Friburguense defeated Rio de Janeiro 9-1 in Copa Rio. The fixture is part of the 1st Round stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Estádio Eduardo Guinle in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro. The full-time result capped a Friburguense vs Rio de Janeiro meeting in Copa Rio with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Friburguense and Rio de Janeiro. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa RioRecorded meetings: 1 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
FriburguenseFriburguense defeated Rio de Janeiro 9-1 in Copa Rio. The fixture is part of the 1st Round stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Estádio Eduardo Guinle in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro. The full-time result capped a Friburguense vs Rio de Janeiro meeting in Copa Rio with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Friburguense and Rio de Janeiro. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa RioRecorded meetings: 1 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Friburguense
Two camps who will mark their return from Brazil’s summer interval this weekend, Fluminense will welcome Bragantino to Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of Saturday. With the entire world fixed on North America for the final of the 2026 World Cup, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Over […] The post Prediction: Fluminense vs Bragantino appeared first on SoccerNews.
Verdict: Brazil win & Under 4.5 goals Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Dachbet Getting the final part of their pre-World Cup preparations underway late on Sunday night, Brazil will welcome Panama to Rio de Janeiro. Brazil Starting with the hosts, suffering real frustration out in Qatar four years ago as they suffered a quarter-final exit at […] The post Prediction: Brazil vs Panama – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
After being left out by Carlo Ancelotti from Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, Chelsea striker Joao Pedro issued a statement on social media. Joao Pedro, a regular fixture in Carlo Ancelotti‘s recent Brazil call-ups, was one of the most notable omissions from the final 2026 World Cup roster. Following the Italian head coach’s decision to leave him out, the striker broke his silence with a public statement. Ancelotti made the official announcement on Monday at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro in a candid press conference. While Neymar’s inclusion in the squad dominated the headlines, the exclusion of Joao Pedro quickly emerged as one of the most discussed decisions of the afternoon. Hours later, the Chelsea striker took to Instagram with a measured response. “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,” he wrote. Joao Pedro had made a compelling case for inclusion. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s run to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, scoring twice in the semifinal and once in the final, and posted 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. He also featured in three of Ancelotti’s five Brazil squads this past year, but none of it proved enough to earn a spot on the plane to North America. Joao Pedro of Brazil and Luka Vuskovic of Croatia battle for possession. Did Neymar take Joao Pedro’s place? From the 55-man preliminary list, Neymar’s inclusion had already generated significant debate, particularly after Estevao and Rodrygo were ruled out through injury. Cuts were always going to fall across every line of the squad, and while Thiago Silva and Andrey Santos were the names dropped from the defensive and midfield pools, it was Joao Pedro who was sacrificed from the forward positions. Ancelotti was asked directly about the decision to leave him out and stood firmly behind his choice. “I understand that they say that European football is different, more intense, but you have to consider a lot of things. To play here (in Brazil) is very difficult; you have a tight schedule, trips, the heat… Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list, but sadly, with all the consciousness, respect, and competence, we chose other players,” the Italian coach said. The final forward group named by Ancelotti consists of Endrick, Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Neymar Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Rayan, Igor Thiago and Luiz Henrique. Of those, the players most suited to a central striking role comparable to Joao Pedro’s profile are Igor Thiago, the second-highest scorer in the Premier League this season, Matheus Cunha, Endrick and Neymar, a group Ancelotti was willing to back over the Chelsea forward. The irony is not lost given that Joao Pedro himself had publicly stated to TNT Sports Brasil that Neymar deserved to be at the World Cup and that the Santos star “represents what Messi is to Argentina” for Brazil. In the end, however, Neymar’s inclusion may well have come at the direct expense of his most vocal supporter.
Carlo Ancelotti praises ‘improved fitness’ of Santos playerVinícius Júnior, Rayan and Igor Thiago also selectedNeymar will make his fourth World Cup appearance after Brazil named him to their 26-man squad on Monday. The decision was not guaranteed as questions surrounded Neymar’s fitness since his anterior cruciate ligament tear more than two years ago.The Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti, said that Neymar “has improved his fitness” after the squad announcement at a gala in Rio de Janeiro. “He will be an important player in this World Cup.” Continue reading...
