Soccer

Rodri responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's criticism in favor of Vini Jr., ex-Flamengo, for the Ballon d'Or

Winner of the award from France Football magazine, the Spaniard said he was surprised by the Portuguese star's speeches in favor of Mengão's creation

Rodri responds to criticism from Cristiano Ronaldo - Photo: Reproduction
Rodri responds to criticism from Cristiano Ronaldo - Photo: Reproduction

02 Jan 2025 | 13:02 |

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Winner of the Ballon d'Or 2024, Rodri, from Manchester City< /b>, generated controversy for reply to statements by Cristiano Ronaldo about the award. The Portuguese had considered it unfair that Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid standout, had not received the award, despite his impressive season.


Rodri's answer


In an interview with the Spanish newspaper As, Rodri didn't mince words when commenting on Cristiano's criticism. The Spanish midfielder recalled that CR7 itself has benefited from the journalists' voting system in the past.


"Well, it was really a surprise, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and how to choose the winner. This year, the journalists who voted decided that I should win. Those same journalists, at one point, voted for him to win, and I imagine he agreed. ", declared Rodri.

The player also commented on how the achievement impacted his life:


"It changed my life. Maybe I wasn't aware when I won, but it changed my life. The impact of going out on the street is no longer the same. Many things that I could do before, obviously I can't do anymore. But it's good, it's for a good reason, it's because of this recognition that was so important for me and my family. ."

What did Cristiano Ronaldo say?

The statement that provoked Rodri's response was made by Cristiano Ronaldo at the Globe Soccer Awards, an event in which < a href="https://www.sofascore.com/pt/player/vinicius-junior/868812" target="_blank">Vini Jr. He was recognized as the best player in the world, as well as in The Best. CR7 praised the Brazilian and questioned the criteria for the Ballon d'Or.

"I love the way they are making their career... Bellingham, Lamine (Yamal), this new generation, Vinícius, who is doing a fantastic job. He deserved the Ballon d'Or. It was unfair. I speak in front of everyone. They gave it to Rodri. He deserves it too. But Vinícius won the Champions League, he scored. "

Vinícius Jr. reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo's words

After Cristiano's statement, Vinícius Júnior did not hide his admiration for the idol.

"If Cristiano Ronaldo is talking, I will end up believing it that I am the best player in the world. He is my idol, along with Neymar", said Vini Jr., highlighting his gratitude for the recognition.

The debate over the 2024 Ballon d'Or

The decision to award Rodri generated controversy among fans and experts. While many recognize the Spaniard's fundamental role in winning the Euro Cupand other titles for Manchester City, some fans believe that Vinícius Júnior's individual impact on the season should have been greater valued, in addition to the Champions League titles. The discussion, however, reinforces the protagonism of both in world football.


Soccer

Rossi preaches focus on Flamengo despite dreaming of playing for the Argentine national team

The goalkeeper doesn't deny that reaching the current world champion is a goal, but says it's necessary to keep his head in his work at Mengão

Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo
Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 22:00 |

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In a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi spoke about his desire to be called up to the Argentina national team , the current world champion. Despite his dream, the goalkeeper made it clear that his priority remains Flamengo.


Rossi on his dream of joining the Argentine national team: "My job is for Flamengo"


"Obviously, I've always wanted to be called up. I think Brazilian football is very strong, not only in South America, but worldwide as well. In the last call-up, there were players from here. But I'm not thinking about that right now . I think that if I do my job well, that call-up could come," Rossi stated.


TOTAL FOCUS ON FLAMENGO

The Argentine stressed that he keeps his feet on the ground and that his main goal is to continue showing consistency for the Rubro-Negro , who have the best defense in the Brasileirão, conceding only 10 goals in 22 games. At Maracanã, the Mais Querido conceded only three goals.


"I'm in no rush, because my job is for Flamengo , day to day, game to game. My biggest focus is to maintain this streak so that the call-up can come. Of course I have that desire, but I don't treat it as a requirement . I'm Flamengo's goalkeeper, I'm responsible for Flamengo. If the call-up comes, I'll welcome it," he added.

