REAL MADRID SET TO SIGN ONE OF THE WORLD'S HOTTEST TALENT AFTER $195M BID

 

Photo: Getty Images

Real Madrid look set to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after Paris Saint-Germain withdrew from negotiations, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Diomande is one of the hottest properties in this transfer window, having starred for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, following a breakout season where he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in the Bundesliga.

Ornstein reports that Los Blancos had a bid rejected by Leipzig ‘around 10 days ago’ and returned with a new offer ‘worth €120million (A$195m, which includes a €100m (A$163m) fixed fee.’

The German outfit are reportedly yet to respond to that proposal, which is ‘expected to be turned down’, but the two clubs expect a deal will eventually be reached.

Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that a deal has been reached for a fee ‘in excess of €100m’.

He reports that Diomande will fly to Madrid this week for medical tests and to sign a five-year deal.

Real Madrid expected to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. 1st bid rejected ~10 days ago, 2nd (€100m fixed, €120m package) set to be rejected but agreement likely soon. #PSG out; 19yo returns to #RBLeipzig on Mon with wish to join #RMFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/xc6EPzjCdr — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 26, 2026

PSG were right in the mix to sign Diomande, who was said to be keen on joining the reigning Champions League winners, but were put off by the asking price and have now turned their attention to other options, amid reports Bradley Barcola is set to leave the club.

The Athletic report that Leipzig are ‘holding out for a fee closer to €130m (A$212m).

Should they achieve that, Diomande would become the eight most expensive player in football history, behind Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Alexander Isak, Morgan Rogers, Elliott Anderson and Philippe Coutinho, per Transfermarkt.

That would be quite extraordinary when you consider where the 19-year-old was just a few years ago.

It was barely 18 months ago that Diamonde was playing for DME Sports Academy in Florida, before joining LaLiga side Leganes, where he made three reserve team appearances before being called up to the first team.

Leipzig paid his €20m release clause to bring him to the Bundesliga, where he exploded immediately. They look set to make a huge profit on the winger.

He could become the most expensive Real Madrid player ever, surpassing the fee the Spanish giants paid to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, with the club set for an enormous transfer window having brought Jose Mourinho back as head coach.

They’ve already signed Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva, while reports suggest Madrid are also working on a deal to sign World Cup-winning Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City.

- JAKE ROSENGARTEN

BRAZIL SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: NEYMAR ACHIEVES WORLD CUP DREAM AS CARLO ANCELOTTI OMITS CHELSEA STAR FEOM 26-MAN SELECTION

Brazil icon Neymar has been included in Carlo Ancelotti's final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The Santos forward made the most recent of his 128 international appearances in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

Neymar's struggles with injuries over the last few years cast doubt over his involvement in the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

However, the 34-year-old has ultimately done enough with Santos to prove to Ancelotti that he is in good physical condition and can perform to the level required in the upcoming tournament. 

The Brazil boss confirmed Neymar's inclusion to a great reception in a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. 

Neymar, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, is set to feature in a fourth World Cup after representing his country at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Ancelotti leaves Chelsea star out of Brazil squad

While Neymar has achieved his World Cup dream, there was heartbreak for Chelsea forward Joao Pedro. 

The 24-year-old was a notable omission from the final 26-man squad, despite playing in Brazil's last two friendlies against France and Croatia. 

Pedro has staked a strong case with 23 goals and six assists in 52 competitive appearances this season. 

Rather than his club form, it seems that his failure to score in any of his eight international matches is a key factor in his omission.

Premier League well represented in Brazil World Cup selection

Brazil World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Gabriel (Arsenal), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Roger Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg), Alex Sandro (Flamengo)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Danilo (Botafogo)

Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (Bournemouth), Endrick (Lyon),  Igor Thiago (Brentford)

Brentford striker Igor Thiago is one of those who got the nod over Pedro, rewarded for his 22-goal return in 37 Premier League games this season.

There are spots for the Arsenal duo of Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as the Manchester United pair of Casemiro and Matheus Cunha.

Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes and Bournemouth's Rayan are the other three Premier League players who have made the cut. 

Real Madrid are represented in the selection by Vinicius Junior and Endrick, the latter of whom has registered 16 goal contributions during a successful loan spell with Lyon.

Barcelona's Raphinha is also heading to the World Cup after returning from injury earlier this month. 

- Ben Sully 

GREATEST BRAZILIAN PLAYERS OF ALL TIME

 

NEYMAR JR MEME | BACK IN BRAZIL

 

NEYMAR AK-HILAL CONTRACT TERMINATED

 

BRAZILIAN SOCCER LEGENDS WITH THEIR ACCOLADES

 

NEYMAR SUBBED OFF WITH INJURY

Neymar felt his thigh in Al Hilal vs Esteghlal
Yasser Bakhsh / Getty Images via AFP

Neymar made his second appearance for Al Hilal as he continues his return following a year-long absence due to an ACL tear, but it didn't last long.

