VINICIUS JR, CREATIVE OF FLAMENGO, LEADS THE RANKING TO WIN THE GOLD BALL - CHECK OUT

Belgian player Kevin De Bruyne, one of Manchester City's main names, made scathing criticisms of the new format of the Club Super World Cup, a competition that will be played in 2025 and will feature the participation of 32 teams, including Brazilians Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras. The tournament, which will have a similar format to the World Cup, did not please the player due to the overload of games and the impact on the athletes' calendar.

In a press conference, De Bruyne expressed his dissatisfaction with the short interval between the end of the Club World Cup and the start of the Premier League season. "The problem will come when the Club World Cup ends. We will only have three weeks between the final and the first round of the Premier League. There are three weeks to take a vacation and prepare to play more than 80 games. Maybe it will work this year, but it will be a problem the following year", warned the player.

The Belgian midfielder's concern extends to the increasing number of matches that athletes need to play in various competitions throughout the season, affecting performance so much regarding the physical well-being of the players.

De Bruyne also criticized FIFA and UEFA for not listening to the concerns of the players and their associations: “The PFA (Professional Players Association) in England and unions in other countries tried to find solutions. The problem is that UEFA and FIFA play more matches, and we tried to say something, but no solution was found. They don't care. It seems that money speaks louder than players", he said.

FIFA has already announced the dates of the Club Super World Cup, which will begin on June 15, 2025 and will conclude on July 13 of the same year. The competition promises to bring together great teams from different continents, providing an unprecedented format with 32 participants.

Brazilian clubs Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras guaranteed a place in the tournament as they were the last champions of the Copa Libertadores da América, with Flamengo winning the title in 2022.

Last Wednesday (4), Flamengo held the seventh edition of the Sangue Rubro-negro campaign, at the Gávea headquarters. Hemorio's partner team was at the Gávea headquarters, from 10am to 3pm, collecting blood in the playground's party room. Athletes, employees and associates were able to donate and make a difference: each bag of blood can save up to four lives.

In addition to encouraging blood donation, the campaign also sought to raise awareness about the importance of this act of generosity and how it can save lives. “The partnership with Flamengo Social Responsibility is very important. More than attracting donors, this action seeks to awaken civic and social sentiment, ensure greater dissemination and demystify fears. It is an extremely educational and important action for maintaining stocks”, declared Dr. Renata de Almeida, a Hemorio doctor present at the action.

Blood donation is essential for health units to continue serving patients undergoing treatments and surgeries. The only way to guarantee the blood supply is through voluntary donations.

To donate blood, you must have an official identification document with photo, original or certified copy; be between 16 and 69 years old; be fed and in good health; weigh more than 50 kg; not be pregnant or breastfeeding. For more information about donating blood, visit www.hemorio.rj.gov.br or call 0800 282 0708. Hemorio is located at Rua Frei Caneca, nº 8, in the center of Rio. Donate blood, donate life!

This Wednesday (4), France Football magazine announced the 30 players nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, both male and female. As expected, Brazilian striker Vinícius Jr, who stood out for Real Madrid, is among the favorites for the award. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 28th and will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet, in Paris.
MAIN COMPETITORS AND FAVORITES

In addition to Vinícius Jr, other big names in football are in the fight for the coveted trophy. Among the most notable competitors are Jude Bellingham, also from Real Madrid, and Rodri Hernández, from Manchester City. In the women's category, Brazilian Tarciane, defender of Houston Dash, and striker Gabi Portilho, of Corinthians, both silver medalists at the Paris Olympic Games, are among those nominated. Spanish Aitana Bonmatí, from Barcelona, ​​who won the award in 2023, is also on the list.

It is important to highlight that The Ballon d'Or, awarded by France Football, is distinct from The Best Award, organized by FIFA, which does not yet have a set date for its 2024 edition. However, it is common for the winner of one of the awards to also win the other. , due to the recognition of exceptional performances throughout the year.

Brazil, a traditional source of talent in football, may once again have a protagonist in these two important ceremonies in world football. The last time a Brazilian won the Ballon d'Or was in 2007, when Kaká, then at Milan, won the award, beating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who would dominate the award in the following decade.