With Riccardo Calafiori on his way, Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with a former Premier League midfielder who recently impressed at Euro 2024.
Arsenal transfer news
The Gunners have been forced to be patient in the transfer market this summer and are only just getting going in the final month of the window. But that patience looks set to pay off, with Calafiori on the verge of arriving to complete his medical and make his move from Bologna official this summer. The central defender was a standout for the Serie A side last season, as they shocked Italian football by qualifying for the Champions League.
It could yet be two in quick succession for those in north London too. According to Football Transfers, Arsenal have now agreed personal terms with Mikel Merino as they look to bring the Real Sociedad midfielder back to the Premier League.
Arsenal could hijack deal for "marvellous" ace attracted to PL
He’s a man in demand…
ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2024
The midfielder is into the final year of his Sociedad deal and is reportedly keen to complete a move to the Gunners, though they are yet to reach an agreement with the La Liga club. Swapping Sociedad for Arsenal would cap off a summer to remember for the former Newcastle United man, having already played his part in Spain's Euro 2024 victory a few weeks ago.
Earning a reported £52,000-a-week, Merino's arrival would hardly break the bank at the Emirates and could quickly become an intelligent arrival to replace the injury-prone Thomas Partey. As Arsenal go for a third time lucky in pursuit of dethroning Manchester City, adding depth to their midfield may quickly prove to be key.
"Unique" Merino can replace Partey
With just a year left until the end of his current contract, Arsenal may need to replace Partey sooner rather than later, which is where Merino could come in. A player who can fill in at both defensive midfield and slightly ahead in the centre of midfield, Ben Mattinson even believes that his "unique" profile can replace Granit Xhaka a year after his departure.
Welcoming a player of such a profile could also lift the pressure on Declan Rice in what could quickly prove to be vital for Mikel Arteta's side. England fans saw at the Euros just how much at risk Rice is of being overrun if he doesn't have the right profile to provide cover alongside him. Merino could provide that cover in abundance.
Glasgow Rangers confirmed on Tuesday that long-serving central defender Connor Goldson has completed a permanent exit from Ibrox this summer.
The English titan has moved to Cyprus to sign for Aris Limassol and becomes the latest experienced ace to depart from Glasgow ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Jon McLaughlin, Kemar Roofe, and Ryan Jack also left the Gers earlier this summer, when their contracts expired at the end of May.
Another experienced first-team player who could yet move on from Ibrox before the summer transfer window slams shut is centre-forward Cyriel Dessers.
Cyriel Dessers
The Daily Record recently reported that Italian side Cagliari have a concrete interest in the Nigerian attacker and that it would take a bid of more than £4m to secure his services.
Dessers scored 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership in his first season in Glasgow. However, the 29-year-old dud also missed a staggering 27 'big chances' in front of goal, which shows that he did not make the most of the high-quality opportunities that were created for him.
With this in mind, it makes sense why Rangers are now reportedly weighing up a move to sign a new centre-forward to bolster the squad this summer.
Rangers eyeing up Premiership star
According to the Daily Record, Philippe Clement is considering a swoop to sign Hearts number nine Lawrence Shankland to improve his options at the top end of the pitch.
The report claims that the Scottish giants are 'locked' in internal talks over a potential deal to sign the Scotland international, as they debate the pros and cons to moving for him.
It states that the board have made it clear to Clement that the funds are available to him if he wants to press ahead with a bid for the Premiership star, after the club banked £2.8m from the sale of Sam Lammers.
The Daily Record adds that the Light Blues are hoping that an offer of £3m will be enough to tempt the Jam Tarts to cash in on their skipper, whose contract is due to expire at the end of next season.
It is not straightforward, though, as Clement is said to have had previous doubts over whether or not Shankland has the athleticism to lead a team that wants to press high. However, the manager is reconsidering his doubts after watching his team fail to win the league or the SFA Cup at the end of last term.
If Rangers do eventually decide to pursue a deal for the Scottish marksman then they could land an exciting partner for new signing Vaclav Cerny in the final third.
What Vaclav Cerny could bring to Rangers
The Czechia international is a talented right-sided attacker who has the potential to provide plenty of quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Gers.
He is on loan at Ibrox until the end of the 2024/25 campaign and will be hoping to get back to his best at the top end of the pitch after a slightly disappointing year in the Bundesliga.
Cerny joined Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023 and ended last season with a return of four goals and zero assists in 22 appearances in the German top-flight.
The 26-year-old whiz failed to showcase the best of his attacking qualities on a regular basis in Germany, after his superb exploits in the Netherlands during the 2022/23 campaign.
