Tag: Brazil

Ancelotti defends Paqueta penalty switch as Brazil stutter against Tunisia

Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil)
November 2025

Brazil finished 2025 frustrated after a 1-1 draw with Tunisia, wasting clear chances and needing an Estevao Willian penalty to cancel out Hazem Mastouri’s opener, before Lucas Paqueta fired a second spot kick over and squandered the chance to seal a comeback win. Carlo Ancelotti said Paqueta was the designated taker and he moved the responsibility from Estevao Willian, to ease pressure on the youngster, while stressing he remains confident in a serious, united squad that must navigate a demanding schedule before the 2026 World Cup.

Arsenal braced for Gabriel layoff as injury crisis deepens title push

Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
November 2025

Arsenal fear Gabriel Magalhaes could miss up to two months after he left Brazil’s friendly against Senegal with a right thigh issue, a potential absence that would rule him out until mid January and remove a defensive cornerstone from a team chasing domestic and European trophies. Further scans will determine whether the layoff is closer to one month or two, but Gabriel now joins a crowded Arsenal injury list that already included Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus, even as Arteta’s squad has still climbed to the Premier League summit.

Ancelotti lays down six-month challenge to Neymar for World Cup spot

Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil)
November 2025

Carlo Ancelotti has made clear that Neymar still has a path to the 2026 World Cup but warned he will not gamble on reputation alone, stressing that the forward’s selection depends entirely on proving form and fitness after an injury-hit spell back at Santos. Neymar has not played for Brazil since tearing knee ligaments against Uruguay in 2023, later terminating his Al-Hilal deal before rejoining Santos. Ancelotti says the playmaker has six months of football to show consistent quality and physical condition before he finalises his World Cup squad.

Brazil beat Senegal as Gabriel injury sparks Arsenal fears and Ancelotti apology

Brazil national team and Gabriel (Arsenal)
November 2025

Brazil produced a fast, ruthless first half to beat Senegal 2-0, with Estevao (Chelsea) curling in the opener and Casemiro (Brazil) adding a controlled finish from a training ground routine. The win snapped Senegal’s long unbeaten run and showcased Brazil’s attacking depth. Edouard Mendy faced constant pressure as Matheus Cunha hit woodwork twice before the goals, while Senegal forced good stops from Ederson and missed a big Iliman Ndiaye chance. The night soured when Gabriel limped off with an adductor issue, prompting Carlo Ancelotti’s public apology and leaving Arsenal worried.

Ancelotti plots central bursts for Vinícius Júnior with Brazil

Vinícius Júnior, Carlo Ancelotti
November 2025

Ancelotti outlined a hybrid brief: left-wing base with selective central runs to exploit one-movement finishes. With Neymar absent, Brazil want Vinícius attacking space inside, not serving as a fixed reference, to sharpen goal output before the 2026 World Cup. The staff will rehearse lane switches, timed box entries, and transition triggers that preserve his wing threat while adding penalty-area presence. Club-form fluctuations are acknowledged; clarity of role, service patterns, and minutes management are expected to lift efficiency.

Endrick resists January exit despite bench spell

Endrick (Real Madrid)
October 2025

Endrick remains reluctant to leave Madrid on loan even as Xabi Alonso withholds minutes following a hamstring layoff. Club figures fear stagnation could jeopardize his Brazil 2026 World Cup claim, with Marseille, PSG, and Juventus monitoring a possible January solution. Madrid staff view a temporary move as developmental insurance amid fierce competition. Endrick’s camp stresses long-term Bernabéu ambitions, but recurring DNPs and tactical pecking order argue for minutes elsewhere to restore rhythm, confidence, and national-team visibility before spring qualifying windows.

Man City track Bahia prodigy Dell with £87m clause

Dell (Bahia)
October 2025

Manchester City are monitoring the 17-year-old striker dubbed the Brazilian Haaland, backed by prolific U17 outputs and an early senior debut, with a reported £87m release clause. Interest is long-term. Any move requires pathway planning, eligibility timing, and staged development before a major outlay for a high-upside finisher.

Corinthians plan Depay contract renewal amid financial strain

Memphis Depay (Corinthians)
October 2025

Corinthians intend to extend Depay’s contract beyond 2026 once unpaid bonuses and signing fees are resolved. The Dutch forward has scored seven goals in 11 games and remains vital to their attack despite disputes over €2.7m owed.
Depay recently became the Netherlands’ all-time leader in goals and assists. Corinthians’ CFO confirmed current debts are being prioritised before any renewal. The club hopes to secure his long-term stay once finances stabilise, avoiding renewed speculation of a move abroad.

Neymar Suffers Fresh Injury Blow Ahead of World Cup

Neymar (Santos, Brazil)
September 2025

Neymar’s World Cup hopes took another hit after suffering a thigh injury during Santos training. Diagnosed with a rectus femoris muscle issue, the forward has begun treatment, leaving doubts over October internationals and next summer’s tournament fitness. Brazil already left Neymar out of September qualifiers under Ancelotti, citing fitness concerns. Santos confirmed his diagnosis and immediate rehab at CEPRAF. With recurring injuries, the 33-year-old’s Selecao role grows uncertain as Brazil weigh long-term options.

Rotated Brazil stumble at altitude in Bolivia loss

Brazil
September 2025

Brazil’s rotated squad slumped to a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Bolivia despite already booking their place at the tournament. Miguel Terceros scored from the spot after Bruno Guimaraes’ mistake, punishing Ancelotti’s experimental side that struggled for rhythm. Bolivia pressed relentlessly, firing 15 first-half shots as Brazil’s makeshift XI looked disjointed at altitude. Guimaraes’ costly error gifted the hosts a penalty, converted by Terceros. Late introductions of Raphinha, Estevao, and Joao Pedro brought some spark, but an equalizer never arrived.

POPULAR ARTICLES