Vinícius Júnior

It's been a bad stretch for the Brazilian national team, having lost three in a row and fall to sixth place in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. I mean this news only gets worse--star forward Neymar Jr. will miss next summer's 2024 Copa America scheduled for American shores. Brazilian sensation The Al-Hilal forward has been out with a knee injury since September of 2023, and team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar commented on Neymar's recovery while the knock takes about nine months to recover from. In an interview with Radio 98 FM, Lasmar says: “It's too soon now; from one extreme to another is wrong. Why would we hurry things and risk unnecessary harm? We hope that he can return as early as the beginning of next season (August) in Europe." Given the ligament damage Neymar suffered and his own injury history, it's difficult to force a 31-year-old back into action as soon he becomes available. It doesn't help matters that Brazil have been struggling without him in successive World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru either. This news increases the pressure on Real Madrid`s Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, two players who Brazil will have to depend upon in future when Neymar finally hangs his cleats up. Their latest blow still has them coached by the interim manager Fernando Diniz, who also happens to be head coach of Brazilian club Fluminense. With no competitive matches before June 2024-a date set only on May 7 this year when they lost their first international match since October in a World Cup warm-up against Panama), there may not even have time The Neymar era is over: If Brazil is to avoid wasting another generation of talent, the 2026 World Cup must be planned without star-struck Al-Hilal. It would be foolish to count on the old Selecao attacker, who is now just a physical wreck. Brazil's 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay offered a depressingly familiar sight of Neymar being carted off the pitch in tears. Al-Hilal later announced that the 31 year old had sustained a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his knee, penciling him for surgery. Thankfully Neymar's operation went well, but there is still a long period of rehabilitation ahead. The seasoned striker is unlikely to return to action in Saudi Pro League this term, and experts believe he has no chance of making Brazil's squad for the 2024 Copa America starting June 20. So worries about his physical condition led Paris Saint-Germain to sell Neymar in the summer. He found the back of the net 118 times in his 178 games for Le Parc, winning five Ligue I titles along with three French Cups and one Champions Trophy. But Mbappe also missed more than 60 matches through injury during this time. 🤩 @neymarjr is happy with the win 🫶🏻#AlHilal 💙 pic.twitter.com/4yZd72RMRR — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) November 3, 2023 With that dismal fitness record, Fernando Diniz still insists that Neymar has an important role to play for Brazil in the next few years. Speaking at a press conference last week, the interim Selecao boss said: "We hope he makes speedy recovery and gets back into action better than ever." " I believe that he has still not written his most beautiful pages. This incident hasn't made it impossible, just more difficult; but using this injury as a springboard to come back tougher will make him even stronger." When the next World Cup swings around in Canada, Mexico and the United States, Neymar will be 34. That exquisite trophy of solid gold is one missing from an otherwise gleaming CV, and Brazil won't be able to hold high their sixth world crown if Scolari remains in his starting XI by then. If Brazil were lacking in attacking firepower, it would make sense to help create an atmosphere conducive for Neymar's international career. Unfortunately they are enjoying a golden age of strikers at the moment and have more young talent than even the most wildly optimistic minds can imagine. The full potential of the former Barcelona superstar will never be realized, but plenty others promise success where he failed. It's time for a cold-blooded choice to stay or go. Brazil is still far from leaving the past behind, but continously holding on to an iconic figure whose time has clearly passed can only hamper their chances of becoming world's best team again. Neymar has contributed so much to his country, and he boasts an incredible return in international football of 79 goals from 128. He netted the fastest ever goal by a Brazilian, and in doing so passed Pele to become Selecao all-time top scorer with 74 (it should be enough just for that reason alone -- he's already mentioned as one of the great legends). For one thing, glory in the World Cup and Copa America has proved elusive for Neymar. But he hasn't slacked off either bit around here! At these big tournaments he has netted 13 times and eight assists from a total of 25 outings. Some of the recollections from those performances will live forever. His goal in Brazil's World Cup quarter-final against Croatia in 2014 is not only one of the great ones on that stage but also goes down as a second masterpiece among his own creations. Since the time he first appeared on our screens against America's as an 18-year old way back in November, 2010 Brazilian fans have been blessed to see Neymar do so many things that make you feel good. If you were to turn and run, they would cheer. Even so, Neymar has been a good servant-he doesn't want to risk damaging the legacy that his willpower and determination have helped him earn for Brazilian football by continuing make himself available. The time is ripe for Neymar to put an end to his Brazil career and give way for a new generation capable of greater achievement than any team he has been involved with previously.

