Vinicius Jr

The ‌Argentine winger was accused of directing a ‌slur ⁠at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during ⁠the Spanish side’s 1-0 Champions League playoff first-leg win in February.

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a six-game suspension for 'discriminatory conduct' during his side's Champions League game against Real Madrid.

UEFA handed out the sanction on Friday

The Real Madrid forward alleged Prestianni had racially abused him during February's Champions League play-off first leg between the sides.

UEFA have completed their investigation into the incident involving Benfica star Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in the Champions League clash back in February

Benfica's Prestianni gets 6-match ban for anti-gay conduct towards Vinícius Jr. espn.in

Despite his strong performances at Chelsea, Estêvão has reportedly suffered a hamstring injury, putting his participation in the 2026 World Cup at risk. As a result, Neymar Jr. could regain hope of representing Brazil after several years away. Amid Chelsea’s disappointing season, Estêvão has emerged as one of the team’s brightest prospects, becoming a regular starter throughout the campaign. In his debut Premier League season, he has already recorded eight goals and four assists. However, the 18-year-old star is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury that could put his participation in the 2026 World Cup at risk, potentially opening the door for Neymar to return to Brazil’s squad. According to Mario Cortegana, via The Athletic, Estêvão has been diagnosed with a grade four hamstring injury after the match against Brighton & Hove Albion. As a result, he is expected to miss the remainder of the season, putting his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil at risk. However, Eduardo Burgos, a Diario AS journalist specializing in South American soccer, has stated that the 18-year-old star still has a strong chance of making the tournament. Despite his injury, Estêvão is pushing for Chelsea to allow him to undergo conservative treatment under the supervision of the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF). With this approach, he aims to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup. However, the Blues were reportedly planning to proceed with surgery, which would rule him out of the tournament, according to Cahê Mota via GeGlobo. In light of Estêvão’s potential absence, Neymar Jr. could have a major opportunity to secure a spot in Brazil’s squad. While the veteran is no longer a traditional winger, he could allow Raphinha to occupy that role, opening up space for in an attacking midfield position. In addition, Endrick and Igor Thiago could round out the squad, as they are reportedly among the targets of head coach Carlo Ancelotti and would add depth to the attack, either out wide or up front. Neymar Jr of Santos. Neymar Jr. has little time to convince Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti Following his meniscus surgery in December 2025, Neymar Jr. appears to be gradually regaining his best physical condition at Santos FC. Despite this, he remains under a strict minutes management plan, aiming to control his workload and optimize his performance. Having not been part of Carlo Ancelotti’s process, the veteran has very little time to make a significant impact and earn a place in the final squad. Throughout the 2026 season, Neymar has remained an undisputed starter under head coach Cuca, recording four goals and three assists in the nine matches he has played. Beyond the statistics, the veteran stands out as the team’s creative hub, orchestrating play for his teammates. However, he will need to maintain his level and even improve his goal-scoring output if he wants to make the final squad list on May 18. Unlike Estêvão, Neymar Jr. could boost the team’s overall performance, opening gaps for Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha. Coupled with this, his extensive experience may be really useful as Brazil’s roster is full of young talent, making the 34-year-old a perfect leader. Nonetheless, he would need to accept a secondary role, as Matheus Cunha is the starter under Carlo Ancelotti, something that may not easily change along the 2026 World Cup.

Liverpool have almost certainly been offered a deal to sign Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian is on the hunt for something new.

