VINICIUS JR SPARKS MAJOR CONTROVERSY WITH SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY HOURS AFTER REAL MADRID RED CARD

 

Vinicius was sent off for pulling the hair of an opponent during Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Villarreal.

Vinicius Junior has responded in telling fashion after he was sent off for pulling an opponent's hair during Real Madrid's 1-0 La Liga win over Villarreal.

Yan Diomande scored the only goal of the game for Real on 63 minutes, but Jose Mourinho's side were forced to protect their lead following Vinicius' straight red card.

The Brazilian thought he had scored Real's second goal on 72 minutes, but VAR spotted that he had pulled the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba in the build-up and the goal was rescinded, with a red card awarded to Vinicius. The 26-year-old has reportedly since apologised to his team-mates for the incident - but his social media activity could land him in some hot water.

'What a disgrace...' - Vinicius' social media activity sums up red card feelings

Vinicius also apologised to fans on social media for his red card - though a re-post to his story appears to question other decisions against him this season.

On his Instagram page, he re-posted a post from a Vinicius Jr fan page - which has over 500,000 followers - that features a series of fouls on Vinicius from other players during the 2026/27 season that did not result in red cards.

Image: Instagram/@vinijr

The post is captioned: "And the one who gets the yellow and red is Vinicius, what a disgrace." Vinicius commented on the post with three laughing emojis.

While the Brazilian is clearly not questioning the decision to give him a red card, his apparent criticism of refereeing decisions towards other players compared to him will no doubt spark huge debate.

Jose Mourinho skips post-match press conference

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, Real manager Jose Mourinho refused to appear at the post-match press conference - for a reason most fans can probably guess.

It is claimed that Mourinho did not want to speak to the media due to his fury towards the refereeing of Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos, allegedly stating that he 'want[s] to be on the bench against Sevilla and Barcelona' in Real's upcoming matches.

Once again, no Real player conducted press duties either, meaning there was no post-match reaction in the press room from anybody connected with Los Blancos after the 1-0 win.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, though, did speak to Real Madrid TV over the Vinicius sending off.

"I don't know what's going on with the referees," he said. "With this red card, I don't understand. The most important thing is the victory."

For Diomande, his winning strike was the Ivorian's first competitive goal for Real after his club-record €125 million move from RB Leipzig last summer.

He may have to play an even more crucial rule when the next instalment of El Clasico takes place later in October. Vinicius is currently set to miss the upcoming La Liga fixture against Sevilla, but that ban could be extended to as high as three games for violent conduct should La Liga deem it necessary - which would rule him out of the away fixture against Barcelona on October 25.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

- Ryan Smart

48 HOURS WITH ME (AWAY GAME) | NEYMAR JR.

 

GABRIEL JESUS' FIRST WORDS AFTER ARRIVING IN BARCELONA AHEAD OF €10 MOVE: 'EAGER TO SCORE GOALS'

 

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Barcelona are moving a step closer to completing the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.

The Brazilian forward is set to join the club on a €10 million contract, with an additional €4 million in add-ons and Arsenal retaining a 20% sell-on fee clause.

Gabriel is slated for a medical today in Barcelona and ahead of that medical, the player appears to have already arrived in the city.

Gabriel reacts after arriving at Barcelona

Spanish journalist Victor Navarro has captured videos of Gabriel Jesus arriving in the Barcelona city this afternoon, ahead of his medical.

The forward can be seen waving the fans and even reacting to his Barcelona move for the first time after the speculations broke.

“I am eager to score many goals at Barça!” said the Arsenal forward, who is being signed as a momentary alternative to Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine was Barcelona’s top target this summer but Atletico Madrid were able to keep hold of the striker, prompting the club to sign Gabriel as an alternative.

The former Man City starlet, who was targeted by Barça way back in 2016, will be expected to operate as a number nine whenever required.

Gabriel arrives fully fit

Apart from waving at fans and showing his eagerness to getting things started at Barcelona, Gabriel Jesus offered a critical update no his fitness as well.

Gabriel Jesus is soon expected to complete his move to Barcelona. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

When asked about his injury situation, the forward replied, “My injury? My knee it’s perfect!”

This will serve as a massive relief for Barcelona fans who were worried about Gabriel’s recent issues with injury, which had drastically reduced his game-time.

With Gabriel now back to full fitness, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Brazilian international can rekindle his old form and make a big difference at Barcelona.

The forward’s past experience, coupled with his versatility in the final third should make quite the asset for Hansi Flick, but only if he can perform up to his level this season.