During the World cup Qualifiers break, injuries can come off. The crash can remake the line of a season for clubs, and one squad that has cases to fear are Real Madrid because of Vinicius Junior. After stranding Brazil's 2- 1 defeat to Colombia with an injury, additional testing has refereed that the winger has a torn muscle in his thigh. This is an injury that could sideline him for over to three months but will clearly close his involvement for Los Blancos and Brazil for the remains of 2023. With quite the title race underway in La Liga between Girona, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, this is a seismic change to effects as now Madrid will have to manage without ViniJr. just as he was rounding into form for the squad. With six goals and three assists in simply 973 minutes this season, the Brazillian has been electric when on the playground and Los Blancos could be in complication without him for an long period of time. Who could be his replacement? While the only reply is no one, the attacking side has to indicate to someone, and that someone is 20- year-old Jude Bellingham. Nursing a shoulder injury, the Englishman is enjoying one of the sporty debut seasons in Real Madrid history with 13 goals and three assists in all tournaments, but awaiting him to observe this pace would overlook holding for Carlo Ancelotti's men. Bellingham's 13 goals possess come from an awaited goals total of only6.61 in all tournaments and while good strikers can constantly outperform their xG. Still, that is where concern starts to make for Madrid, If Bellingham does decelerate down. Rodrygo is also rounding into form but he is not as effective coming to Joselu as he's coming to Vini.Jr. leading the line. Space and shot selection keeps defenses honest for Rodrygo to do the changeable. Looking at ViniJr.'s shot chart, he takes advised shots in good positions rather of just peppering a keeper from outside the box. Joselu has been a fine finisher but being further of an in- the- box sportsman, he does not bring that position of trouble to keep a defense honest, meaning there will be less space for his teammates. In utmost matches, Real Madrid will still have enough quality to contend but to win the title, they'll have to knock off top six sides which is when they begin to run into issues. How numerous injuries are too numerous? While a squad of Real Madrid's quality are anticipated to contend at the loftiest position indeed with injuries, a look is demanded at their current injury list. Alongiside ViniJr., Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga are all sidelined. utmost brigades would struggle with just a many of these guys sidelined but Real Madrid have been suitable to contend with them missing time. It does feel like ViniJr.'s injury is one too numerous for Los Blancos, but let's take a look at their stats with and without the Brazillian in the XI. Looking forward One positive is having formerly cruised through group stage play in Champions League, only La Liga play really matters to Real Madrid for now. Facing Cadiz, Granada, Real Betis, Villarreal and Alaves in their coming five matches, they're ones that Real Madrid should win but these are also clubs that have troubled Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, so they also can not be taken smoothly. The protective worries are where it can get tough as if Real Madrid concede an early thing, it'll be indeed more delicate to come back from it without the Brazilian. Nott facing a true title contender until February in the Madrid derby vs Atletico, if a significant injury was going to be to a member of the team, now is the stylish time for it to be, but the loss of ViniJr. alongside the successes that Ancelotti and Madrid have formerly taken could prove to be too important int he long run.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Danny Donachie former Head of Medical Services at Everton, ex-Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke & The Athletic’s Oli Kay to discuss how elite footballers are facing the threat of injury and burnout in the ever expanding football calendar The panel discuss the huge demands on stars like Bukayo Saka, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe playing much more than similar players of previous generations yet continue to deliver on the world stage… So what can be done to improve welfare and demands on players and will they really need to take action and stop playing to be listened to? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musa and Ryan begin with a bit of news, including Juventus’s points deduction being reinstated—but only 10, instead of 15—and updates in the aftermath of Vinícius Júnior’s abuse at the weekend (01:00). The main chat comes about Inter’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina to retain the Coppa Italia in yet another final win for Simone Inzaghi (09:29), before chatting about Brighton’s goal-of-the-season contender (28:37), mini-retirements, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices For more podcasts, ad-free and in full, plus access to the Stadio Social Club and much more, you can become a Stadio member by signing up at patreon.com/stadio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As league seasons come to a close across Europe, Dotun, Andy and David have some huge stories to unpack. After Valencia double down in their self-defence over the racist abuse aimed at Vinícius Junior, we discuss attitudes to racism in Spain and the shameful response from La Liga. We also react to ANOTHER Juventus points deduction which - surprisingly - has José Mourinho in a huff. Plus, it looks like Bayern are about to let the Bundesliga slip out of their hands for the first time since 2012. Why has it gone so disastrously wrong for Tommy Tuchel? Got a question for us? Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan, and former player turned commentator for DAZN Spain, Alberto Edjogo-Owono, after Vinicius Junior was once again racially abused while playing for Real Madrid. La Liga have sanctioned Valencia with a partial stadium closure for five matches. But is that going to make a difference? The panel answer that question, while The Athletic’s Jack Lang gives us the reaction from Brazil. Produced by Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musa and Ryan begin with some news, including Vinícius Júnior receiving more racial abuse in La Liga, which lead to the Real Madrid star releasing a statement online and Carlo Ancelotti speaking out (05:26). They then discuss Bayern’s slip-up at home to Leipzig and Dortmund’s win, putting the Bundesliga title in their hands heading into the final day (18:27). There’s a quick round-up of some other stuff and Manchester City being confirmed as the Premier League champions for the third year in a row (33:13), as well as Nottingham Forest securing safety and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices For more podcasts, ad-free and in full, plus access to the Stadio Social Club and much more, you can become a Stadio member by signing up at patreon.com/stadio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup brought the entertainment as Alexi Lalas and David Mosse bring you all the content that you need presented by State Farm! Lalas and Mosse react to Croatia's victory over Japan, with Dominik Livaković making three key saves in the penalty shootout victory. Lalas and Mosse then break down Brazil's 4-0 victory, with goals from Vinícius Júnior, Neymar, Richarlison, and Lucas Paquetá. To wrap up the show, Lalas and Mosse talk about Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a Champions League final preview special of the Essential Football Podcast, host Ron Walker is joined by a trio of guests to look ahead to the European club showpiece of the season as Liverpool take on 13-time winners Real Madrid in Paris. Sky Sports digital football journalists Richard Morgan and Nick Wright talk us through where the game will be won and lost for Liverpool, whether their Premier League title battle will put them at a disadvantage and how Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vinicius Junior will be a key battle at the Stade de France. Spanish football expert Ben Hayward also joins us to give us the mood from Madrid, where Carlo Ancelotti has been able to rest a number of his key players ahead of the final, and could make his own history if he becomes the first manager to lift the European Cup four times. Ben also explains why Real Madrid have become so synonymous with Champions League success – and what has driven their sensational never-say-die attitude this season. Finally, Sky Sports features writer Adam Bate dials in from the French capital to update us on the latest on the atmosphere in Paris as well as explaining how the temperature could play its part, and give his prediction for Saturday’s spectacle. Listen to every episode of the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast here: skysports.com/sky-sports-premier-league-podcast You can listen to the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast". For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/premier-league For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]

Season finale of European Nights, Presented by Paramount+, ahead of the 2022 Champions League Final. Rog and Rory look closely at Real Madrid vs Liverpool, reliving the 2018 final between the two, exploring the journeys they have been on since, and gauging what it means that they meet again in this final. Plus, an examination of how the game could be impacted by Mo Salah and Vinicius Junior, and more. This podcast is presented by Paramount+. Sign up now at paramountplus.com/mib If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-877-770-STOP(7867) (LA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NJ/NY/PA/TN/ VA/WV/WY only. Void where prohibited. Min. $5 deposit required. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.