Cerny played for FC Twente in the Eredivisie before his move to Wolfsburg and produced consistent quality in the final third, as both a scorer and a creator.
Appearances
32
Goals
13
Assists
11
Big chances created
17
Key passes per game
2.4
Dribbles completed per game
2.0
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed star hit double figures for both goals and assists from a right wing position in the 2022/23 season.
These statistics suggest that the potential is there for him to be a prolific scorer who can also consistently unpick opposition defences to create high-quality chances for his teammates to find the back of the net.
No Rangers midfielder or winger made more than 1.7 key passes per game in the Premiership last term, which indicates that Cerny could improve the level of creativity Clement gets from his options in midfield and out wide.
Why Shankland would thrive with Cerny
Shankland, who was once lauded as "clinical" by journalist Euan Robertson, is an exceptional finisher who could make the most of the winger's creativity.
The Scotland international would come in as a player with the ability to hit the ground running as he has already proven himself in the Premiership.
He won the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 campaign, thanks to his terrific performances on the pitch, and this speaks to the quality the forward can offer at that level.
Appearances
37
35
Goals
24
16
Big chances missed
9
27
Conversion rate
18%
16%
As you can see in the table above, Shankland could be far more impressive than Dessers when it comes to finishing off chances that are created for him.
The Hearts star scored eight more goals than the Nigerian striker whilst missing a staggering 18 fewer 'big chances' in front of goal for his side.
Dessers and Shankland
These statistics suggest that Rangers would immediately improve their starting number nine by ditching Dessers to Cagliari, or elsewhere, and swooping to sign Shankland from their Premiership rivals.
His incredible goalscoring statistics also indicate that he would be the perfect player to play alongside Cerny at the top end of the pitch at Ibrox next term.
The Czechia winger has the potential to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates and Shankland has the finishing quality to make the most of that, which could make them a deadly duo for Clement in the top-flight next term.
Rangers have genuine interest in move for huge McCausland upgrade
The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the English forward.
ByDan Emery Jul 30, 2024
Therefore, the Belgian boss should decide to press ahead with a deal for the Scottish forward, as he could be an excellent and much-needed addition to the forward line.
Liverpool are now thought to be leading Manchester United in the race to sign a world-renowned 29-year-old, according to a fresh transfer rumour.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds may not have completed any signings yet this summer, but that doesn't mean that a vast array of players aren't being linked with moves to Anfield, as Arne Slot looks to strengthen the squad that Jurgen Klopp left him.
Celtic star Matt O'Riley has emerged as a reported target for Liverpool, having shone hugely for the Hoops last season, registering a total of 31 goal contributions (18 goals and 13 assists) in the Scottish Premiership. The Dane has plenty of options, but a move to Merseyside isn't being ruled out.
Celtic'sMattO'Riley
Dani Olmo is a player whose reputation has been enhanced greatly after some superb performances for Spain at Euro 2024, with no player scoring more goals than his tally of three in the tournament. The 26-year-old is believed to be wanted by the Reds this summer, but they are facing competition from the likes of United and Manchester City.
Then there's Adrien Rabiot, who United are also believed to be pushing hard to sign, with a recent claim even suggesting that he is "getting closer" to sealing a move to Old Trafford all the time. Liverpool are seemingly another interested party, holding talks with him, and now a twist has emerged in the saga.
Liverpool lead Man Utd in race to sign 29-year-old
According to a fresh claim from Tutto Juve on Sunday, Liverpool are actually ahead of Manchester United in the battle to sign Rabiot this summer, contrary to the aforementioned reports.
The Reds are described as being "ahead in the negotiation", with the 29-year-old a free agent after leaving Juventus at the end of last season.
Adrien Rabiot for Juventus
Given his age, Rabiot may not be coming in as a long-term option for Liverpool, which may not appeal to Slot, but there is no doubting his credentials as a top-level footballer.
The Frenchman is a six-time Ligue 1 champion, dominating the division in a strong Paris Saint-Germain side in the past, and he has also tasted Serie A glory once in a Juventus shirt. Meanwhile, Reds hero Ibrahima Konate has spoken positively about his international colleague in the past, saying:
"Rabiot?I didn’t know him before this World Cup. I had never lived with him in the group. Talk to everyone. He is a key player in this competition. Adrien takes us a lot, in defence and attack."
With Thiago leaving Liverpool earlier this summer, bringing an end to his playing career in the process, Rabiot could fill the void left by the Spaniard, adding experience and class to a midfield that is relatively young. The likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott are all 25 years of age and under.
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The Reds are yet to start their summer business.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 21, 2024
It is understandable why some would be against the signing of the France international, considering he is 29 and could have high wage demands, but pipping United to any signing should never be sniffed at.
