Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has convinced "very dangerous" Vinicius Junior to take up a surprise new role in the national team. With only a few months left until the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America, the veteran Italian coach is trying to find the best possible attacking combination in the Selecao squad as he aims to deliver the country's record-extending sixth global crown.

Real Madrid “did a great job by not signing Erling Haaland”, according to former Blancos star Wesley Sneijder, with the Norwegian striker considered to be the wrong fit for a team that now has Kylian Mbappe leading the line. Sneijder, who is a big fan of Haaland, has also picked out the obvious heirs to crowns that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have worn with such distinction for so long.

Former Real Madrid attacker and club legend Gareth Bale was "disappointed" by the displays of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as Los Blancos fell to a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League. Bale claimed that he was frustrated because the Madrid forwards tried to "overcomplicate things" in a rather timid display at Anfield on Tuesday evening.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is reportedly interested in a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Norwegian forward is seen as a potential replacement for Brazilian star Vinicius Jr if he is sold at the end of the season. Madrid are understood to be open to offers of around €200 million should Vinicius decide against extending his contract with the club.

Real Madrid have reportedly decided to sell their forward Vinicius Junior following his outburst during El Clasico against Barcelona, marking a major shift in president Florentino Perez’s stance on one of the club’s biggest stars. The fallout with coach Xabi Alonso, coupled with repeated controversies, has pushed the Spanish giants to plan for a 2026 exit.