INCOME AND TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Since joining Flamengo in 2023, Rossi has already won four titles. Last season, he was a key player in the undefeated Carioca Championship and also played in the Copa do Brasil victory. In 2025, he maintained his starting spot in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Estadual . In total, he has represented Flamengo in 125 official matches, establishing himself as a pillar of the team.


Soccer

Former Flamengo player is reprimanded for comparing Arrascaeta and Neymar: “try hard…”

Mengão midfielder is one of the highlights of the Brazilian Championship, but commentator says he wouldn't have the same success at Santos as the star

Zinho makes a comparison between Flamengo's Arrascaeta and Neymar when citing Santos' difficulties - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo
Zinho makes a comparison between Flamengo's Arrascaeta and Neymar when citing Santos' difficulties - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 21:00 |

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Back in Brazilian football, Neymar still divides opinions about his future at Santos . During a debate on ESPN Brasil, former player Zinho compared the Santos number 10 to Flamengo's Arrascaeta , which sparked disagreement from Zé Elias. The former Mengão player stated that the Uruguayan wouldn't be able to perform at the São Paulo club.


Zé Elias praises Flamengo's Arrascaeta in comparison to Neymar: "He works hard, he's a leader"


Zé Elias then responded, highlighting the difference in attitude between the two athletes: "But he won't be in the same position as Neymar, Zinho! He'll be much more involved in the game, he'll be a role model ... Neymar doesn't help. Neymar loses the ball and just watches. Arrascaeta doesn't do that. He works hard, he's a leader," he stated.


ARRASCAETA SHINES IN THE 2025 SEASON

While Neymar is still looking for consistency, Arrascaeta continues to be one of Flamengo 's biggest stars in 2025. In addition to assists and creative plays, the Uruguayan has also taken on a leading role as a goalscorer.


Currently, the number 10 is Flamengo 's top scorer in the Brasileirão, with 13 goals. Last Sunday (14), he even scored one of the goals in the 2-0 victory over Juventude , in Caxias do Sul, which ended a 28-year drought.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT COMMITMENT

With Arrascaeta available, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18), for the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals, against Estudiantes (ARG). The match will be at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã , with broadcast by ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).


Soccer

Flamengo Women faces São Paulo in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil this Wednesday (17)

Teams face each other this Wednesday (17), at Morumbis, for the knockout stage of the national tournament; the duel is worth a place in the next phase of the competition

Flamengo Women's team faces São Paulo at Morumbis in the round of 16 of the Women's Brazil Cup in a single game for a spot in the next phase - photo: reproduction
Flamengo Women's team faces São Paulo at Morumbis in the round of 16 of the Women's Brazil Cup in a single game for a spot in the next phase - photo: reproduction

16 Set 2025 | 19:31 |

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Flamengo Women have a decisive challenge this Wednesday (17), at 6 pm (Brasília time), against São Paulo, at Morumbis stadium. The match, valid for the round of 16 of the Women's Brazil Cup , will be played in a single game. Whoever wins will advance directly to the next phase of the national competition, which returned to the Brazilian football calendar after a nine-year absence.


São Paulo takes the field seeking its first Women's Copa do Brasil title . The Tricolor team comes into this match after defeating Vasco 3-1 away from home in the previous round. In the Brazilian Championship, however, the São Paulo team was eliminated in the semifinals by Corinthians.


FLAMENGO MOMENT


Flamengo , in turn, thrashed Operário-MS 6-0 in the previous round , with Mariane scoring a hat trick. Despite their recent strong performance, Rosana Augusto's team was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the last Brazilian Championship after being defeated by Palmeiras.

BRAZILIAN WOMEN'S CUP AWARDS


Despite returning to the official calendar, the Women's Copa do Brasil still offers significantly lower prize money than the men's. While the 2025 men's champion can earn up to R$101.2 million, the women's tournament title yields a maximum of R$1.38 million.

MATCH DETAILS

📅 Date: 9/17/2025

⏰ Time: 6pm (Brasília time)

📍 Location: Morumbis Stadium, São Paulo (SP)

📺 Broadcast: SporTV

PROBABLE LINEUPS

Coach: Thiago Viana.

Flamengo: Vivi Holzel; Monalisa, Agustina, Flavia Mota, Jucinara; Ju Ferreira, Djeni, Glaucia; Laysa and Cristiane. Coach: Rosana Augusto.


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