<p>If the French striker Kylian Mbappe does not extend his contract with <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule">Paris Saint-Germain</a>, the club will sell him. It was just last May when the Parc des Princes hosted a celebration for his renewal.</p>



<p>Despite interest from Real Madrid, the Frenchman had committed to staying with PSG. He had even been seen wearing a jersey that read “Mbappe 2025”. </p>



<p>The kit didn’t say anything about the specifics of the contract the 24-year-old signed, of course. In truth, Mbappe has a year left on his contract with the option to extend it for another.</p>



<p>Before the end of June, the Frenchman notified the Parisians’ management that he would not be exercising that option that would keep him at the club until 2025. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.footmercato.net/a2158674116734791697-mercato-kylian-mbappe-envoie-un-message-brutal-au-psg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foot Mercato</a> reports that after receiving the “shock letter” alerting them of the decision, Nasser Al Khelaifi and the club’s other executives opted to sell their most prized asset this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 2024.</p>



<h2>Fans spot possible clue at photos of both Mbappe and Vinicius in Miami</h2>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> have reportedly already begun making preparations to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer. Los Merengues’ president Florentino Perez is said to be working hard to strengthen the club even when their players are on vacation. </p>



<p>Already this summer the club has signed Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kylian Mbappé (24) wants to stay, PSG want to sell, Real Madrid don&apos;t want to buy: The summer&apos;s biggest transfer saga at an impasse. <a href="https://t.co/6u2hCcWOx5">https://t.co/6u2hCcWOx5</a></p>— Get French Football News (@GFFN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GFFN/status/1674803464365301761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>PSG’s main man has been spotted on vacation in Miami. Coincidentally, that’s where Vinicius Junior has also been spending his free time this summer away from soccer.</p>



<p>To no one’s surprise, one Twitter user has made an eagle-eyed observation. In a snapshot of Mbappe in Florida, there is a hand sporting the same watch that Vinicius does in another photo. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Mbappé está en Miami disfrutando sus vacaciones. 🌴 ☀️ <a href="https://t.co/YcTTZ6Uglk">pic.twitter.com/YcTTZ6Uglk</a></p>— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNDeportes/status/1674583530196684800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Though the proof is scant, Real Madrid supporters are getting excited about the possible friendship between these two players.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Viní Jr in Miami. ⭐️ <a href="https://t.co/miB9AAUzxv">pic.twitter.com/miB9AAUzxv</a></p>— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/MadridXtra/status/1673073920692432899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Photo credit: IMAGO &amp; AFLOSPORT</p>


Mbappe and Vinicius together in Miami sends Real Madrid fans wild

After photos of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. together in Miami emerged, Real Madrid transfer speculation went wild

<p>Police in Spain have revealed that seven people have been arrested in connection to racism toward Vinicius Junior in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid’s</a> LaLiga game at Valencia this past weekend. Fans in attendance at the Mestalla <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/laliga-fails-to-fight-racial-abuse-toward-vinicius-once-again-20230522-WST-434046.html">racially abused the Brazilian star</a> on Sunday. During a 10-minute delay, the star tried to identify some of those hailing chants and jeers at him. At the time, nothing came of his efforts. But, the fans provoked him into a red card in Real’s defeat. </p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LaLiga</a> has reported 10 racial abuse incidents directed at Vinicius over the last two seasons.</p>



<p>According to <em><a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37711824/four-arrested-vinicius-effigy-hung-bridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN</a></em>, three of the arrested came directly from the Valencia game at the weekend. Videos circulated on social media of fans inside the stadium chanting racial abuse towards Vinicius. The remaining four arrests involved the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/vinicius-gets-revenge-real-madrid-advances-in-copa-del-rey-20230126-WST-417089.html">hanging of a mannequin</a> donning a Vinicius jersey from a bridge back in January.</p>



<p>After Sunday’s match, Javier Tebas, LaLiga’s president, made an odd statement via Twitter. He said Vinicius must educate himself on the situation. On Tuesday, the league released an official statement claiming that they need more “powers” to fight racism.</p>



