Tocantinópolis · Serie D · Midfielder · #0 · Brazil · 19 yrs
Their rise is down to smart scouting and clever links with celebrities such as Eduardo Camavinga and Travis ScottBy Get French Football NewsAlverca have been busy in the last few years. They have shot up the Portuguese pyramid while changing owners, buying a whole new squad and bringing in one of the world’s most famous footballers as a co-owner. The club’s sporting director, Fernando Malta, says they want to be “gamechangers”.Historically a satellite club for nearby Benfica, Alverca were first promoted to the top flight in 1998 but folded in 2005 after a costly relegation. The club reformed and gradually made its way through the regional divisions before earning back-to-back promotions to take them to the Portuguese top flight in 2025. Continue reading...
After Didier Deschamps' successful era, Zinedine Zidane has been announced as the new head coach of France. In his presentation, he gave clear hints about his style of play, making his priority clear. Despite his successful era, Didier Deschamps has left his position as France‘s head coach, leaving behind a huge legacy. As the natural replacement, Zinedine Zidane has been announced, returning to a coaching role several years after his departure from Real Madrid. With high expectations surrounding his tenure, Zidane has already given hints about his style of play, making his priorities clear. “You will soon see my style; we will have a press conference in September. I am passionate about soccer. I played as a number 10, what motivates me is scoring goals. I lived in Spain for 25 years, you already know what that means. On the pitch, I was a leader. Today, I am becoming a leader thanks to my experience,” Zinedine Zidane reveals in the press conference. Even though he was not direct about his playing style, Zidane did make it clear that his approach will be offensive. With Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, France aim to be the top candidate to win UEFA Euro 2028, competing against Spain. However, the main challenge he will have will be the midfield, as he does not have players like Toni Kroos or Luka Modric, making this a major problem for his intentions. Being his first experience as a national team coach, Zidane will have all eyes on him at UEFA Euro 2028. To give consistency to his game, he could return to the use of three midfielders, something that has not been usual recently. There, new young players could emerge, along with a possible return of Eduardo Camavinga to give meaning to his style of play. Bienvenue Zinédine Zidane 🙌 pic.twitter.com/P4EEDSJdUm— FFF (@FFF) July 28, 2026 Zidane opens up on ‘the difference’ between France and club jobs Zinedine Zidane has established as one of the best coaches in Real Madrid’s history. After winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, he decided to leave the project in a surprising move. Despite always having offers on the table, he decided to wait for France, making it clear that it was his only possibility. In his presentation, he revealed the difference between both experiences. “I always saw this team as my future. I did not sign for a club for that reason. The only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was manage the French national team… It is something different from what I do at the club. But I am not afraid of it. It is what I wanted to do. I will have a balance between my personal life and the French national team, and that suits me wonderfully,” Zidane concluded. Being a job that is a little slower, Zinedine Zidane will have many more chances to create a long-term project. In addition, he has decided to praise Deschamps’ work, making it clear that he will have a close relationship with him. Therefore, the French legend aims to have a long-term role with the national team, seeking to chase titles again after years of drought.
Following his starring role in Spain's triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 30-year-old has become a top target for Real Madrid, with growing belief that a blockbuster transfer could materialize before the new season begins. Rodri’s future has emerged as one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window after fresh reports linked the World Cup-winning midfielder with a move away from Manchester City. Following his starring role in Spain’s triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 30-year-old has become a top target for Real Madrid, with growing belief that a blockbuster transfer could materialize before the new season begins. The Spain international remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027, but speculation has intensified after several reports claimed the midfielder is reluctant to commit to a new deal. While City continues hoping to keep one of its most influential players, Real Madrid is increasingly confident that an agreement can eventually be reached. For much of the summer, reports suggested Los Blancos were not actively pursuing Rodri. However, that position appears to have shifted after his outstanding performances at the World Cup, where he captained La Roja’s midfield and helped guide the national team to the title while also winning the tournament’s Golden Ball award. According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are now actively working on a deal despite formal club-to-club negotiations not yet beginning. The report states that the Spanish giant believes Rodri is the ideal player to strengthen its midfield and is already planning as though the transfer could happen this summer. One reason behind Rodri’s desire to leave As more details emerged, another report from journalist Ben Jacobs revealed why Rodri is pushing for the switch. According to those claims, the midfielder has informed Manchester City that he wants to join Real Madrid for football and family reasons. Those factors have reportedly convinced him that now is the right moment to return to Spain after seven successful years in England. The same report adds that Rodri has made the move to the Santiago Bernabéu his priority and is currently not expected to sign a contract extension with Manchester City, despite the club’s continued efforts to convince him to stay. Why Real Madrid sees Rodri as the perfect fit Real Madrid has spent several transfer windows searching for a long-term midfield leader following the gradual departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić. Although players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde offer different qualities, reports suggest the club believes Rodri brings the balance, leadership, tactical intelligence and experience needed to control matches at the highest level. Analysts also believe his arrival would suit José Mourinho’s tactical approach, with Rodri capable of protecting the defense while allowing attacking stars greater freedom higher up the pitch.
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