- Connell Edgar-Jones

VINICIUS JR AGREEMENT CONFIRMES AS DECISION BETWEEN ARSENAL, REAL MADRID MADE

Vinicius Junior has reached an agreement, with Arsenal and Real Madrid learning who the Brazil superstar will play for next season, according to a report.

On the back of lifting their first Premier League title in over two decades, Arsenal sought to attack the transfer market to help launch a dynasty.

Bruno Guimarães is arriving to the tune of £75m and the Brazilian has passed a medical. Personal terms are already sealed.

However, The Gunners aimed to sign an even higher profile Brazil international in the form of Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior.

The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu and Real Madrid have no intention of losing such a highly valuable asset to free agency next summer.

As such, only two outcomes appeared to be in play – Vinicius re-signs at Real or joins Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side made a huge play for Vinicius, with the Spaniard personally contacting the winger to discuss his role at the Emirates.

Arsenal also made it crystal clear they were fully prepared to demolish their wage structure and make Vinicius Junior by far their highest paid player ever.

However, the player’s preference always remained re-signing with Real Madrid. And on Wednesday, a crunch round of talks between he, his agents and the LaLiga giant took place.

While no agreement was struck at that time, Ben Jacobs and Fabrizio Romano were among many more trusted sources to stress Vinicius was now likely to remain a Madridista.

Ben Jacobs wrote on X: ‘Understand Real Madrid are confident this evening that Vinicius Jr will extend after productive talks.’

Fabrizio Romano took to the same platform when stating: ‘Real Madrid are increasingly confident to receive final green light from Vinicius Jr on new contract.

‘New proposal being discussed but Madrid optimistic and Vini Jr’s camp also positive after today’s meeting. José Mourinho also got involved.’

He subsequently added: José Mourinho, personally involved in Vinicius Jr new contract discussions as he’s been pushing for the Brazilian to stay.

‘Real Madrid are confident, José told the club he wants Vini to stay and also told Vini about plans for him to continue.’

Vinicius Junior agrees new contract at Real Madrid

And on Thursday morning, Spanish reporter, Ramon Alvarez de Mon, claimed an agreement has now been struck that will see Vinicius sign a contract extension at the Bernabeu, thus ending Arsenal’s hopes.

The reporter, who boasts over 300,000 followers on X: wrote: ‘Vinicius and Real Madrid reach an agreement for his contract renewal, which is expected to be signed soon.’

Missing out on Vinicius Junior will be a painful blow to Arsenal who have already tried and failed to sign another major name for the left side this summer – Morgan Rogers.

The Gunners could now reignite interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola, though there could be more heartache for the Gunners.

Barcola is Liverpool’s top target and according to Jacobs, the Frenchman will prioritise signing for Liverpool over Arsenal if both clubs strike a deal with PSG…

- Steve Pearson

"THE FINAL STRAW" - NEWCASTLE JOURNALIST FINALLY MAKES BRUNO GUIMARÄES TO ARSENAL CLAIM AFTER EDDIE HOWE EXIT

Eddie Howe looks on (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães is seemingly expected to be sold this summer amid links with Arsenal, as per the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.

The Brazil international has been strongly linked with the Gunners and it seems Edwards is finally admitting that the feeling seems to be that his future is in serious doubt.

Eddie Howe has today left his position as Newcastle manager, with Edwards posting on X about how it looks like the likely Guimarães sale is seen as the final straw for the English tactician.

“Howe believes Bruno Guimarães will be sold this summer.. the final straw,” Edwards said in a follow-up to a previous post about Howe quitting Newcastle.

This is significant because Edwards has previously played down the Guimarães to Arsenal transfer stories, but it seems he’s finally receiving information that is more in line with what numerous other journalists have been reporting for a while.

Arsenal fans will hope this means there’s a major Guimarães update soon as he would be a hugely exciting addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Bruno Guimarães unhappy as Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle

It’s been claimed that Guimarães is unhappy with Howe leaving, and it surely makes sense that all the change inside Newcastle has left everyone unsettled.

Guimarães could follow Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali in leaving NUFC this summer, while Alexander Isak left to join Liverpool last year.

This has all contributed towards the Magpies going majorly downhill, and it’s hard to imagine a world class player like Guimarães sticking around in those circumstances.

The 28-year-old would likely be a great fit at the Emirates Stadium, giving Arsenal more depth in the middle of the park after the club relied so heavily on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi playing 90 minutes twice a week for so much of last season.

- Mark Brus

WHITNEY HOUSTON DELIVERED A LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE AT 1994 FIFA WORLD CUP CLOSING CEREMONY | JULY 17, 1994

 

On July 17, 1994 (32 years ago) American singer and actress Whitney Houston delivered one of the most memorable musical performances in history at the FIFA World Cup 94' closing ceremony held at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California. 