The Brazil Football Federation has announced that Carlo Ancelotti will remain at the head coaching role until the 2030 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti originally committed his future to the Brazil national team back in May 2025, tasked with bringing stability to the Selecao during a period of transition. Nearly a year into his tenure, the Italian tactician has doubled down on his commitment, signing a new contract extension that keeps him at the helm through the 2030 World Cup. On Thursday, May 14, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) released an official statement announcing the four-year extension for Ancelotti. While his initial agreement was only set to carry the national team through the 2026 tournament, he is now fully integrated into the federation’s long-term vision for the program. In a video released by the CBF, Ancelotti reflected on his first year in South America and the significance of the role: “I arrived in Brazil one year ago. From the first minute, I understood what football means to this country. For a year, we have been working to bring the Brazilian National Team back to the top of the world. But the CBF and I want more. More victories, more time, more work.“ Now officially leading the project that will take Brazil into the World Cup’s centennial celebration, Ancelotti expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the fans. “We are very happy to announce that we will continue together for four more years. We are going together to the 2030 World Cup. I want to thank the CBF for their trust. Thank you, Brazil, for the warm reception and for all the affection,” he added. Brasil 🤝 Carlo Ancelotti até 2030!O Brasil segue no comando de um dos maiores treinadores da história!Compromisso, continuidade e confiança para levar a Seleção Brasileira ainda mais longe.A caminhada continua. Nosso sonho também.Saiba mais em https://t.co/pkHuBcm04I pic.twitter.com/DZdRZofPpN— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) May 14, 2026 In less than a year in charge, Ancelotti has overseen ten Brazil matches, including the final stages of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers and six friendly fixtures, compiling a record of five wins, two draws and three defeats. Beyond the 2026 World Cup, his remit now includes the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup. How old will Ancelotti be at the 2030 World Cup? More than 30 years have passed since Ancelotti first stepped into the dugout with Italian side Reggiana in 1995, a journey that has made him one of the most decorated managers in the history of the game. The Brazil role holds a unique distinction in that history, representing his first experience managing a national team, and the extension means he will now lead that project for the better part of a decade. Born on June 10, 1959, Ancelotti will turn 71 by the time his new contract concludes. The 2030 World Cup will feature inauguration matches in South America before shifting to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and the Italian has made clear his intention to add to the Pentacampeões’ legacy before his tenure is done. Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad announcement imminent The extension announcement comes at a critical moment, with Ancelotti set to reveal his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in just days. The official unveiling is scheduled to take place at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro on May 18. A preliminary list of 55 players has already been submitted to FIFA, with Neymar’s inclusion among the most closely watched names on the longlist. While the former Barcelona and PSG star’s potential participation has captured significant public attention, Ancelotti has been unambiguous in stating that fitness will be the deciding factor for every player on the list, Neymar included.
With the Santos star included in the preliminary squad, speculation continues to grow over whether the veteran forward will make the final 26-man roster for the tournament. Carlo Ancelotti’s first major 2026 World Cup decision as Brazil manager is already dominating headlines, and Neymar remains at the center of the storm. With the Santos star included in the preliminary squad, speculation continues to grow over whether the veteran forward will make the final 26-man roster for the tournament. The uncertainty has created intense debate across Brazil, especially because Neymar remains one of the most influential figures in the national team setup. While supporters continue to dream of one final World Cup run, Ancelotti has now made it clear that only one factor will determine the player’s fate. The countdown toward the Selecao’s final squad announcement has placed enormous pressure on Neymar. The forward has entered what many inside Brazilian soccer consider the most important stretch of his comeback since returning to Santos. The timing is significant because Ancelotti is scheduled to reveal his final squad in Rio de Janeiro shortly after the Peixe completes two crucial domestic fixtures. Those matches could heavily influence the manager’s final thinking before Brazil begins preparations for the 2026 World Cup. In the meantime, Neymar has already shown flashes of his old brilliance during recent weeks. Neymar Jr with another goal for Santos tonight. 🇧🇷A goal or assist delivered every 98 mins in last 17 games. 