Real Madrid are aiming to add Rodri's experience to their midfield's youthful exuberance ahead of next season.
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Rodri on Real Madrid's radar for 2025
Was awarded Ballon D'Or recently
Contract at Manchester City expires in 2027
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid are planning to revitalise their midfield with the addition of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to a report from Spanish outlet AS.
The reigning Champions League and LaLiga winners haven't hit the ground running following the retirement of Toni Kroos and believe that Rodri's addition could elevate the team to another level.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Real Madrid haven't had the best of starts to the ongoing campaign, losing 4-0 to Barcelona at home last weekend, while also falling to a shock 1-0 defeat at Lille in the Champions League.
With Kroos gone, much was expected from Los Blancos' midfield that consists of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni. However, they have failed to stamp their authority on games as a collective unit.
Rodri, who was crowned as the 2024 Ballon D'Or winner in Paris earlier this week, could solve a lot of problems. At 28, he is arguably the best player in the world in his position.
His performances for Man City have seen them dominate England in recent seasons, while Spain ended their 12-year wait for a major international trophy with Rodri at the heart of the midfield at Euro 2024.
City have been keen to tie him down long term, but Rodri is supposedly in no rush to ink a renewal due to the ongoing uncertainty over potential consequences of FFP infringements, with City facing 115 charges.
DID YOU KNOW?
Rodri was born in Villanueva de la Canada, a municipality located around 40 kilometres away from the Santiago Bernabeu. Before joining the Cityzens, he played for Real Madrid's cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid.
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WHAT NEXT FOR RODRI AND REAL MADRID?
Real Madrid will be keen to bounce back from the Clasico drubbing when they visit Mestalla this week to take on 20th-placed Valencia in LaLiga.
Rodri, meanwhile, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Man City's Premier League encounter against Arsenal back in September. He has been ruled out for the season and will have to support his team-mates from the sidelines.
ذكرت تقارير إعلامية اليوم الإثنين، أن نادي برشلونة يفكر في التعاقد مع قلب دفاع، بعد رحيل إينيجو مارتينيز عن صفوف الفريق الكتالوني خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الحالي.
ورحل مارتينيز عن صفوف برشلونة هذا الصيف، وذلك بعد رحلة ناجحة مع البلوجرانا، حيث وقع المدافع المخضرم مع نادي النصر السعودي في صفقة انتقال حر.
اقرأ أيضًا .. نيكو ويليامز يستفز برشلونة بتصريح جديد: هناك سبب وجيه لبقائي مع أتلتيك بلباو
وأفادت صحيفة “سبورت”، أن برشلونة يفكر بشكل جدي في التعاقد مع بينجامين بافارد، لاعب نادي إنتر ميلان، قبل إغلاق فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الحالي بعد أقل من أسبوعين من الآن.
وأضاف المصدر، أن خيار بافارد مطروح بالفعل لدى برشلونة، حيث تدرب اللاعب من قبل تحت قيادة هانز فليك في بايرن ميونخ، كما كان يفكر الفريق الكتالوني في ضم الدولي الفرنسي من قبل.
وأوضح المصدر، أن اهتمام برشلونة بضم بافارد يتزامن مع احتمالية رحيل اللاعب عن صفوف إنتر ميلان هذا الصيف، بينما يريد اللاعب مواصلة اللعب في أعلى مستوى في أوروبا وليس الذهاب إلى الدوري السعودي.
وأردف المصدر، أن المدير الرياضي لنادي برشلونة، ديكو، طرح على إدارة البلوجرانا ضم قلب دفاع احتياطي وصغير في السن، حيث يمكن تسجيله بسهولة واللعب مع الفريق الأول.
وأتمت الصحيفة قائلة، أن فليك يطالب بضم قلب دفاع يلعب بقدمه اليسرى بعد رحيل مارتينيز إلى النصر، بينما توجد خيارات من الصعب التعاقد معها في ظل سقف الرواتب وأزمة تسجيل اللاعبين.
