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Vinicius Junior Neymar Brazil 2022 World Cup

Explained: Why Neymar left out of 980-sticker World Cup album

Neymar has been the face of Brazilian football for over a decade, but the mercurial forward has suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old has been officially omitted from the iconic Panini sticker album, marking the first time in four editions that he will not be featured among the world's elite players.

Santos v Fluminense - Brasileirao 2026

Ex-Brazil star insists Neymar 'not at level he needs to be' for World Cup

Brazil's 1994 World Cup winner Rai has cast doubt over Neymar's suitability for the 2026 tournament, claiming the Santos forward is no longer at the physical level required for the international stage despite his undeniable technical brilliance. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is still struggling to build up his fitness with Santos ahead of his country's bid for glory in North America this summer.

Vinicius Junior 2025-26

Vinicius Jr told he's 'far from' Messi and Ronaldo

Despite being a leading figure at Santiago Bernabeu, Vinicius Jr is reportedly missing a vital ingredient required to join the pantheon of footballing greats. Former Brazil and Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda has offered a stinging appraisal of the Brazilian winger’s standing in the global game. The Real Madrid star has been told he is still a long way off reaching the legendary heights of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Brazil v France - International Friendly

Ancelotti urges Italy to return to 'defensive mentality'

Carlo Ancelotti has urged Italy to reclaim the defensive identity that once made the nation the most feared in world football. The Brazil boss believes an obsession with modern tactical trends has left the Azzurri fragile and lacking elite standards, resulting in a third straight failure to qualify for the World Cup.

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Hulk offers blunt verdict on Neymar's World Cup hopes

Brazil veteran Hulk has delivered a surprisingly neutral assessment regarding Neymar’s potential inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. As the legendary forward battles to regain full match fitness following a lengthy injury absence, the lack of an explicit endorsement from his former international team-mate has intensified the selection debate.

Corinthians v Santos - Campeonato Paulista 2025

Ancelotti sets World Cup condition for Neymar

The debate surrounding Neymar’s place in the Brazilian national team has intensified as the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico draws closer. Neymar has been handed a significant lifeline regarding his international future as Carlo Ancelotti opened the door for a potential World Cup return. Despite missing out on recent call-ups, the forward remains firmly in the thoughts of the Selecao coaching staff ahead of the tournament.

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Endrick reveals he is expecting baby with wife aged 19

Brazilian sensation Endrick has taken to social media to share the news that he and his wife, Gabriely Miranda, are expecting their first child. The announcement comes during a whirlwind period for the 19-year-old, who has seen his stock rise significantly while on loan in Ligue 1.

Frequently asked questions

Fifteen players from the Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel cricket team formed the Aston Villa Football Club in the 1870s.

Aston Villa are owned by V Sports, a joint venture between billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Edens. Atairos, an investment company based in the UK, became a minority partner of V Sports in April 2024.

Aston Villa play all their home games at the Villa Park since 1897.

Villa Park has a capacity of over 42,000 and has hosted more FA Cup semi-final games than any other stadium in history.

Aston Villa have won 22 titles throughout their history, including seven English top-flight titles, one European Cup (now known as the Champions League), and seven FA Cups.

Aston Villa have won seven top-flight titles, but have failed to clinch a league trophy in the Premier League era. They last won the first division in the 1980-81 season.

Former Scottish left-back Charlie Aitken has made the most appearances for Aston Villa, featuring in 660 games for the club from 1961 to 1975.

One of the greatest players to ever play for Aston Villa, Billy Walker is the club's record goalscorer of all-time with 244 goals to his name.

Jack Grealish, Dwight Yorke, Emiliano Martinez, Gordon Cowans, and Gareth Barry are among the most respectable players in Aston Villa history, with the club also luring legends like Peter Schmeichel and Paul McGrath.

Steven Gerrard, Steve Bruce, Gerard Houllier and Unai Emery are among the big names to have led Aston Villa during its illustrious history.

Aston Villa are famously known as The Villans. The name 'Villa' is derived from the Villa Cross Wesleyan Church, whose former cricket club passed on the name to the club.