🔥🏟️ 17 games⚽️ 11 goals🅰️ 4 assists🎥 nodetalhecontent_ on Instagram pic.twitter.com/iTCOVj4WxI— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2026 Since returning from injury setbacks, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has contributed six goals and three assists in 13 matches during 2026. That return has reignited hope among supporters who still view him as the player capable of inspiring Brazil toward a sixth World Cup crown. However, questions surrounding his readiness have never fully disappeared. The one condition Neymar must satisfy Ancelotti addressed the issue on Tuesday directly while speaking to Reuters, admitting that Neymar’s situation represents one of the toughest decisions facing the coaching staff. However, the former Real Madrid coach insisted that emotions alone will not influence his decision in another interview. On Thursday, the Brazil manager admitted that the forward’s physical condition is the single decisive factor in whether he reaches the final World Cup squad. “The call-up of Neymar depends only on him. It depends on what the player demonstrates on the field,” he stated in comments reported by The Guardian. The veteran coach then delivered the clearest explanation yet about how Neymar is being assessed internally. “This is a very clear criterion, and it does not apply only to Neymar. With most players, you have to evaluate talent and physical condition. With Neymar, we only need to evaluate physical condition, because his talent is indisputable. It depends on him, not on me”, Ancelotti said. Those comments immediately intensified attention around Neymar’s performances for Santos. Every appearance now carries enormous weight as Brazil’s coaching staff studies whether the 34-year-old can physically cope with the demands of another major tournament. Brazil balancing romance and reality amid Neymar’s fitness woes The debate surrounding the 34-year-old’s fitness reflects a larger dilemma inside the Brazil camp. On one side stands the emotional appeal of giving the nation’s all-time leading scorer another chance on soccer’s biggest stage. Moreover, on the other side lies the reality of recent injury struggles. Neymar isn’t the same he used to be after many injuries Neymar has endured multiple physical setbacks over the last two years, including serious knee ligament damage suffered during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023. According to Transfermarkt, the Santos captain suffer
MLS veteran Felipe Martins talks exclusively to World Soccer Talk about the "difficult process" of retirement, his battle with a heart defect, and his new role at The Island F.C. One year ago, Felipe Martins’ life changed forever. After a 17-year playing career that took him from Brazil to Italy to Switzerland to Canada and the U.S., Martins called it quits on soccer and transitioned to a new journey of coaching. “I realized that it was time to retire in the middle of 2024. I started to see it and feel it; physically, I could continue, for sure, but mentally, I was struggling,” stated Martins in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “I think that was the moment for me where I was starting to see that, ‘Yeah, I think it’s time.’ It was very difficult, it still is very difficult, but now I’m in a process where I have understood that soccer has given me so many things. People of soccer treated me in a certain way because of what I could provide, and because of who I am.” “Friends that I’ve lost, I understood that they were there just because of what I could provide, and also who I was—even family. The reality is that after you retire, you basically have nothing to offer anymore, and people just disappear, you know? But it was a moment where I could connect more with myself and understand that nobody owes you anything. You just need to take care of yourself and always do the best for yourself, because people will always be just people. It’s a transactional relationship where you give something, and they give you something. It’s very difficult to find people who really like you for who you are, and not for what you can provide.” Born on September 30, 1990, Martins was raised in Engenheiro Beltrão, Brazil, but left at the age of 10 to pursue his luck in Santa Catarina and then Rio de Janeiro, before eventually heading to Europe and joining Calcio Padova in 2008. However, he would play just five times before being diagnosed with a minor heart defect: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Unable to play in the league, Martins left the Italian third tier and, after a brief hiatus, made the move to Swiss outfit FC Winterthur. After bouncing around Switzerland at Winterthur, FC Lugano, and FC Wohlen, Martins headed across the Atlantic and joined MLS expansion side Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal), where he played alongside legendary defender Alessandro Nesta. He established himself as a vital cog in midfield with 14 goals and 21 assists in 107 appearances, leading them to their first two trophies as an MLS club after winning the Canadian Championship in 2013 and 2014. Martins then reunited with ex-Montréal coach Jesse Marsch at the New York Red Bulls, where he registered 10 goals and 10 assists in 125 appearances and guided them to the 2015 Supporters’ Shield as well as a trip to the 2017 U.S. Open Cup Final, before returning to Canada ahead of the 2018 season. After a fairly brief spell with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Martins then took his talents to D.C. United, where he cemented his status as the team’s midfield linchpin until tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training on September 1, 2020. But rather than break, Martins merely bent and quickly reasserted himself as a leader in the Black and Red’s midfield. “My proudest moment was when I came back from my injury, you know what I mean? I think it’s the moment that just solidified who I am and who I was. Coming from an injury is never easy, but I think I’ve done very well since I was injured, and I came back from my ACL injury in 2020. You lose speed, you lose explosiveness, but my part is just that it was tough mentally to overcome that challenge, and I think I did the best way I could at the moment.” Martins then made the move to Austin FC in 2022, helping them reach the playoffs for the first time and make it all the way to the Conference Finals, earning praise from the likes of Troy Townsend for his performances, before eventually taking his talents to Orlando City. However,
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Two camps who will mark their return from Brazil’s summer interval this weekend, Fluminense will welcome Bragantino to Rio de Janeiro in the early hours of Saturday. With the entire world fixed on North America for the final of the 2026 World Cup, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer. Verdict: Over […] The post Prediction: Fluminense vs Bragantino appeared first on SoccerNews.