Hales was the second-highest run scorer in last year’s tournament and will be available for the whole competition
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2020Alex Hales will return to the Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash as he becomes the first overseas player to sign a new deal with the league ahead of what is expected to be the arrival of a significant number of England players.Tom Banton (Brisbane Heat) and Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers) are so far the only other confirmed overseas names for the tournament but they had existing deals with their clubs.Hales, who was dropped from the England side shortly before the 2019 World Cup after receiving a ban for using recreational drugs and has not played since, was the second-highest run scorer in last season’s BBL with 576 at 38.40 and a strike-rate of 146.93.”To get the chance to come back is exciting because we’re at the start of something,” Hales said. “I think the next two-to-three years is going to be very special for Sydney Thunder as a franchise. I really believe that, and to know I’m coming back to that means a lot.”It is expected that England names will feature strongly in this season’s BBL. ESPNcricinfo previously reported that Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy were lining up deals while Dawid Malan, the current No.1-ranked T20I batsman, is also in the mix and Liam Livingstone is tipped to head back to the Perth Scorchers.However, with England in talks about a limited-overs tour of South Africa in November it remains to be seen the availability of those who would be part of the squad. Overseas players arriving for the BBL will need to undergo two weeks of quarantine when they reach Australia amid the Covid-19 protocols.Shane Bond, the Sydney Thunder coach, said: “There’s a whole range of reasons to be excited about Alex extending his contract – and they’re exactly why we signed him in the first place. He is a great player who is available for the entire tournament.”He played brilliantly for us last year, but he was brilliant on-and-off the field. He was hugely popular with the players and support staff – and that’s how Alex is viewed wherever he plays.”We have some very talented players in our squad, and it is important to have those professionals, like Alex, around so they can learn off them as well. Everyone in the team is looking forward to having him back, he’s a brilliant bloke.”The revised fixture list for the BBL – which is currently due to start on December 3 – is yet to be confirmed by Cricket Australia but there is a chance it will be played in rolling hubs around the country to navigate the various Covid-19 border restrictions.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard admits he was "scared" by the potential severity of his ankle injury, while providing an update on his recovery.
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Odegaard suffers ankle setback
Arsenal star sustains "significant" injury
Midfielder issues update on recovery
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The attacking midfielder limped off in Norway's Nations League clash with Austria earlier this month, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta later revealing the 25-year-old had suffered a "significant" ankle injury. Now, the former Real Madrid man has spoken about his rehab process and his initial fears about the setback.
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WHAT ODEGAARD SAID
He told Arsenal's website: "It was a bad twist to my ankle, and I damaged some ligaments there, but it’s part of football and now I’m just trying to recover as quickly as I can. I’m moving forward, making progress and I’m feeling more positive every day. I have to be careful not to push it too much, but at the same time do what I can to make sure I come back as strongly and quickly as possible.
"It's something I’m not used to. I’ve been quite fortunate, if that’s the word, or have done well to avoid injuries in the past, but this is football and I have to get on with it. I think it was unfortunate to get the injury in the way that I did, but also it could have been worse.
"It was not a nice twist, and when it happened I felt it could be serious. I’ve injured my ankle before and the pain felt a bit different this time. That’s what scared me, but from what happened it could have been worse, so in that sense I got away with it a bit. Like any player, the first thing I asked the medical team was how long I would be out for, but it’s a bit tricky to say at the moment. In the early stages, it's crucial to get a proper rest and to make sure everything heals well. After that, it’s about getting stronger and building it up again."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite this injury, Gunners manager Arteta is hopeful Odegaard will be back in action in a "matter of weeks" – with a return after next month's international break a possibility. The Norwegian scored 11 goals and bagged as many assists last season, so not having him available for a significant time will hurt their silverware chances this term.
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WHAT NEXT?
The next international break runs from October 7-15, with the Premier League returning a few days later. It remains to be seen if Arsenal skipper Odegaard will be back fit for his team's matches after that pause.
O São Paulo enfrenta, neste sábado (24), o Flamengo, pela primeira partida das semifinais do Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17. O time paulista chega embalado após eliminar o atual campeão do torneio, o Fluminense, ganhando de 4 a 1 em Cotia e perdendo por 2 a 0no Estádio Giulite Coutinho. O meia Mateus Amaral, destaque do Tricolor Paulista falou sobre o próximo jogo da equipe.
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Ao todo, Mateus Amaral, de 16 anos, que atuou em 10 dos 11 jogos do time paulista na competição, marcando dois gols. O jovem atleta falou sobre a expectativa de jogar as semifinais.
– Nossa expectativa é chegarmos à final e conquistar nosso objetivo que é o título. Vamos tentar construir uma boa vantagem para o jogo de volta, mas com todo respeito ao adversário – afirma Mateus.
O meia marcou um dos gols na primeira partida das quartas de final contra o Fluminense, ajudando a eliminar a equipe carioca.
Após a eliminação do Tricolor Paulista nas semifinais do último Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17, Mateus falou sobre a vontade de fazer melhor em 2021 e chegar à grande final do campeonato.
– Nosso time evoluiu bastante desde o começo do ano. Ano passado perdemos nessa mesma fase e essa temporada queremos avançar. Sabemos que o adversário é forte, mas a nossa preparação está sendo muito boa e estamos focados em conseguir essa vaga pra final – comentou Mateus.
