Latest news with #ViníciusJúnior
Associated Press
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
New Brazil coach Ancelotti turns down Neymar and predicts a 'better' Vinicius Júnior
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Carlo Ancelotti's first day as Brazil coach included saying 'No' to Neymar and a promise to find more improvement from his former Real Madrid striker Vinícius Júnior. Ancelotti was introduced on Monday at a packed press conference in a Rio de Janeiro hotel, and just to ensure he was under no illusions as to his primary task, he was welcomed by Brazil's last two World Cup-winning coaches, 1994's Carlos Alberto Parreira and 2002's Luiz Felipe Scolari. Scolari gave Ancelotti a national team jacket and told the first foreigner in a century to coach Brazil full-time, 'Just be you, the person you always were, and you will win with Brazil. We all wish you well with Brazil, we will always support you.' The Italian, contracted to the end of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, announced his first squad for World Cup qualifiers next week against Ecuador and Paraguay. Neymar returned to Santos only last week from a muscular injury, and that was too late for the new coach. 'Unfortunately, we have a lot of players who suffered injuries and cannot be in the national team, like Neymar,' Ancelotti said. 'Brazil has many talented players, and in Neymar's specific case we are counting on him. He came back to Brazil to play and prepare for the World Cup. I spoke to him this morning to explain that to him, and he is totally in agreement.' Ancelotti said Vinícius will grow as a Brazil striker under his management. Vinícius has been criticized by Brazil fans for not reproducing his sterling Real Madrid form in the national team. 'I am totally convinced that Vinicius will show his best version in the national team,' Ancelotti said. Then he joked, 'Like Madrid. Not the one of this year, the one of last year.' Madrid wasn't as good this season as last season, easing Ancelotti's decision to leave the club after 15 trophies in two stints. Another talking point of his 25-man squad was the recall of midfielder Casemiro after missing out for almost a year and a half. 'The national team needs these players, who have charisma, personality, talent,' the coach said. 'In modern soccer, you have to also have posture, compromise, sacrifice. And Casemiro does have that, as many of those in the squad do. That is key to prepare for the World Cup.' 'A tall order' The 65-year-old Ancelotti charmed about 200 media in the press conference. On a stellar club career including a record five Champions League titles and national titles in Italy, Spain, France, England and Germany: 'After 40 years I still don't know what makes teams win. I know I want players in a comfortable position on the pitch.' On vacation plans: 'I want to enjoy this country. Rio, I don't know yet. I've never been to the Christ Redeemer.' On the World Cup: 'Brazilian society wants me to deliver a first World Cup title after 24 years, I know. What a tall order.' ___ AP soccer:
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ancelotti & Modric tributes as Mbappe inspires Real win
Update: Date: 90'+2 Title: Post Content: Match ends, Real Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 0. Update: Date: 90'+2 Title: Full Time Content: Second Half ends, Real Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 0. Update: Date: 90'+1 Title: Post Content: Attempt missed. Brais Méndez (Real Sociedad) left footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Mikel Oyarzabal. Update: Date: 90'+1 Title: Post Content: Fourth official has announced 1 minutes of added time. Update: Date: 89' Title: Post Content: Offside, Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappé is caught offside. Update: Date: 87' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Real Madrid. Chema Andres replaces Luka Modric. Update: Date: 86' Title: Post Content: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Update: Date: 86' Title: Post Content: Foul by Jon Martín (Real Sociedad). Update: Date: 84' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Real Sociedad. Brais Méndez replaces Luka Sucic. Update: Date: 83' Title: Goal! Content: Goal! Real Madrid 2, Real Sociedad 0. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Vinícius Júnior. Update: Date: 82' Title: Post Content: Corner,Real Madrid. Conceded by Jon Martín. Update: Date: 80' Title: Post Content: Corner,Real Madrid. Conceded by Martín Zubimendi. Update: Date: 79' Title: Post Content: Corner,Real Madrid. Conceded by Unai Marrero. Update: Date: 79' Title: Post Content: Attempt saved. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner by Unai Marrero (Real Sociedad). Assisted by Luka Modric. Update: Date: 79' Title: Post Content: Luka Modric (Real Madrid) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Update: Date: 79' Title: Post Content: Foul by Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad). Update: Date: 77' Title: Substitution Content: Substitution, Real Madrid. Gonzalo García replaces Lucas Vázquez. Update: Date: 76' Title: Post Content: Offside, Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappé is caught offside. Update: Date: 75' Title: Post Content: Offside, Real Sociedad. Ander Barrenetxea is caught offside. Update: Date: 71' Title: Post Content: Attempt blocked. Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Jon Martín.