Houston opened the show with her 1987 hit "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" after she was escorted onto the pitch and to the stage by Brazilian soccer legend Pelẹ́

Her unparalleled vocal performance left world cup fans stunned as she nailed every note!

BRUNO GUIMARÄES IN HIGH-LEVEL TALKS AS ARSENAL WEIGH UP OTHER TARGETS AMID NEWCASTLE DECISION

Newcastle United have been rocked by a suggestion Bruno Guimaraes wants to leave the club this summer

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Bruno Guimaraes (l) and Sandro Tonali react during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Newcastle United FC and Athletic Club at St James' Park on November 05, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle United will stick to their guns if Bruno Guimaraes decides to hand in an official transfer request - with the Sandro Tonali sale an example of the club's sale policy.

Tottenham Hotspur did not want to pay £100m for the Italy international and were irked by Newcastle's stubborn stance on the deal. And Chronicle Live understands that Newcastle won't be prepared to do any business that isn't on their terms, with Arsenal yet to make an official approach for the Toon skipper.

Guimaraes is taking some time after his World Cup exit but remains in conversation with his representatives. Here's how things stand in the respective camps in the aftermath of news Bruno is considering his future:

Newcastle United's stance

The Brazil international is not for sale and one well-placed source suggested recently that even if an email dropped with the subject reading "Bruno offer", it would not be opened as the skipper is deemed as a vital cog in the wheel at St James' Park.

However, as of the close of play yesterday, the club had not received any type of official offer for the player's services. CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson aren't naive and know that there is interest being drummed up by third parties and those close to the player's agency, but as things stand, there is no question to answer, although that is likely to change.

Arsenal's stance

The Gunners have an interest in Bruno and a decision was made behind the scenes at Arsenal that of the two Newcastle midfielders with uncertain futures out of the Brazilian and Sandro Tonali, the South American was their pick.

Like Newcastle, Arsenal have their own ideas on valuation, and the conversation on Bruno with intermediaries and dealmakers is understood to have begun at £45m. That was dismissed immediately by those at the other end when it was put to them verbally.

The suggestion was that it would take a bid north of £60m for Bruno, but Arsenal may not be willing to meet that. Of course, it is all transfer brinkmanship and negotiation tactics, but the Gunners' case on the player is that he is 29 on his next birthday and his value is only going to go down.

One source at the Arsenal end has suggested that the Gunners may drop the idea if it becomes too expensive for their liking and move on to another target. Bournemouth star Alex Scott and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi have been linked also.

Newcastle's dilemma could be if Arsenal do offer £60m, Bruno makes it clear he wants the move and pressure builds from the agency.

The Bruno camp

Bruno is represented by Bertolucci Sports, which is headed by Sao Paulo super agent Giuliano Bertolucci.

His close pal and representative on Tyneside is Alexis Malavolta, who runs the day-to-day life of Guimaraes, but the Arsenal situation, deemed transfer poker by industry insiders, could now be above Malavolta's head and be in the hands of Bertolucci and his legal team.

When the story that Bruno wanted to quit emerged last night, there was a suggestion from somebody close to the player's camp that the midfielder had not told anybody he wanted to leave.

What has been said, according to those on the inside at Arsenal, is that Bruno is concerned about the sporting project at Newcastle and the exits of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Tonali to Spurs are understandably making him wonder.

He left the World Cup having missed a penalty against Norway in the last 16 and while the player is emotional, it should have no bearing on how he feels about his future.

- Lee Ryder

BRAZILIAN LEGEND DUNGA STILL HOLDS TWO WORLD CUP RECORDS 🔥

Did you know that Dunga still holds two of the most remarkable records in FIFA World Cup history?

At the 1994 World Cup, the Brazil captain completed an astonishing 692 passes, the most ever recorded by a player in a single tournament. As if that wasn't impressive enough, he also made 57 tackles, another all-time World Cup record for a single edition.

What's even more extraordinary is that both records were set in the same tournament.

Dunga was often overshadowed by Brazil's attacking stars, but he was the heartbeat of Carlos Alberto Parreira's side. He controlled the tempo, broke up opposition attacks, organised the midfield and led by example throughout the competition. Every successful team needs a foundation, and Brazil's was built around their captain.

His crowning moment came in the final against Italy in Pasadena. With the pressure at its highest, Dunga delivered a commanding display, covering every blade of grass before becoming the first Brazilian captain since 1970 to lift the World Cup trophy.

The statistics alone are staggering. The context makes them even more impressive.

Most passes in a World Cup tournament. Most tackles in a World Cup tournament. World Cup winner. World Cup-winning captain.