Real Betis will host Real Madrid today in a match for the 32nd round of the 2025/26 La Liga season. Check out all the details about the game and how to watch it in the US. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Real Betis vs Real Madrid on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Real Betis vs Real Madrid WHAT La Liga WHEN 3pm ET / Noon PT • Friday, April 24, 2026 WHERE Fubo, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and DirecTV Stream STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview Real Madrid travels to Andalusia with their La Liga title aspirations hanging by a thread. Sitting six points behind league leaders Barcelona, anything less than a victory is unacceptable for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side, who must win their seven remaining fixtures to have any chance of catching their rivals. The pressure is immense, especially after a disappointing Champions League exit and an unconvincing midweek win against Alaves that did little to calm the tense atmosphere at the Bernabéu. For Real Betis, this match represents a golden opportunity to make a statement in their hunt for a Champions League spot. Currently in fifth place, Manuel Pellegrini’s team is desperate to close the gap on fourth-placed Atletico Madrid. After snapping a two-month winless streak with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Girona, Betis have a renewed sense of purpose and will look to leverage their formidable home advantage to disrupt Real Madrid’s title charge and bolster their own European dreams. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The two clubs enter this clash on different trajectories. Real Madrid, despite collecting more points than at this stage last season, has looked vulnerable and inconsistent. Their recent Champions League elimination has heightened the pressure, making every La Liga game a must-win final. In contrast, Betis are riding a wave of relief after their win at Girona and the crucial return of creative maestro Isco, which could provide the spark they’ve been missing. The tactical battle will likely pit Real Madrid’s possession-based approach against Betis’s more expansive and aggressive style at home. Expect Los Blancos to control the tempo, but Betis will not sit back. If Pellegrini’s side commits too many players forward in search of a famous victory, they risk leaving acres of space behind for Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Jr. to exploit on the counter-attack, a scenario where Madrid is notoriously lethal. Motivation is at a fever pitch for both squads. For Real Madrid, the objective is simple: win at all costs to keep their fading title hopes alive and avoid a trophyless season. For Betis, this is more than just three points; it’s a chance to secure a landmark win against a giant, regain momentum after a painful Europa League exit, and prove they belong in Europe’s elite competition. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends Historically, this fixture has produced intense and closely fought encounters, but the most recent meeting was a lopsided affair. Earlier this season, Real Madrid secured a dominant 5-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, a result Betis will be keen to avenge. That win, however, is an outlier in the recent history of this matchup, which has been far more balanced. Looking at the last five meetings, the results are split: Real Madrid has won twice, Betis has won once, and two matches have ended in a draw. A significant trend has emerged in recent years: the home team holds a massive advantage. No away team has managed a victory in the last eight games between these two sides, a span that includes four home wins and four draws. From a statistical perspective, goals are often on the menu. Both teams have scored in three of the last five clashes. Furthermore, Real Madrid’s current defensive fragility—they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine league games—suggests that Betis will have opportunities. Given Betis has drawn their last four consecutive home league matches, another stalemate could be a distinct possibility. Squad News & Projected Lineups Both managers will have to contend with key absences as they prepare their squads for this crucial showdown. Real Betis will be without three players due to injury, while Real Madrid continues to miss some important figures, including their first-choice goalkeeper. For Betis, the injury list includes Junior Firpo, Ángel Ortiz, and Diego Llorente, testing the depth of their defense. However, the return of Isco and Giovani Lo Celso provides a massive boost to their midfield creativity, giving Pellegrini more tactical flexibility. Real Madrid will continue to rely on Andriy Lunin in goal as Thibaut Courtois nears a return but isn’t ready. They will also be without the injured Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio. Real Betis Projected XI (4-2-3-1): Vallés; Ruibal, Bartra, Natan, Gómez; Roca, Amrabat; Ezzalzouli, Lo Celso, Fornals; Hernández. This lineup reflects Pellegrini’s intent to control the midfield with the double pivot of Roca and Amrabat, while unleashing the creative talents of Lo Celso and Fornals to supply striker Cucho Hernández. Real Madrid Projected XI (4-3-3): Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; García, Mbappé, Vinícius. Arbeloa is expected to field an attack-minded lineup, with Bellingham driving from midfield to support the explosive front three. The pace of Mbappé and Vinícius will be Madrid’s primary weapon, aiming to exploit any space left by Betis’s adventurous approach. More details on how to watch You can watch the Real Betis vs Real Madrid match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android, as well as on web browsers. In addition to La Liga, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions from around the world. Enjoy coverage of leagues like Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores, and major tournaments available on networks like ESPN and Fox Deportes. Beyond soccer, the service offers a deep library of other content. You can stream other live sports, hit movies, and thousands of television show episodes, making it a complete entertainment solution for the entire household. SEE MORE: Browse our comprehensive La Liga TV schedule for all of the upcoming matches. How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

Real Madrid’s first game since its elimination from the Champions League ended in a 2-1 win for the Spanish giant, leaving it six points behind Barcelona.

Vinicius Jr. turned boos into brilliance, scoring and apologizing in a powerful Bernabéu moment. Leer

MADRID, April 21 - Real Madrid secured a 2-1 home victory over struggling Alaves in LaLiga on Tuesday with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr to end a four-match winless run in all competitions.