CNN
22-05-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Fans who insulted Vinícius Júnior found guilty in 1st hate-crime conviction related to racism in Spain
Five Valladolid fans who racially insulted Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior in 2022 have been found guilty in the first ruling in Spain that condemns racist insults in a soccer stadium as a hate crime, the league said Wednesday. A Valladolid court convicted the fans for their insults in a league match, sentencing them to one year in prison plus a fine of up to 1,620 euros ($1,837). The jail time is suspended on condition they don't commit any offense or visit soccer stadiums hosting official national competitions for three years. The league called Wednesday's ruling 'a firm step towards eradicating racism in sport.' 'This judicial decision represents an unprecedented milestone in the fight against racism in sport in Spain,' the league said. A lot of people thought that Real Madrid's Brazilian star Vinicius Junior was going to win the Ballon D'Or award this week, and the reaction when he didn't was angry. TNT Sports Brazil correspondent Fred Caldeira joins World Sport's Don Riddell to help better understand the backlash. Last year, three Valencia fans were handed eight-month prison sentences after pleading guilty to racially insulting Vinícius. That was the first conviction for racism-related cases in professional soccer in Spain, but it was not based on a hate crime. The Valencia fans were convicted of a crime against moral integrity, with the aggravating circumstance of discrimination based on racist motives. 'The fact that this ruling explicitly refers to hate crimes associated with racist insults reinforces the message that intolerance has no place in football,' the league said. The league first filed the complaint against the Valladolid fans. It was later joined in the case by the player, Real Madrid, and the public prosecutor's office.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Five Valladolid fans given suspended prison sentences for Vinícius Júnior hate crime
Five Valladolid fans who abused the Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior have been given suspended prison sentences, in what La Liga described as a landmark ruling that condemned racist insults hurled in a football stadium as a hate crime. The case goes back to Madrid's 2-0 win in December 2022 at Real Valladolid's José Zorrilla stadium, during which several fans hurled racist abuse at the Brazilian. The individuals were later identified using images and videos published on social media. A court in Valladolid convicted the fans, sentencing them to one year in prison and fines of up to €1,620 (£1,364). The prison sentences were suspended on the condition that the defendants do not commit further offences and refrain from entering stadiums hosting official national competitions for the next three years. The ruling was hailed by La Liga, which described it as an 'unprecedented milestone in the fight against racism in sports in Spain'. Previously, courts had considered racist chants to be an offence against moral integrity, with race as an aggravating factor. 'The fact that this ruling explicitly refers to hate crimes associated with racist insults reinforces the message that intolerance has no place in football,' it said in a statement on Wednesday. The view was echoed by Real Madrid. In recent months, courts in Spain handed down sentences over racist abuse at stadiums in Valencia, Palma de Mallorca as well as Vallecas stadium in Madrid, the club said in a statement. The ruling from Valladolid, however, felt different. 'On this occasion, the hate crime convictions represent a unique recognition of the offensive nature of these behaviours.' Vinícius, 24, has long been at the forefront of fighting racism in La Liga after being subject to racist abuse at more than 10 Spanish grounds. Last year, he laid bare the toll exacted by years of racist insults, telling reporters the abuse was chipping away at his desire to play. In recent months, his efforts have yielded progress; late last year police in Spain arrested four men accused of coordinating an online hate campaign against him, while in 2023 four people were arrested over accusations of hanging an effigy of Vinícius from a Madrid bridge. In November, he again addressed his fight against racism, describing it as a continuing battle that he was happy to take on, but adding that he 'can't fight all that Black people have been suffering' alone.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Five Valladolid fans given suspended prison sentences for Vinícius Júnior hate crime
Five Valladolid fans who abused the Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior have been given suspended prison sentences, in what La Liga described as a landmark ruling that condemned racist insults hurled in a football stadium as a hate crime. The case goes back to Madrid's 2-0 win in December 2022 at Real Valladolid's José Zorrilla stadium, during which several fans hurled racist abuse at the Brazilian. The individuals were later identified using images and videos published on social media. Advertisement A court in Valladolid convicted the fans, sentencing them to one year in prison and fines of up to €1,620 (£1,364). The prison sentences were suspended on the condition that the defendants do not commit further offences and refrain from entering stadiums hosting official national competitions for the next three years. The ruling was hailed by La Liga, which described it as an 'unprecedented milestone in the fight against racism in sports in Spain'. Previously, courts had considered racist chants to be an offence against moral integrity, with race as an aggravating factor. 'The fact that this ruling explicitly refers to hate crimes associated with racist insults reinforces the message that intolerance has no place in football,' it said in a statement on Wednesday. The view was echoed by Real Madrid. In recent months, courts in Spain handed down sentences over racist abuse at stadiums in Valencia, Palma de Mallorca as well as Vallecas stadium in Madrid, the club said in a statement. Advertisement The ruling from Valladolid, however, felt different. 'On this occasion, the hate crime convictions represent a unique recognition of the offensive nature of these behaviours.' Vinícius, 24, has long been at the forefront of fighting racism in La Liga after being subject to racist abuse at more than 10 Spanish grounds. Last year, he laid bare the toll exacted by years of racist insults, telling reporters that the abuse was chipping away at his desire to play. In recent months, his efforts have yielded progress; late last year police in Spain arrested four men accused of coordinating an online hate campaign against him, while in 2023 four people were arrested over accusations of hanging an effigy of Vinícius from a Madrid bridge In November, he again addressed his fight against racism, describing it as an ongoing battle that he was happy to take on, but warning that he alone 'can't fight all that Black people have been suffering'.