One tournament. One leader. One of the greatest midfield performances football has ever seen.

- 90's Football 

FANS ADVICE KAKA ON WOMEN 😊

ADVICE FOR KAKÁ😂

Kaká’s wife left him because he “was too perfect” and she couldn’t handle it. That’s why many fans comment on his posts to give him advice on how not to be so perfect.

A world champion, Ballon d’Or winner, and remembered for his elegance on the field, Kaká is seen as a very proper figure, always polite, family-oriented, calm, and far from controversy.

Some of the comments are: When she says “I love you,” reply with a “thanks.” Drink juice straight from the bottle. Start hanging out with Neymar. Leave the toilet seat up, etc.

The trend quickly went viral because the real joke is that many fans feel they can’t find any obvious flaws in Kaká, since he really is too perfect.

- The Cracks

CARLOS ANCELOTTI'S BRAZIL PRE-SQUAD FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP

 

BRAZILIAN SOCCER LEGEND ROMARIO AT ARSENAL'S SOBHA REALITY TRAINING CENTER

 

BRAZILIAN NUMBER 10 | WORLD CUP | SINCE 1954

 

WORLD NO. 1 ARYNA SABALENKA ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT

Mar 3, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Aryna Sabalenka (BEL) speaks to the media at a news conference during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka provided a not-so-subtle hint in January that she hoped she would be calling her boyfriend by a different name -- and soon.

On Tuesday, Sabalenka became able to do just that as she shared a video on Instagram of Georgios Frangulis popping the question. "You & me, forever" was the caption along with Tuesday's date in the video that included a giant, oval-shaped engagement ring.

Sabalenka, 27, was dressed in black flip flops, jeans and a simple white tee at the time of the proposal.

"Well, I obviously had NO idea this was happening tonight," she wrote on the video, complete with a laughing emoji.

The couple has been dating since 2024. She offered the suggestion about her hopes for the future with Frangulis during the Australian Open.

"Last but not least, thank you to my team for handling me. I really am the toughest to handle and you are the toughest in the world because you can handle me," she said at the time. "Thank you to my boyfriend. Hopefully soon I can call you something else."

Per People, Frangulis is an entrepreneur from Brazil who founded the Oakberry food brand in 2016.

--Field Level Media

JOELINTON AT RISK OF UEFA BAN AS EDDIE HOWE CLASHES WITH ANNGRY NEWCASTLE STAR - 'I LOVE THAT'

Joelinton scored his second Champions League goal of the season for Newcastle United as they beat Qarabag 3-2 at St James’ Park.

Joelinton couldn’t hide his frustration at being substituted early in Newcastle United’s 3-2 win over Qarabag despite scoring on the night.

The Brazilian made it 2-0 with just six minutes on the clock after Sandro Tonali opened the scoring at St James’ Park. But the remainder of the game proved to be a fairly disjointed affair for The Magpies, who had already effectively secured progress to the last-16 by winning the first leg 6-1 last week in Baku.

It was Joelinton’s second Champions League goal of the season, having also found the net in the 2-0 win over Athletic Club back in November.

But the 29-year-old was withdrawn early in the second half with the score at 3-1, much to his disappointment.

Joelinton anger made clear during Newcastle United win

Joelinton gestured with his arms and made his frustration known to Howe as he made his way off the pitch. He also pointed as the match timer at St James’ Park displayed 54 minutes at the time of his substitution.

The match marked Joelinton’s first start after six games out with a groin injury.

Rather than deny and play down the clear disagreement with his player, Howe simply explained: “Joey always plays with passion. That’s what makes him the player he is.

“I’m trying to protect him and make sure we can use him next game. He’s had limited football and he’s important. We need to keep him fit.

“Same with Sven Botman. We’ve got to build their robustness up. But I love that he doesn’t want to come off. That’s him.”

NUFC duo at risk of suspension

Joelinton is also one booking away from suspension in the Champions League and picking up a yellow card in a tie that Newcastle had effectively already won would have been seen as a needless blow for Howe’s side.

The midfielder is set to be available for the first leg of the last-16 tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea next month but another yellow card would see him handed a one-match suspension having been booked twice previously in the Champions League this season.

Dan Burn is also one booking away from suspension while Malick Thiaw served his suspension on Tuesday after being booked in the first leg last week.

“I had to put 11 players out there,” Howe said, explaining his team selection. “With Malick suspended, Dan had to play because I wanted to rest Lewis Hall.

“It was about deciding who really needed it and who could get through the game. Thankfully, Dan and Joe didn’t get booked.

