Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has singled out Federico Valverde as the indispensable engine behind Los Blancos' pursuit of silverware this season. The retired German maestro believes the Uruguayan has stepped up to 'carry' a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. As the campaign enters its final stretch, Valverde’s leadership and clinical form have placed him at the heart of the club's post-Kroos era.
Brazil's main men fell flat as the Selecao turned in an underwhelming performance against France in a forgettable 2-1 loss. The Selecao were poor at both ends of the pitch, and languid in between, and only really showed attacking intent when it was too late. A late goal from Bremer was rather flattering as Carlo Ancelotti's men were easily dealt with by Les Bleus, who played most of the second half with ten men.
Following disturbing incidents of racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior, UEFA has officially sanctioned Benfica. The Portuguese club face significant financial penalties and a suspended partial stadium closure following their Champions League knockout tie against Real Madrid. Benfica have also taken internal action, suspending several members for their unacceptable conduct.
Vinicius Junior has spoken out on his long-term future at Real Madrid as he prepares to enter the final year of his current contract. The Brazilian forward is currently away on international duty with Brazil, but believes he has been living his "best moment" at club level.
Vinicius Jr scored twice while Federico Valverde again found the net as Real Madrid saw off Atletico Madrid, 3-2, in a frantic derby on Sunday. At no point was either side truly in control of proceedings, yet Real were clinical at the right moments, and despite finishing the game with 10 men following a red card for Valverde, were good value for a win that keeps them firmly in La Liga's title race.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham found themselves in an uncomfortable spotlight this weekend after receiving a hostile reception during a public appearance in the Spanish capital. Despite being on home turf, the Brazil and England internationals were met with a chorus of whistles and jeers that left them looking visibly frustrated.
We already knew Nike had built something special through their Jordan Brand and Paris Saint-Germain collaboration, with the 'Jumpman' logo replacing the 'Swoosh' on the French giants’ shirts for the past eight years - but they've entered another stratosphere after linking up with the Brazilian federation.
Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid is already generating buzz, whilst Lennart Karl found out about his DFB call-up whilst attending a tutoring session. News and rumours about FCB.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are set to face off in the Champions League quarter-finals. However, a nightmare scenario looms for Real Madrid, particularly in the second leg.
Pep Guardiola insisted through gritted teeth that Manchester City's defeat and elimination at the hands of Real Madrid was not his last stand in the Champions League. Which is just as well, because this was not a fitting way for him to say goodbye to a competition that he took to a whole new level with Barcelona and has won three times in total, only trailing Carlo Ancelotti.
Vinicius Junior returns to haunt Manchester City, following up on his match-winning performance at Etihad Stadium with a defiant explanation for his controversial goal celebration. After opening the scoring with a penalty, the Brazilian forward made a "crying" gesture at the home crowd. The act was a direct response to the taunts he received following his high-profile Ballon d'Or snub in 2024.
Vinicius Jr returned to form at the right time for Real Madrid, bagging twice as Los Blancos got the job done against Manchester City to secure a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals. Madrid arrived in England defending a 3-0 lead after the first leg, and ensured that there was no 'remontada' at the Etihad Stadium, winning 2-1 win on the night after a rather frantic contest.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has showered praise on his former Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, highlighting his exceptional mentality and consistency on the biggest stages. Emphasising his Brazilian flair, humility and joy, the coach dismissed any concerns over past frustrations, throwing his full support behind the winger ahead of a demanding World Cup campaign.
Brazil have officially unveiled a revolutionary partnership with Jordan Brand, marking the first time the iconic 'Jumpman logo will appear on a national team football kit. The historic threads are set for a high-profile debut at the end of March in a glamour friendly in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid’s 3-0 demolition of Manchester City in the Champions League last-16 was almost the perfect night for Los Blancos, but for Vinicius Junior's missed penalty that could've added further gloss to the result. In the 58th minute, after the Brazilian forward was felled in the box, cameras caught the moment Vinicius gestured towards Valverde, offering the midfielder the chance to step up and bag what would have been a remarkable fourth goal of the game.
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