The Brazil international came on in the 58th minute of his team's 3-0 win in an Asian Champions League Elite match on Monday, but was subbed off less than 30 minutes later after going to ground and grabbing the back of his right leg having seemed to pull up while stretching his leg out for the ball in the penalty area.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a hat trick to lead Al Hilal to the win and put them at the top of the league phase table of the Asian Champions League

Neymar saw his first action for Al Hilal, who he joined in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain, on Oct. 21, but hadn't played again until Wednesday's game against Esteghlal as he cannot be registered for Saudi Pro League games until January.

Al Hilal had planned a slow return for Brazil's all-time leading scorer, who suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury during Brazil's qualifier against Uruguay shortly after joining the Saudi side and underwent surgery last November.

Neymar was also left off Brazil's latest squad for a pair of November World Cup qualifiers, with coach Dorival saying the team and federation didn't want to rush his return to the national team.

Brazil are fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, four points adrift of leaders Argentina after 10 games.

Information from Reuters was used in this story.

- ESPN News Services

NEYMAR MAKES AL HILAL RETURN AFTER 12-INJURY LAYOFF

Neymar has made his first appearance in over a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear, coming off the bench in the second half of Al Hilal's AFC Champions League Elite clash against Al Ain.

The Brazil star replaced Nasser Al Dawsari in the 77th minute, just after Salem Al Dawsari had scored to put Al Hilal 5-3 ahead. He nearly made an instant impact, exchanging passes with Aleksandar Mitrovic to create space before firing his shot just wide of the left-hand post.

The game finished 5-4 to Al Hilal after the United Arab Emirates-based Al Ain scored a last-gasp penalty to narrow the scoreline.

On the pitch after the full-time whistle, Neymar said: "I feel good... I always have a good team. I'm so happy. I'm back! I'm back!

The former Paris Saint-Germain player suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury during Brazil's qualifier against Uruguay shortly after joining the Saudi Pro League (SPL). He underwent surgery last November.

Neymar had joined the Al Hilal in August 2023 from PSG in a €90 million transfer, but played just five games before suffering the injury.

Neymar made his first appearance in over a year for Al Hilal. Francois Nel/Getty Images

Neymar's former club Santos congratulated the player on his return in a post on X.

"It was more than 12 months away from the field, with an immeasurable longing to return to doing what he loves so much," the Brazilian club wrote.

"Neymar is not just a star. It's not just genius. Neymar is synonymous with joy in football. His return is the happiness of millions of fans around the world. And, when it comes to fans, the Santos nation has an incomparable feeling. A more than special bond with the best Brazilian player of recent years."

The forward, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, missed the 2024 Copa América that was won by Argentina.

He is eligible to play in the AFC Champions League as there are no restrictions on the number of foreign players. However, he will only be able to be registered in January for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season.

SPL teams have limits to the number of foreign players that can be registered.

Eight foreign players born before 2003 can be registered for the squad, while the rules allow for two foreign players born in 2003 or after. Neymar's contract with Al Hilal expires in June 2025.

Saudi champions Al Hilal, coached by Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus, lead the domestic standings having won all seven of their games.

Brazil's Football Confederation (CBF), meanwhile, are hopeful of having Neymar available in time for the November World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay.

Brazil are fourth in their World Cup qualifying group, four points adrift of leaders Argentina after 10 games.

- Adriana Garcia

NEYMAR COULD RETURN FROM INJURY NEXT WEEK -;SOURCES

Neymar has been sidelined for a year. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)

Brazil forward Neymar has made significant improvement on his knee recovery and could be fit to play on Oct. 21, sources told ESPN Brasil on Monday.

The Al Hilal star has been sidelined for a year since sustaining a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee while on international duty with Brazil.

Neymar, 32, returned to train with Al Hilal on Sept. 29. People closely monitoring Neymar's progress believe the player could return to play in time for Al Hilal's Asian Champions League game at Al Ain on Oct. 21.

Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus will have the final say on when Neymar will return to action.

However, he will first need the approval of Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who carried out Neymar's surgery.

Lasmar is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming days to evaluate the player's fitness.

Neymar, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer, joined the Saudi Pro League side in August 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain but played just five games before getting hurt.

Brazil's Football Confederation is monitoring the situation closely and is hopeful of having Neymar available in time for the November World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay.

- Adriana Garcia

NEYMAR PREDICTS CHELSEA-BOUND ESTÊVÂO WILL BE A GENIUS

Estêvão Willian will join Chelsea from Palmeiras in 2025. Getty

 Brazil star Neymar has predicted Palmeiras teenage forward Estêvão Willian "will be a genius."

Estêvão will join Chelsea in July 2025 on a permanent transfer from Palmeiras in a deal worth a reported €61.5 million ($66m).