Verdict: Brazil win & Under 4.5 goals Best Odds: 7/10 Bookmaker: Dachbet Getting the final part of their pre-World Cup preparations underway late on Sunday night, Brazil will welcome Panama to Rio de Janeiro. Brazil Starting with the hosts, suffering real frustration out in Qatar four years ago as they suffered a quarter-final exit at […] The post Prediction: Brazil vs Panama – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts appeared first on Soccer News.
After being left out by Carlo Ancelotti from Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, Chelsea striker Joao Pedro issued a statement on social media. Joao Pedro, a regular fixture in Carlo Ancelotti‘s recent Brazil call-ups, was one of the most notable omissions from the final 2026 World Cup roster. Following the Italian head coach’s decision to leave him out, the striker broke his silence with a public statement. Ancelotti made the official announcement on Monday at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro in a candid press conference. While Neymar’s inclusion in the squad dominated the headlines, the exclusion of Joao Pedro quickly emerged as one of the most discussed decisions of the afternoon. Hours later, the Chelsea striker took to Instagram with a measured response. “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,” he wrote. Joao Pedro had made a compelling case for inclusion. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s run to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title, scoring twice in the semifinal and once in the final, and posted 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. He also featured in three of Ancelotti’s five Brazil squads this past year, but none of it proved enough to earn a spot on the plane to North America. Joao Pedro of Brazil and Luka Vuskovic of Croatia battle for possession. Did Neymar take Joao Pedro’s place? From the 55-man preliminary list, Neymar’s inclusion had already generated significant debate, particularly after Estevao and Rodrygo were ruled out through injury. Cuts were always going to fall across every line of the squad, and while Thiago Silva and Andrey Santos were the names dropped from the defensive and midfield pools, it was Joao Pedro who was sacrificed from the forward positions. Ancelotti was asked directly about the decision to leave him out and stood firmly behind his choice. “I understand that they say that European football is different, more intense, but you have to consider a lot of things. To play here (in Brazil) is very difficult; you have a tight schedule, trips, the heat… Obviously, I am sad for Joao Pedro, who for the season he made in Europe probably deserved to be in this list, but sadly, with all the consciousness, respect, and competence, we chose other players,” the Italian coach said. The final forward group named by Ancelotti consists of Endrick, Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Neymar Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Rayan, Igor Thiago and Luiz Henrique. Of those, the players most suited to a central striking role comparable to Joao Pedro’s profile are Igor Thiago, the second-highest scorer in the Premier League this season, Matheus Cunha, Endrick and Neymar, a group Ancelotti was willing to back over the Chelsea forward. The irony is not lost given that Joao Pedro himself had publicly stated to TNT Sports Brasil that Neymar deserved to be at the World Cup and that the Santos star “represents what Messi is to Argentina” for Brazil. In the end, however, Neymar’s inclusion may well have come at the direct expense of his most vocal supporter.
Carlo Ancelotti praises ‘improved fitness’ of Santos playerVinícius Júnior, Rayan and Igor Thiago also selectedNeymar will make his fourth World Cup appearance after Brazil named him to their 26-man squad on Monday. The decision was not guaranteed as questions surrounded Neymar’s fitness since his anterior cruciate ligament tear more than two years ago.The Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti, said that Neymar “has improved his fitness” after the squad announcement at a gala in Rio de Janeiro. “He will be an important player in this World Cup.” Continue reading...
