NEYMAR JR AFTER WORLD CUP CALL UP

 

JOAO PEDRO REACTS AFTER NEYMAR BEATS HIM TO BRAZIL'S 2026 WORLD CUP SQUAD

Joao Pedro has detailed the "frustrations" he has faced at being left out of the Brazil squad for the World Cup this summer, with the Chelsea star claiming he will now focus on cheering on his national team during the tournament held in North America.

The versatile forward was one of a few surprise calls made in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man Brazil World Cup squad named on Monday night, which included a recall for Neymar.

That, however, has seen Pedro miss out despite a standout campaign for Chelsea, which has seen the 24-year-old score 20 goals and assist nine across all competitions for the Blues.

Joao Pedro Statement

After becoming one of the high-profile omissions from the Brazil squad announcement, Pedro released a statement on social media to give his thoughts on the situation.

He stated on his Instagram story: "I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be.

“Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home."

The Chelsea forward is one of several players who were expected to feature in the 2026 World Cup, but won't be doing so, as Eduardo Camavinga missed out on the France squad for this summer's tournament in another high-profile dismissal.

Pedro's national team career hasn't quite kickstarted yet, having made eight appearances for Selecao since his debut for the side back in 2023.

He was in and out of the squad during World Cup qualification, featuring four times out of a possible 12 appearances, though his appearances in the most recent March international break against both France and Croatia gave some hope that he would make the final 26-man squad.

It isn't to be for Pedro, at least for now, as he waits to make his first appearance for Brazil at a major tournament, with Ancelotti explaining the bold call to the national press during the unveiling of his squad.

It isn't to be for Pedro, at least for now, as he waits to make his first appearance for Brazil at a major tournament, with Ancelotti explaining the bold call to the national press during the unveiling of his squad.

- Luke Thrower

MERYLILYN MONROE WITH THE BRAZILIAN SQUAD | 1957

 In 1957, Marilyn Monroe participated in a ceremonial kick-off at a football game in Brazil 🇧🇷

FORMULA 1 LENOVO GRANDE PRÉMIO DE SÃO PAOLO 2024 | RACE FINAL CLASSIFICATION

 

BRAZIL TEEN ENDRICK EMOTIONAL AFTER HISTORIC WEMBLEY GOAL

Endrick was visibly emotional after his record-breaking goal for Brazil at Wembley. Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

 Brazil's 17-year-old prodigy Endrick admitted he was almost overcome by emotion after the Real Madrid-bound forward became the youngest men's player to score an international goal at Wembley.

Endrick, who will move from Palmeiras to Madrid at the end of the season when he turns 18, struck in the 80th minute, nine minutes after coming on as a substitute, to give Brazil a 1-0 win over England in a friendly on Saturday.

"My family is here, my girlfriend, my agents. I am not much of a crier, I am holding myself, but this is something unique and I am very happy," he said.

Based on his second half cameo, Madrid has secured another major talent for the future.

Coming on for Rodrygo in the 71st minute, Endrick wasted little time to make his mark, firing into an empty net after Vinícius Júnior was denied by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Endrick could not hide his delight as he raced away in celebration and dropped to his knees -- even though he did have to wait for VAR to confirm the goal following a check for offside.

It was his first senior goal for Brazil and, at the age of 17 years, 246 days, a record for an international game at Wembley, according to statistician Opta.

He might have scored another, but could not beat Pickford with a late chance.

"All of this affected me a little at the end, the chance I had at the end. I will not lie," Endrick said. "I was just thinking about scoring. I could only think about that. I couldn't think about the match any longer."

Brazil coach Dorival Junior, who was taking charge of the national team for the first time, said Endrick has all the tools to become a global star.

"If he keeps up the attitude he has shown up to now, he will be a very important name in Brazilian football and world football," Dorival said.

He said he opted to bring Endrick off the bench rather than the more experienced Richarlison because the Tottenham Hotspur player was still recovering his form after an injury.

Endrick's one goal was enough to win the match and end England's 21-game unbeaten streak at the national stadium.

"We know he's a dangerous player. He's managed to follow in for the goal," England manager Gareth Southgate said. "We should have defended the goal better than we did. It's a brilliant moment for him.

Madrid secured a deal for Endrick in December 2022 when he was just 16 but already tipped to be one of Brazil's next stars. Brazilian media said the transfer was worth nearly €60 million ($64 million).

He will be 18 in July.

Last year, he helped Palmeiras win the Brazilian league from 12 points behind Botafogo at one stage.

He will join other Brazil stars at Madrid such as Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo

The next test for Brazil will come on Tuesday when they face Spain in Madrid.

Information from The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

- ESPN News Services

BRAZIL'S BOTAFOGO SQUANDERS A 13-POINT LEAD TO LOSE NATIONAL LEAGUE TITLE

AP Photo 

SAO PAULO (AP) — There's an old saying in Brazilian soccer: some things only happen to Botafogo.

The reference to the club's historic lack of luck has never rung more true than this year.

The club of World Cup winning greats like Mané Garrincha, Jairzinho and Mário Zagallo squandered a 13-point lead in the Brazilian league and now Palmeiras is very likely to defend its title on Wednesday. It's the first time a team has lost such a big advantage in the South American nation's top flight.

The last round will take place without any hopes for Botafogo fans at Internacional but to finish in fourth position, which would be enough to secure a direct spot at the next Copa Libertadores. The Rio de Janeiro club is currently fifth.

Botafogo was on the top of the standings for 31 of 38 rounds, giving long-suffering supporters confidence their club would lift its first national title since 1995.

But now Palmeiras is in a position where it doesn't necessarily have to win its last game to secure another title. Even with a loss at Cruzeiro, Palmerias can clinch the league as long as Atletico Mineiro doesn't erase a differential of eight goals.