“You can’t go in with a mindset of worrying about that. Just play the game. We’ve got a fragile squad. A number of players are working to get back.

“The lads who’ve committed every performance have been magnificent.”

- Dominic Scurr

DUNK-AYRTON SENNA F1 | NIKE

 

PEPE ON HOW PORTUGAL BECAME HIS COUNTRY

PEPE: "When I arrived in Portugal, I had the equivalent of five euros. I was at Immigration because I had come alone from Brazil at 18. A fax was supposed to arrive from Marítimo stating that I had permission to enter Portugal. With that money, I had to buy a phone card to call my mom and tell her I was okay. The other option would’ve been to buy food. I thought, ‘I’m going to ease my mom’s worries.’

"I arrived at 6 a.m. and checked my boarding pass—I didn’t have a flight until 11 p.m., and I had to eat. So I went to the airport and asked an employee, ‘Do you have anything to eat?’ He said yes, that they had everything on the menu. ‘But I don’t have any money,’ I told him. He looked at me, stepped out, and came back with a tray and a baguette and gave it to me."

"That person didn’t know who I was. And I still don’t know who he is, which is a shame. But that gesture helped me for the rest of my life. And since then, Portugal has become my country."

MOST GOALS BY BRAZILIAN IN A PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON

 

FORMER BARCELONA STAR RAFINHA ALCANTARA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Corbis via Getty Images

Former Barcelona star Rafinha Alcantara has announced his retirement from football at the grand old age of 32.

The Brazilian has posted an emotional message on social media to confirm the news and confirmed he is finally hanging up his boots.

He said in a video message: “After some time away from the pitch and following a long recovery, the time has come to make something important public. I have made the decision to retire. A little over a year ago, I suffered a knee injury which, unfortunately, prevents me from returning to compete at the highest level. It was hard to accept that I couldn’t continue. Thank you to my family for always being there, to everyone for the love and support. Thank you, football, for making me who I am. Goodbye.”

Rafinha started off at Barcelona and spent over a decade at the club before moving on to PSG after a series of loan spells. He went on to play for Real Sociedad and Al-Arabi but has now decided to call it quits.

Barcelona have sent a message to Rafinha after his announcement, posting on XI: “Thank you for your football and for defending these colors with pride and commitment. Good luck in this new stage, Rafinha.”

Thank you and good luck, Rafinha!

 

ALEX PEREIRA RESPONDS TO KHAMZAT CHIMAEV'S SHOCK CALLOUT FOLLOWING UFC 320 TITLE WIN

With Alex Pereira back at the top of the light heavyweight heap, there are plenty of fighters that would like to fight the legendary Brazilian.

This past Saturday, the premier promotion returned to Las Vegas for UFC 320, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.

After such a disappointing performance against the Russian earlier this year, Pereira made the correct adjustments and went on to knock Ankalaev out in the first round to reclaim his title.

And having reclaimed his light heavyweight title, ‘Poatan’ will now have several fighters waiting in line to fight him next, with him once again being one of the biggest stars in the sport.

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Pereira responds to shock callout from Khamzat Chimaev

Almost immediately after Pereira’s title winning performance, he was congratulated by the UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, but as part of his congratulations message, ‘Borz’ told Pereira it is time for them to settle their unfinished business.

Rumors have previously circulated that Pereira and Chimaev have been linked to fight each other and the rivalry seemed to hot up when Chimaev trolled Pereira over his knockout loss to Israel Adesanya.

The Brazilian even went on to propose a bet that he wouldn’t be taken down by Chimaev which led to even more excitement for a potential clash between the two.

However, following Chimaev’s shock callout, Pereira issued a response, stating that he is not interested in fighting the Chechen.

“Thanks for congratulating me but all I want is a super fight, I wanna fight at heavyweight but all I can say is thank you,” Pereira said.

Following his win, the 38-year-old revealed that he had a long callout for Jon Jones planned, but following the tragic death of Jones’ brother, Arthur Jones, the Brazilian decided to pay his respects to the family with a moment of silence.

Dana White hesitant to allow Pereira to move up to heavyweight

If Pereira does eventually move up to heavyweight and somehow claims a title at the weight class, he would become the first fighter in history to win a title in three separate weight divisions.

Despite that, UFC boss Dana White is hesitant to allow Pereira to move up in weight as there are several contenders at light heavyweight that are deserving of a title shot.

Carlos Ulberg recently picked up his ninth win in a row, and before UFC 320, both Pereira and Ankalaev highlighted him as the likely next contender.

- Jamie Theodosi

YAGO DORA VS. GRIFFIN COLAPINTO | WORLD SURF LEAGUE | FIJI