Destaque da equipe são-paulina, Mateus Amaral chegou a ser convocado pela Seleção Brasileira Sub-17 para um período de treinos no início da temporada. Entretanto, os treinos não foram realizados por conta da pandemia.
Na última temporada, já no Sub-17, o atleta disputou 12 jogos, marcou dois gols e conquistou a Copa do Brasil e a SuperCopa da categoria.
أصدر المجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام، برئاسة المهندس خالد عبد العزيز، قرارًا بتشكيل لجنة ضبط أداء الإعلام الرياضي، برئاسة المستشار عبد السلام النجار، نائب رئيس مجلس الدولة وعضو المجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام.
وتضم اللجنة في عضويتها كلًا من محمد إبراهيم، مسئول البرامج الرياضية بالتلفزيون المصري، ود. محمد فضل الله، أستاذ التربية الرياضية بجامعة حلوان، والمهندس شريف أمين، خبير الإدارة الرياضية، والكاتب الصحفي إبراهيم ربيع، والكاتب الصحفي أيمن بدرة، والكاتب الصحفي أيمن أبو عايد.
وتختص اللجنة بمتابعة ورصد الأحداث الرياضية التي يتم تغطيتها في الصحف ووسائل الإعلام وضبط الأداء المهني الرياضي بما يحافظ على قيم وأخلاق المجتمع، ومتابعة الالتزام بتطبيق المعايير والأعراف المكتوبة (الأكواد) الصادرة بقرار رئيس المجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام رقم 62 لسنة 2019.
طالع أيضاً.. “رقم غير مسبوق لـ الأهلي”.. زيادة هائلة في جوائز كأس العالم للأندية 2025
كما تختص اللجنة بدراسة التغطية الصحفية والإعلامية للأحداث الرياضية وإعداد تقرير بهذه الدراسة، وفحص المخالفات التي يتم رصدها والتحقق من ثبوتها واقتراح القرار المناسب بشأنها، وما يحال إليها من موضوعات أخرى تكون مرتبطة بطبيعة عملها.
ويكون للجنة اتخاذ ما تراه مناسبًا للتحقق من ثبوت المخالفات ولها استدعاء من يكون له صلة بموضوع المخالفة لسماع الإيضاحات اللازمة، على أن تقوم بإعداد تقريرًا برأيها فيما تنتهي إليه يعرض على المجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام للبت فيه، وتؤخذ قرارات اللجنة وتوصياتها بالأغلبية المطلقة وفي حالة التساوي يرجح الجانب منه رئيسها، وفي حال قام مانع لدى رئيسها من حضور أحد جلساتها حل محله أكبر أعضائها سنًا، ويجوز للجنة الاستعانة بخبرات ما تراه لتيسير أعمالها دون أن يكون له صوت معدود.
يأتي ذلك وفقًا للقانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام، ولائحته التنفيذية الصادرة بقرار رئيس مجلس الوزراء رقم 418 لسنة 2020، واللوائح الأخرى الصادرة عن المجلس.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has revealed that he trained at the house of Ronaldo Nazario as he bids to get "closer" to the Ballon d'Or.
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Vini Jr trained at Ronaldo's house
Aiming to win 2024 Ballon d'Or
Jude Bellingham also considered a frontrunner
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Vinicius has revealed that he spent time training at the home of Ronaldo Nazario, as he bids to win the Ballon d'Or. The Brazil international was in superlative form last season, scoring 24 goals and registering 11 assists in 39 games, as Real won La Liga and the Champions League, but he faces a fight with team-mate Jude Bellingham to take home the biggest individual prize in football.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Along with Bellingham, Vinicius will also have to beat off competition from Rodri, who won Euro 2024 with Spain. Rodri also won another Premier League title with Manchester City, racking up 17 goal involvements for Pep Guardiola's side.
WHAT VINICIUS JR SAID
Vinicius told CNN: “I was with Ronaldo just now when I was in Ibiza and trained at his house and he told me: ‘Train here a few more days, so you are closer to the Ballon d’Or.’ They are players who did incredible things and to be able to compete for the Ballon d’Or and to win an award that they won, that would be something really incredible.”
The Brazilian attacker added: "I have Kaká as an example, I have Ronaldo who won the award twice, I have Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, a lot of Brazilian players who have won the Ballon d’Or. But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I’m closest with, who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d’Or.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Vinicius will next be in action when Real play Las Palmas on Thursday. They have opened their campaign with a win and a draw, and Vinicius is still looking to open his La Liga goal account for 2024-25.