The 17-year-old has impressed for Palmeiras at youth level and was promoted to the first team earlier this year.

''He is a great talent that is emerging in Brazilian football today," Neymar said of Estêvão.

"I think he's going to be a genius."

With Neymar, Brazil's all-time top scorer, sidelined for Copa América with a knee injury, in-form Real Madrid pair Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are expected to lead Brazil's attack.

"Brazil's key player? For me I think it's Rodrygo," Neymar said. "Vini [Vinícius] will play everything he knows but I think Rodrygo is very different. He's a star and the no. 10 shirt will definitely bring him a lot of luck."

Rodrygo will wear the No.10 shirt for Brazil at Copa América, a shirt that has been graced in the past by the likes of Pele, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar.

"I know my responsibility, I know that every day I have to be better," Rodrygo said.

"I know that the eyes of the whole world will be on me there with that t-shirt, so I'm prepared to continue doing things well to respond to what they expect.

"I always try to make this clear to him [Neymar], that even though I'm wearing the No.10 shirt now, it's his shirt. I'm just substituting for a moment. People are waiting for him to return."

- Adriana Garcia

NEYMAR PAYS TRIBUTE TO KOBE BRYANT

NEYMAR TO MISS 2024 COPA AMÉRICA IN U.S. - BRAZIL DOCTOR

Neymar will spend a lengthy spell on the sideline due to a knee injury suffered against Uruguay. EPA/Raul Martinez

Brazil forward Neymar will miss the 2024 Copa América in the United States because of a serious knee injury he suffered in October, Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said Tuesday.

The Al Hilal star, 31, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during his country's World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay on Oct. 17, before undergoing surgery two weeks later.

- The Copa América will begin on June 20 and run through the final on July 14.

NEYMAR PARTNER, NEWBORN ALLEGEDLY TARGETED ... In Scary Home Invasion

Getty

Terrifying moment for soccer superstar Neymar's family -- three men reportedly broke into his partner Bruna Biancardi's Sao Paulo condo early Tuesday morning in an attempt to target her and their newborn baby.

Neymar and Bruna -- who started dating in 2021 -- weren't home at the time, according to local outlets ... but her parents were present when the intruders allegedly entered the residence.

Reports state two armed men and another suspect tied up Bruna's parents and proceeded to ransack the influencer's place ... taking luxury items like watches, designer purses and jewelry.

NEYMAR VS. BOLIVIA 🇧🇴 | HIGHLIGHTS

 

NEYMAR CREDITS RONALDO FOR SAUDI PRO LEAGUE TRANSFORMATION

Cristiano Ronaldo is responsible for transforming the Saudi Pro League, according to Brazil forward Neymar who is looking forward to facing the Portuguese international when he starts playing for Al-Hilal.

The 31-year-old Neymar signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club on Tuesday after spending six years with Paris St Germain, in a deal reportedly worth about 90 million euros ($98 million).

Ronaldo, the five-times Ballon d'Or winner, joined Al-Nassr in December on a 2-1/2 year contract following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.

MBAPPÉ, NEYMAR AND MARCO VERRATTI OUT OF PSG OPENER

AFP/Getty

Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Marco Verratti have been left out of the Paris Saint-Germain squad for Saturday's season-opening home match against Lorient, with the trio's future at the club uncertain.

Relations between Mbappé and the Ligue 1 champions have been tense since the forward said he would not renew his contract which expires at the end of the 2023-24 season.

The France international was also left out of PSG's squad for their preseason tour last month.

Mbappé is among a number of players tipped to leave the Parc des Princes in the transfer window, which closes on Sept. 1, with French media reporting that record signing Neymar and midfielder Verratti are also surplus to requirements.

NEYMAR WANTS TO LEAVE PSG

 

Having only just returned to action with Paris Saint-Germain after a four-month recovery from ankle ligament surgery, Neymar’s revival in the French capital may not be lasting long after all.

According to L’Équipe this evening the Brazilian international has gone as far as informing the Ligue 1 champions’ management that he wants to leave this summer.

MBAPPÉ & NEYMAR VS. CR7 | PSG VS. AL NASSR

 

BRAZIL SOCCER STAR NEYMAR FINED $3.5M FOR ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENCE

Routers 

Brazilian authorities said on Monday that soccer star Neymar was fined 16 million reais ($3.33 million) for breaching environmental rules during the construction of his coastal mansion in southeastern Brazil.

The luxury project violated rules regarding the use and movement of freshwater sources, rock and sand, local authorities first alleged late last month and confirmed on Monday.

CONSTRUCTION HALTED ON MANSION OF BRAZILIAN SOCCER STAR NEYMAR

 

Construction on a mansion belonging to Brazilian soccer player Neymar Jr was halted on Thursday due to environmental violations, officials said on Thursday, adding that the high-profile athlete could face a fine of at least $1 million.