Soccer

Ballon D'or Ignores Vini Jr. in Official Photo After Ballon d'Or Awards

By refusing the invitation to the ceremony, the Real Madrid squad signaled their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the awards ceremony.

Vini Jr is cut out of photo (Real Madrid)
Vini Jr is cut out of photo (Real Madrid)

28 Out 2024 | 18:34 |

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The recent Ballon d'Or award, one of the most anticipated moments in world football, brought an unexpected situation involving Vini Jr., Real's Brazilian striker Madrid. In a photo released after the event, which celebrated Real Madrid as the "best men's club in the world", Vini Jr. was cut, sparking controversy and backlash on social media. The exclusion occurred at a delicate moment, when the Spanish club chose not to attend the ceremony after discovering that the player would not be awarded the much-coveted individual award.


 VINI JR IS REMOVED FROM THE PHOTO 


The absence of Vini Jr. in the official photo raised questions and fueled debates among fans and experts. The image was intended to highlight the achievement of the title of best men's club in the world, but the absence of the Brazilian, a key player in the team's season, drew attention. Sources indicate that the decision not to include Vini Jr. in the photo may be directly related to the fact that he was not awarded the Ballon d'Or, an expectation created after a highly notable season.


SHIRT 7 WILL NOT ATTEND THE EVENT

Upon learning that the Brazilian player would not be the winner of the award, the Real Madrid decided not to be present at the ceremony, in a clear gesture of disapproval. This boycott was seen by many as a show of support for Vini Jr., but the athlete's absence in the image generated confusion and criticism of the club's stance.


Vini Jr. was one of Real Madrid's key players last season, playing a crucial role in the club's achievements. His absence from the list of the main candidates for the Ballon d'Or, or even from the commemorative photo, seemed like a contradiction, given that the title of best club was, in part, credited to the Brazilian striker's performance. The player's cut in the official image generated a whirlwind of criticism on social media, with many fans questioning Real Madrid's stance and pointing out possible disrespect towards the athlete.

The episode occurred at a time when the club was already facing criticism for the way it deals with its talents. Vini Jr., who was one of the most decisive and regular players in the squad, stood out in both national and international games, which raised expectations of an award. The lack of individual recognition brought disappointment not only to the athlete, but also to his fans, who eagerly awaited his coronation.


Soccer

It's out! Check out Flamengo's lineup to face Internacional in the Copa Libertadores.

With an advantage built at Maracanã and a good run of form in the Brasileirão, Mais Querido seeks to confirm its qualification for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores against Colorado

Flamengo's confirmed lineup to face Internacional at Beira-Rio in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores - photo: reproduction
Flamengo's confirmed lineup to face Internacional at Beira-Rio in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 20:25 |

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This Wednesday (20), Flamengo is ready to face Internacional again, now for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, at the Beira-Rio Stadium. After winning the first leg 1-0, at the Maracanã, and beating the opponent again last Sunday (17), 3-1, for the Brazilian Championship, the Mais Querido arrives packed and with morale for the decisive confrontation.


The Rio de Janeiro team, currently the sole leader of the Brasileirão, is targeting the continental tournament in search of a place in the quarterfinals. With the advantage of a draw, the goal is to continue its quest for a fourth Libertadores title. In the group stage, the club finished second in Group C, totaling 11 points, the same as leaders LDU, with four wins, two draws, and only one loss.


FLAMENGO DEFINED


With Erick Pulgar out injured, the coach is counting on Arrascaeta , Bruno Henrique, and midfield reinforcements to maintain the team's consistency against Internacional. The red-and-black lineup has already been confirmed for the match at Beira-Rio. The coach will field the following formation: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Saúl, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique.

URUGUAYAN ARBITRATION


Experienced in decisive CONMEBOL matches, Esteban Ostojich will be the referee for the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 clash. CONMEBOL has appointed Uruguayan Esteban Ostojich as the referee for the match. With a history of decisive matches in the continental competition, the referee once again takes charge of a game of great importance.

RETROSPECT BETWEEN THE TEAMS

Flamengo has the advantage in overall head-to-head record and remains undefeated against Colorado in Copa Libertadores matches. With their recent Brasileirão triumph, Flamengo has now leveled the playing field and now has 40 wins to Internacional's 39, with 34 draws in 113 meetings. In the Copa Libertadores, there are five clashes: two group stage matches in 1993, two quarterfinals in 2019, and one in the round of 16 in 2025.


Soccer

Former Flamengo player gives up on being Santos coach

Former Mengão coach presented demands considered unfeasible by the Santos board, including major reinforcements, and the club is now turning its attention

Santos withdraws from signing Jorge Sampaoli after impasse over reinforcement demands and financial constraints; club eyes Juan Pablo Vojvoda - photo: reproduction
Santos withdraws from signing Jorge Sampaoli after impasse over reinforcement demands and financial constraints; club eyes Juan Pablo Vojvoda - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 20:00 |

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Santos has decided to end negotiations to hire Jorge Sampaoli as its new coach . Despite being the favorite to replace Cléber Xavier, who was fired after the 6-0 thrashing by Vasco, Santos failed to meet the Argentine's demands.


The main obstacle was the list of reinforcements requested by the coach, which even included a starter from Sevilla, Spain. The board argued that current financial conditions would not allow for such a large investment , making the deal unfeasible.


SAMPAOLI'S DEMANDS


In addition to seeking high-profile signings, Sampaoli reportedly also requested the release of youngsters Robinho Jr. and Gabriel Bontempo, recently integrated into the squad and well-regarded by fans. The coach's stance widened the gap between his ideas and the board's planning.

Negotiations made progress on salary points and even on the appointment of reinforcements , but no consensus was reached. The Argentine coach, who had a turbulent time with the Mais Querido in 2023, ended up being discarded by the Santos leadership.


SAMPAOLI HAD A PASSAGE AT FLAMENGO

While in charge of Flamengo in 2023, Sampaoli finished runner-up in the Copa do Brasil, but suffered significant burnout after an early elimination from the Copa Libertadores against Paraguayan club Olimpia. Recent history also weighed on internal assessments.



Soccer

Live: watch the game between Flamengo and Internacional for the Libertadores at Beira-Rio

After winning the first leg at Maracanã, Mais Querido will play for a draw against Colorado to confirm their qualification for the Copa Libertadores.

Flamengo faces Internacional at Beira-Rio in the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16 with Mengão in the lead - photo: reproduction
Flamengo faces Internacional at Beira-Rio in the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16 with Mengão in the lead - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 19:30 |

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Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium, in Porto Alegre. The duel is valid for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. In the first leg, played at Maracanã, Rubro-Negro won 1-0 with a goal from Bruno Henrique and now only needs a draw to advance to the quarterfinals.


Fans will be able to watch the decisive match between Internacional and Flamengo live on broadcast, cable, and streaming TV. The game will be covered on three platforms. Rede Globo will broadcast the match on broadcast TV and Globoplay. ESPN subscribers will be able to watch on cable. Disney+ will also broadcast the match via exclusive streaming service.


LIVE FLAMENGO X INTERNACIONAL


PROBABLE LINEUPS


Coach Roger Machado should keep his base in Colorado, while Filipe Luís has Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique in the starting lineup. Internacional should go to the field with: Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho and Bernabei; Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez, Tabata, Alan Patrick and Wesley; Ricardo Mathias.

Flamengo 's likely lineup should have changes in midfield: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique.



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