four defeats.

Last Friday (27), coach Dorival Júnior called up the 23 players who will represent the Brazilian team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, Neymar was left out again, as he has not yet recovered from the serious illness. knee injury. However, the Canarinho coach admitted counting on the striker in 2025.

Dorival Júnior and the general coordinator of the CBF men's teams, Rodrigo Caetano, preached patience regarding Neymar's return and highlighted that the date of return to the field is Al-Hilal's decision.

"We are realizing how important this player is. That in the coming years, from the moment he returns, we can enjoy one of the great players of world football at a landmark moment in his career and in our national team. Let's wait, we are patient, it doesn't matter if he can't return in October, November or only in February", said Dorival before completing.

< "He has to be confident, acting and, above all, completely clear about this injury, which was not simple, it demands time, respect for the procedures that were carried out. It's a matter of waiting and I hope that, in the future, we can enjoy the ability of an athlete like this", declared Dorival.

AWAY FROM THE GRASS FOR ALMOST 1 YEAR

Neymar has been away from the field for 11 months and He has already started working with the ball, but still does not participate in activities with the other Al-Hilal athletes. 

Thus, the CBF plans to send representatives to Saudi Arabia soon to monitor the player's recovery. Even from a distance, the entity follows every step of the athlete's evolution, who has worked with the team's physical preparations.

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.

VINICIUS JR'S VICTORIOUS SEASON

Vinicius Jr. had an impressive season for Real Madrid in 2023-2024, winning important titles such as the Spanish Championship and the Champions League. Throughout the season, the striker scored 39 goals and contributed 24 assists in 11 matches, numbers that reinforce his candidacy for the award.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held in Paris on the 28th October, and promises to be a landmark event for world football, especially for Brazilians, who have not had a winner of the award since Kaká, in 2007.

< b>A MILESTONE FOR BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL

Vinicius Jr., revealed by Mengão, could become the first Brazilian to win the Ballon d'Or after 17 years, which would represent a historic milestone for football in the country. His victory would be a great recognition for the new generation of Brazilian players, who continue to shine at the main clubs in Europe.

At 24 years old, Vinicius still has a lot to achieve in his career, but his name is already there. being compared to legends such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho Gaúcho. Since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2018, the striker has gone through a period of adaptation and criticism, but his consistent growth has put him in the spotlight under the command of Carlo Ancelotti.