Vinicius Jr. is not enjoying his best season at Real Madrid, with a dip in performance and ongoing issues with the fans. Alongside this, the Brazilian’s attitude has reportedly frustrated the Los Blancos dressing room, adding further complications to an already difficult campaign. Unlike previous seasons, Vinicius Jr. has not managed to establish as Real Madrid’s most important player. Despite being one of the team’s top contributors, he has not matched his performances from the 2023–24 season. In addition, the Brazilian has endured a campaign filled with reported off-field issues. Far from ending the rumors there, Los Blancos‘ dressing room are reportedly frustrated with the attitude of the Brazilian star. According to Herrera Patón, via Mundo Deportivo, Vinicius Jr.’s recurring poor attitude toward teammates and on the pitch has left the Real Madrid dressing room frustrated. In the previous match vs. Bayern Munich, he had a clash with Jude Bellingham that exemplifies the situation. In addition, his relationship with head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has raised eyebrows, as he has become untouchable—something that could generate a degree of discomfort within the squad. Coupled with these reported issues, Vinicius Jr. has yet to renew his contract, which runs until 2027, meaning he would soon be entering the final year of his deal. While the Brazilian remains undisputed for Los Blancos, they have not yet announced his renewal, opening the door for him to negotiate as a free agent in January 2027. With the alleged tensions and uncertainty surrounding the coach, the 25-year-old’s long-term continuity may not be entirely clear. Despite facing serious issues this season, such as Xabi Alonso’s problems, Vinicius Jr. remains one of Real Madrid’s most important players. He not only contributes in terms of goals and creativity, but is also one of the team’s captains. For this reason, Los Blancos reportedly continue to prioritize his renewal, banking on his maturity on the pitch and his overall impact reaching even higher levels. Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match. Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé still struggle to click at Real Madrid In an effort to improve the overall impact of the roster, Real Madrid decided to sign Kylian Mbappé, who delivered an impressive performance in his first season. Despite this, the Frenchman has not managed to build a strong partnership with Vinicius Jr., who has seen a decline in his performance and consistency since Mbappé’s arrival. While there have been signs of improvement throughout the 2025–26 season, the duo still raises more doubts than certainties. Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé have only combined for 6% of Real Madrid’s goals, with the Brazilian providing 12 assists to the Frenchman, while the 27-year-old striker has returned just four, as per Diario AS. This highlights their limited connection when it comes to creating scoring opportunities. Beyond the statistics, both players often get in each other’s way on the pitch, as they operate in similar areas, frequently drifting toward the left flank. Considering his inconsistent form, issues with the fans, and tensions with teammates, the Brazilian does not seem as comfortable at Real Madrid as in previous seasons. Nevertheless, they appear determined to back his continuity, offering a contract renewal and placing their hopes on the duo improving ahead of the 2026–27 season. Moreover, they will likely have a new head coach, aiming to reshape Vinicius’ role and overall impact.

Real Madrid beat relegation-threatened Alaves 2-1 in La Liga to close the gap with leaders Barcelona to six points.

Vinicius Jr. apologized with a gesture that is already going viral around the world. Leer

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly finding his potential appointment as Real Madrid boss is facing some push back from a couple of players.

'It is important' - Vinicius Jr. backs Neymar for Santos return Pulse Sports Nigeria

Marcus, Luke and Vish pull the curtain down on the season, as the Baron Samedi of European football won their 15th Big One™. We celebrate some spectacular performances from the likes of Vinicius Jr and Lenny Kravitz, and wonder if Dortmund probably should’ve won it. Elsewhere, the Dutch FA have proposed a new footballing rule book and are looking to legalise it, Emperor Mourinho’s arrival in Turkey divides the studio and England’s summer of glory begins TONIGHT! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: [email protected]. Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate us on Spotify. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. No cliches. No ex-pros like Peter Crouch or The Rest is Football. Just the funniest football conversation out there. Your guardian for the season, daily not weekly. Stick to the Ramble, totally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Galactic Empire flexed their imperial muscles at Anfield this week! Today Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini explain why it feels so inevitable that Real will go far again in this season's Champions League – and why Vinicius Jr and Carlo Ancelotti are the perfect duo to do it... From the Empire to the Rebel Alliance, we discuss whether Napoli can also be considered serious contenders in this season’s competition and Andy gives his case for why fiery Porto coach, Sérgio Conceição, could be the perfect successor to fiery Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid! Tweet us @FootballRamble and email us here: Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. No cliches. No ex-pros like Peter Crouch or The Rest is Football. Just the funniest football conversation out there. Your guardian for the season, daily not weekly. Stick to the Ramble, totally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More continental capers for Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen as the international break gives us a chance for various domestic debriefs. The Serie A title race continues to intrigue, as Napoli try shake off the Sivertsen Curse - while the La Liga title race is marred by horrible racist abuse of Vinicius Jr. Elsewhere, we try to work out if Bayern are in an actual crisis and ponder the future of the Nations League. Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble and email us here: [email protected]. Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. No cliches. No ex-pros like Peter Crouch or The Rest is Football. Just the funniest football conversation out there. Your guardian for the season, daily not weekly. Stick to the Ramble, totally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.