<h2>LaLiga says it can only report racism incidents to police</h2>



<p>“LaLiga is to request more sanctioning powers, with the aim of being more agile and effective in the fight against violence, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance in sport, where LaLiga has been leading the identification and reporting of such behavior in football stadiums for years, but the organization feels powerless when observing how its reporting ends,” read the <a href="https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/laliga-calls-for-sanctioning-powers-to-fight-racism-more-effectively" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>.</p>



<p>The league also claimed that current Spanish law prohibits them from actually imposing sanctions on racial abusers. Instead, LaLiga says that they can only “identify and report” certain incidents to the authorities.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"The way LaLiga has decided to victim-blame Vinicius Jr. … is baffling!"<br><br>"Where&apos;s the 15-point penalty for this!?"<br><br>Carlo Ancelotti, <a href="https://twitter.com/vinijr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vinijr</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlieDavies9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CharlieDavies9</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Nicocantor1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Nicocantor1</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NotAlexis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NotAlexis</a> speak on the racist abuse Viní Jr. suffered on Sunday and Javier Tebas&apos; reaction. <a href="https://t.co/PuP5ZK1a9R">pic.twitter.com/PuP5ZK1a9R</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1660610850812735488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Ancelotti declares Vini wants to remain with club</h5>



<p>Although some have suggested that Vinicius could depart Real after being subjected to regular racial abuse, the club’s manager insisted that the Brazilian will remain with the team. “He loves football and especially&nbsp;Real Madrid. He’s not considering [leaving] because his love for Real Madrid is so great and he wants to spend his career here and play a key role in this team,” Ancelotti <a href="https://www.realmadrid.com/en/news/2023/05/23/ancelotti-its-a-crucial-moment-to-take-drastic-measures-to-improve-the-situation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> on Tuesday.</p>



<p>“He’s in love with Real Madrid. He loves this club and he fights for Real Madrid. He knows his future is here and deep down he feels he wants to work and play for Real Madrid.”</p>



<p>Ancelotti also stated that he hopes LaLiga reduces the player’s red card penalty. Vinicius will get time off if the league upholds the two-match ban. However, the Brazilian will quickly be back in action on the pitch if LaLiga makes the necessary changes to reduce his suspension.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


LaLiga asks for more power to fight racism after latest incident

LaLiga officially asked Spanish authorities for power to fight racism in matches. The league claims it can only report incidents to police.

<p>Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior was the subject of racial abuse in another LaLiga game. This is not the first time this has happened to the Brazilian this season. Moreover, it is becoming a horrifically regular occurrence in the Spanish top flight.</p>



<p>In this most recent occurrence, Real Madrid lost to Valencia, but the main focus was on the forward. In a fiery match between the two, Vinicius picked up a straight red card. It was the first of his Real Madrid career. Yet, this came on the back of a Valencia player putting the Brazilian in a chokehold. For much of that altercation, Valencia players pestered Vinicius.</p>



<p>The fans in attendance at the Mestalla Stadium were no help. Video emerged after the game of “mono, mono” chants from the home supporters. Translated to “monkey, monkey,” there was a clear reason for Vinicius Junior to be so upset. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hi <a href="https://twitter.com/Tebasjavier?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tebasjavier</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLiga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLiga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/valenciacf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valenciacf</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmadrid</a> <br><br>I know it’s bard for you to identify just who is the racist. So here’s some help. <a href="https://t.co/c33QoSlmTY">pic.twitter.com/c33QoSlmTY</a></p>— Travis | El Quisling 🇪🇺🇯🇲 (@QuislingT) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuislingT/status/1660352318926102529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Both Vinicius and his manager, Carlo Ancelotti, hit out at LaLiga for its inability to deal with racial abuse. After the game, the player released a statement on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CshKhcAo9K_/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">his social media accounts</a>. “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does, too, and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi, today belongs to racists.”</p>



<p>Vinicius did say he plans to keep on fighting. Yet, even with the player dealing with this on such a regular basis, he found it hard on Sunday. According to his manager, Vinicius wanted to stop playing due to the abuse from fans.</p>