The Brazil Football Federation has announced that Carlo Ancelotti will remain at the head coaching role until the 2030 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti originally committed his future to the Brazil national team back in May 2025, tasked with bringing stability to the Selecao during a period of transition. Nearly a year into his tenure, the Italian tactician has doubled down on his commitment, signing a new contract extension that keeps him at the helm through the 2030 World Cup. On Thursday, May 14, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) released an official statement announcing the four-year extension for Ancelotti. While his initial agreement was only set to carry the national team through the 2026 tournament, he is now fully integrated into the federation’s long-term vision for the program. In a video released by the CBF, Ancelotti reflected on his first year in South America and the significance of the role: “I arrived in Brazil one year ago. From the first minute, I understood what football means to this country. For a year, we have been working to bring the Brazilian National Team back to the top of the world. But the CBF and I want more. More victories, more time, more work.“ Now officially leading the project that will take Brazil into the World Cup’s centennial celebration, Ancelotti expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the fans. “We are very happy to announce that we will continue together for four more years. We are going together to the 2030 World Cup. I want to thank the CBF for their trust. Thank you, Brazil, for the warm reception and for all the affection,” he added. Brasil 🤝 Carlo Ancelotti até 2030!O Brasil segue no comando de um dos maiores treinadores da história!Compromisso, continuidade e confiança para levar a Seleção Brasileira ainda mais longe.A caminhada continua. Nosso sonho também.Saiba mais em https://t.co/pkHuBcm04I pic.twitter.com/DZdRZofPpN— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) May 14, 2026 In less than a year in charge, Ancelotti has overseen ten Brazil matches, including the final stages of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers and six friendly fixtures, compiling a record of five wins, two draws and three defeats. Beyond the 2026 World Cup, his remit now includes the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup. How old will Ancelotti be at the 2030 World Cup? More than 30 years have passed since Ancelotti first stepped into the dugout with Italian side Reggiana in 1995, a journey that has made him one of the most decorated managers in the history of the game. The Brazil role holds a unique distinction in that history, representing his first experience managing a national team, and the extension means he will now lead that project for the better part of a decade. Born on June 10, 1959, Ancelotti will turn 71 by the time his new contract concludes. The 2030 World Cup will feature inauguration matches in South America before shifting to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and the Italian has made clear his intention to add to the Pentacampeões’ legacy before his tenure is done. Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad announcement imminent The extension announcement comes at a critical moment, with Ancelotti set to reveal his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in just days. The official unveiling is scheduled to take place at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro on May 18. A preliminary list of 55 players has already been submitted to FIFA, with Neymar’s inclusion among the most closely watched names on the longlist. While the former Barcelona and PSG star’s potential participation has captured significant public attention, Ancelotti has been unambiguous in stating that fitness will be the deciding factor for every player on the list, Neymar included.
With the Santos star included in the preliminary squad, speculation continues to grow over whether the veteran forward will make the final 26-man roster for the tournament. Carlo Ancelotti’s first major 2026 World Cup decision as Brazil manager is already dominating headlines, and Neymar remains at the center of the storm. With the Santos star included in the preliminary squad, speculation continues to grow over whether the veteran forward will make the final 26-man roster for the tournament. The uncertainty has created intense debate across Brazil, especially because Neymar remains one of the most influential figures in the national team setup. While supporters continue to dream of one final World Cup run, Ancelotti has now made it clear that only one factor will determine the player’s fate. The countdown toward the Selecao’s final squad announcement has placed enormous pressure on Neymar. The forward has entered what many inside Brazilian soccer consider the most important stretch of his comeback since returning to Santos. The timing is significant because Ancelotti is scheduled to reveal his final squad in Rio de Janeiro shortly after the Peixe completes two crucial domestic fixtures. Those matches could heavily influence the manager’s final thinking before Brazil begins preparations for the 2026 World Cup. In the meantime, Neymar has already shown flashes of his old brilliance during recent weeks. Neymar Jr with another goal for Santos tonight. 🇧🇷A goal or assist delivered every 98 mins in last 17 games. 