Just before the title is decided, a bombshell drops: former president Josep Bartomeu reveals that Vinicius Junior was on the verge of signing for FC Barcelona.
Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed the club once had a preliminary agreement to sign Vinicius Junior before he joined Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger ultimately moved to the Santiago Bernabeu after Madrid offered a stronger financial package.
Manchester City are reportedly monitoring Vinicius Junior as uncertainty grows over the winger’s future at Real Madrid. With his contract entering its final year and negotiations stalled, the Cityzens are ready to explore a potential move.
Real Madrid is spiraling into chaos on the eve of El Clásico. The club is set to finish the season trophy-less, and players are now openly sniping at one another. The fracture appears to have been simmering for months.
Referee Francois Letexier has broken his silence on the high-profile incident between Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni that rocked the Champions League earlier this year. The French official was forced to halt the knockout stage clash after the Real Madrid star reported receiving racial abuse from his Benfica counterpart.
FIFA have extended Gianluca Prestianni's ban for homophobic conduct globally, meaning he could now miss Argentina's first two games at the 2026 World Cup. The Benfica winger, who was sanctioned following a high-profile clash with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, will now see his club-level suspension apply to international competitive fixtures.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was caught in a heated exchange with Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali during Los Blancos' 2-0 victory at the RCDE Stadium. Footage has emerged showing the Brazilian winger engaging in a relentless war of words with his opponent, allegedly calling him an "idiot".
Vinicius Junior has sent a defiant message of loyalty to Real Madrid supporters following his match-winning performance against Espanyol. The Brazilian forward, who found the net twice in a 2-0 La Liga victory at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday, took to social media to reassure the fans of his commitment to the cause.
Vinicius Jr bagged a brace, Jude Bellingham provided a lovely assist, and Real Madrid strolled to a convincing 2-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday evening. Madrid got things done without Kylian Mbappe, and Alvaro Arbeloa will be pleased with the performance - but with the knowledge that their win only delays Barcelona's inevitable march to the league title.
Rodrygo has explained to GOAL how “healthy competition” between the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid helps to make “everyone better”. With the Blancos forever in the hunt for major honours at home and abroad, it is important for the highest of standards to be set by ‘Galactico’ performers behind the scenes.
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been hit with a six-match suspension by UEFA following a discriminatory exchange with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. The 20-year-old was found guilty of using homophobic language during a Champions League clash in Lisbon.
Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has jumped to the defence of Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian forward successfully navigated a hostile atmosphere at the Bernabeu to score the winning goal against Alaves in La Liga on Tuesday. Despite the tension following a disappointing Champions League exit, the winger proved to be the difference-maker as Los Blancos secured a vital victory in their pursuit of catching Barcelona.
Real Madrid bounced back from their four-match winless run and kept their slim title hopes in La Liga alive with a 2-1 victory over Alaves on Tuesday. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr got the job done for Alvaro Arbeloa's side, who closed the gap on leaders Barcelona to six points for at least the next 24 hours.
Vinicius Junior continues to generate plenty of lively discussion at Real Madrid, but Michael Owen has told GOAL why the Brazilian superstar is “so big and so good” that only “two teams” could afford to put a transfer deal in place. The South American forward has become a divisive character in world football, but Owen doubts that he will trade Santiago Bernabeu for another landing spot in Europe or the Saudi Pro League.
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