Brazil international Paulo Henrique joked that he is trying to help Vasco da Gama lure Tottenham and Newcastle stars to the Serie A from the Premier League. The 29-year-old winger made the light-hearted confession after Brazil’s embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Japan in Tokyo, a friendly that went from cruise control to complete calamity in the second half.

Brazil endured their worst qualification campaign ever for the 2026 World Cup, finishing fifth in the CONMEBOL standings on just 28 points from 18 matches. The Selecao lost home and away to arch-rivals Argentina, with a 4-1 drubbing at the Estadio Monumental ultimately costing Dorival Junior his job as manager, and they were also handily beaten by Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay and Bolivia. But hope for the 2026 finals remains high, with Carlo Ancelotti now holding the reins for the most successful national team in history.

Orlando City reportedly attempted to sign Brazil and Tottenham forward Richarlison last summer, but their pursuit stalled after being quoted a transfer fee at $46.4 million, according to ESPN. The MLS club viewed the 28-year-old as a potential face of the franchise ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Richarlison remains under contract with Spurs until 2027.

Tottenham striker Richarlison has been having some fun on social media and has claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or for himself ahead of Monday’s big ceremony. The Brazilian hasn’t been nominated for the Golden Ball but has posted a picture of himself holding the famous trophy on Instagram. Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal are the two favourites for the award.

The Italian manager made numerous changes, and saw his disjointed team deservedly fall to a side that needed to win to keep their dream of playing at 2026 alive

The return of top-flight football lived up to the billing, and there are plenty of arguments ready to be made after one weekend of action