🔥🏟️ 17 games⚽️ 11 goals🅰️ 4 assists🎥 nodetalhecontent_ on Instagram pic.twitter.com/iTCOVj4WxI— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2026 Since returning from injury setbacks, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has contributed six goals and three assists in 13 matches during 2026. That return has reignited hope among supporters who still view him as the player capable of inspiring Brazil toward a sixth World Cup crown. However, questions surrounding his readiness have never fully disappeared. The one condition Neymar must satisfy Ancelotti addressed the issue on Tuesday directly while speaking to Reuters, admitting that Neymar’s situation represents one of the toughest decisions facing the coaching staff. However, the former Real Madrid coach insisted that emotions alone will not influence his decision in another interview. On Thursday, the Brazil manager admitted that the forward’s physical condition is the single decisive factor in whether he reaches the final World Cup squad. “The call-up of Neymar depends only on him. It depends on what the player demonstrates on the field,” he stated in comments reported by The Guardian. The veteran coach then delivered the clearest explanation yet about how Neymar is being assessed internally. “This is a very clear criterion, and it does not apply only to Neymar. With most players, you have to evaluate talent and physical condition. With Neymar, we only need to evaluate physical condition, because his talent is indisputable. It depends on him, not on me”, Ancelotti said. Those comments immediately intensified attention around Neymar’s performances for Santos. Every appearance now carries enormous weight as Brazil’s coaching staff studies whether the 34-year-old can physically cope with the demands of another major tournament. Brazil balancing romance and reality amid Neymar’s fitness woes The debate surrounding the 34-year-old’s fitness reflects a larger dilemma inside the Brazil camp. On one side stands the emotional appeal of giving the nation’s all-time leading scorer another chance on soccer’s biggest stage. Moreover, on the other side lies the reality of recent injury struggles. Neymar isn’t the same he used to be after many injuries Neymar has endured multiple physical setbacks over the last two years, including serious knee ligament damage suffered during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023. According to Transfermarkt, the Santos captain suffer
MLS veteran Felipe Martins talks exclusively to World Soccer Talk about the "difficult process" of retirement, his battle with a heart defect, and his new role at The Island F.C. One year ago, Felipe Martins’ life changed forever. After a 17-year playing career that took him from Brazil to Italy to Switzerland to Canada and the U.S., Martins called it quits on soccer and transitioned to a new journey of coaching. “I realized that it was time to retire in the middle of 2024. I started to see it and feel it; physically, I could continue, for sure, but mentally, I was struggling,” stated Martins in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “I think that was the moment for me where I was starting to see that, ‘Yeah, I think it’s time.’ It was very difficult, it still is very difficult, but now I’m in a process where I have understood that soccer has given me so many things. People of soccer treated me in a certain way because of what I could provide, and because of who I am.” “Friends that I’ve lost, I understood that they were there just because of what I could provide, and also who I was—even family. The reality is that after you retire, you basically have nothing to offer anymore, and people just disappear, you know? But it was a moment where I could connect more with myself and understand that nobody owes you anything. You just need to take care of yourself and always do the best for yourself, because people will always be just people. It’s a transactional relationship where you give something, and they give you something. It’s very difficult to find people who really like you for who you are, and not for what you can provide.” Born on September 30, 1990, Martins was raised in Engenheiro Beltrão, Brazil, but left at the age of 10 to pursue his luck in Santa Catarina and then Rio de Janeiro, before eventually heading to Europe and joining Calcio Padova in 2008. However, he would play just five times before being diagnosed with a minor heart defect: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Unable to play in the league, Martins left the Italian third tier and, after a brief hiatus, made the move to Swiss outfit FC Winterthur. After bouncing around Switzerland at Winterthur, FC Lugano, and FC Wohlen, Martins headed across the Atlantic and joined MLS expansion side Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal), where he played alongside legendary defender Alessandro Nesta. He established himself as a vital cog in midfield with 14 goals and 21 assists in 107 appearances, leading them to their first two trophies as an MLS club after winning the Canadian Championship in 2013 and 2014. Martins then reunited with ex-Montréal coach Jesse Marsch at the New York Red Bulls, where he registered 10 goals and 10 assists in 125 appearances and guided them to the 2015 Supporters’ Shield as well as a trip to the 2017 U.S. Open Cup Final, before returning to Canada ahead of the 2018 season. After a fairly brief spell with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Martins then took his talents to D.C. United, where he cemented his status as the team’s midfield linchpin until tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training on September 1, 2020. But rather than break, Martins merely bent and quickly reasserted himself as a leader in the Black and Red’s midfield. “My proudest moment was when I came back from my injury, you know what I mean? I think it’s the moment that just solidified who I am and who I was. Coming from an injury is never easy, but I think I’ve done very well since I was injured, and I came back from my ACL injury in 2020. You lose speed, you lose explosiveness, but my part is just that it was tough mentally to overcome that challenge, and I think I did the best way I could at the moment.” Martins then made the move to Austin FC in 2022, helping them reach the playoffs for the first time and make it all the way to the Conference Finals, earning praise from the likes of Troy Townsend for his performances, before eventually taking his talents to Orlando City. However,
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