LUDMILLA BEATS ANA CASTELA, JULIETTE, LUÍSA SONZA, ALOK AND OTHERS AND IS NAMED ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Antonio Banderas revealed that he was completely fascinated by the Portuguese language during his visit to Brazil. The renowned Spanish actor was in the country to promote the launch of a new perfume and took the opportunity to enjoy the Rio nightlife last Tuesday (2).

At a luxurious party in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, in Rio de Janeiro , Banderas joined several Brazilian celebrities, such as Agatha Moreira, Bruno Gagliasso, Rômulo Estrela, Giovanna Ewbank, Carla Diaz, Sérgio Malheiros, Sophia Abrahão, Dandara Mariana, among others.

"What surprises me about Rio de Janeiro is I see how nature integrates into the city, next to the sea. This whole set of things seems wonderful to me", said Banderas, 63 years old. The actor, known for films such as "The Mask of Zorro" (1998), "The Skin I Live In" (2011), "Tie Me" (1989) and "Evita" (1996), joked about his affection for the local language . "I can't resist the Portuguese language. It's so sexy!" he commented, imitating the squeak of a Rio accent. During the party, he received a quick samba "lesson" from actor Rômulo Estrela, in the middle of the dance floor.

COMMITMENTS IN BRAZIL

Antonio Banderas arrived in Brazil in the afternoon last Sunday (30) for a series of professional commitments in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. Next Thursday (4), he will participate in the recording of the program "Domingão com Huck", which will be shown on Sunday (7). The actor will be one of the judges in the final of the "Dança dos Famosos" series, alongside Ana Maria Braga and Eliana.

With his charismatic presence and active participation in local events, Banderas achieved even more the friendliness of Brazilians, showing themselves enchanted by both the culture and the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro.

Real Madrid striker Vinícius Júnior reacted to criticism made by journalist Tiago Leifert, who classified the player as an individualist in the Brazilian team. Leifert compared Vini Jr.'s performance in the national team with his performance in the Spanish club, stating that the athlete plays differently in both teams.

In response to criticism, Vinícius Júnior used his profile on X (formerly Twitter) this Wednesday (3) to counter Leifert's comments. "He just wants to put Brazil against me and our national team. It's less bad that few people watch him", wrote the player.

Tiago Leifert's comments were made after Brazil's 4-1 victory over Paraguay, last Friday (28), in the second round of Group D of the Copa América. On that occasion, Vinícius Júnior scored two goals. Leifert stated that Vini Jr. was playing in a more individualistic way, similar to his early career at Flamengo, and not like at Real Madrid.

"This is not the same Vini from Real Madrid, this is the Vini just left Flamengo. It's a Vini who played for him, who dribbles backwards, wants to do the trick all the time", said Leifert. He also highlighted that, if Vinícius acted in this way at Real Madrid, he would be reprimanded by president Florentino Pérez and coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Leifert further criticized Vinícius Júnior's performance, saying that the player was more concerned with dribbling than providing assists. "Vini didn't play for the Brazilian national team. Vini was much more concerned with hitting a dribble than providing an assist," said the journalist.

Vinícius Júnior's response came the day after Brazil drew 1-1 with Colombia, in the third and final round of Group D of the Copa América. Vinícius received a yellow card in that match and will be absent against Uruguay in the quarter-finals, which will take place on Saturday (6), at 10pm (Brasília time), at the Allegiant Stadium, in Las Vegas.