<h2>LaLiga shows ineptitude toward Vinicius racial abuse</h2>



<p>The player’s comments directly labeled Spain as a nation of racists, at least based on the country’s perception in Brazil. Javier Tebas, the LaLiga President, said Vini has not shown up to discuss what the league can do to combat racism. Via <a href="https://twitter.com/Tebasjavier/status/1660393419963809793" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a post on Twitter</a>, Tebas said the Brazilian must educate himself before criticizing the league and players. </p>



<p>Rightly, Vinicius lashed out at Tebas in <a href="https://twitter.com/vinijr/status/1660414706962636803" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a reply</a> to that post.</p>



<p>“Once again, instead of criticizing racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me. Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtag doesn’t move me.”</p>



<p>Carlo Ancelotti defended Vinicius. He says the league, not the player, has a problem.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"This is unacceptable. La Liga has a problem"<br><br>Carlo Ancelotti asked Vinicius Jr if he wanted to continue to play football after the player was subject to racism. <a href="https://t.co/thHSZfASbA">pic.twitter.com/thHSZfASbA</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1660539487523422211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>That problem, specifically for Vinicius, includes a number of recent events. For example, Atletico Madrid supporters <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/vinicius-claims-laliga-does-nothing-about-racial-abuse-20221231-WST-413995.html">hung a doll of Vinicius</a> from a bridge. the league did nothing.</p>



<h5>Team taking</h5>



<p>Real Madrid was the first to defend Vinicius after this recent incident against Valencia. Vini <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid/status/1660619406529929216" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">met with club president Florentino Perez</a>. The club also filed an official report with the Spanish Attorney General’s office to go after those who chanted racist abuse toward Vinicius.</p>



<p>Valencia said it will <a href="https://www.valenciacf.com/en/article/en-official-statement-valencia-cf-will-ban-for-life-the-fans-who-racially-abused-vinicius-jr-2023-05-22" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permanently ban</a> those who chanted racial abuse at Vinicius during the game. As of Monday morning, the club identified one supporter who will not be allowed to go to any Valencia games for the rest of his life. </p>



<p>Then, also on Monday morning, FIFA condemned the abuse. It reiterated the focus of the three-step process. This has different levels to deal with racist chants during a game. That process did not appear in Valencia on Sunday, though. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Photo Players Images</em></p>


LaLiga fails to fight racial abuse toward Vinicius once again

In his LaLiga career, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has routinely suffered racial abuse and discrimination from opposing fans.

<p>Budding superstar Vinicius Junior has made it clear that he wants Carlo Ancelotti to stay with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a>, but he also wants the manager to leave the door open for Brazil. Despite collecting <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LaLiga</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champions League</a> trophies last season, there are rumblings that the Italian could depart the club this summer. The Spanish giants are current second in the domestic league, 13 points behind rivals Barcelona.</p>



<p>However, Real is still performing well in the Champions League. They <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-madrid-tops-chelsea-in-first-leg-of-ucl-quarterfinal-tie-20230412-WST-428136.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beat Chelsea Wednesday night</a> in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Ancelotti will now lead his team to west London next week to finish out the tie.</p>



<h2>Vinicius sees Ancelotti at both Brazil and Real</h2>



<p>Following Wednesday’s match, Vinicius was asked if he would rather have Ancelotti as Real or Brazil coach. “Let’s hope it’s both,” <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid-espreal_madrid/story/4922920/vinicius-jr-hopes-carlo-ancelotti-can-coach-real-madrid-and-brazil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> the 22-year-old star. “For me, yes [he’s the best coach in the world]. I don’t know about everyone else, but for me and for the players here, he is.”</p>



<p>The Italian coach has been linked with the Brazil job for weeks. Brazil has reportedly approached Ancelotti about the position and many of the national team players have spoken highly about the coach. Goalkeeper Ederson even previously claimed that there was a “<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/capello-tips-ancelotti-for-brazil-national-team-job-20230325-WST-425239.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">big possibility</a>” that Ancelotti would join Brazil. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Carlo Ancelotti is the Real Madrid manager with the most Champions League wins in history 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/BevM5m6Tpn">pic.twitter.com/BevM5m6Tpn</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1646468276191371265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Star winger wants to keep winning big trophies at Real</h5>



<p>Along with questions about his coach, Vinicius was also asked about his future. Reporters asked the winger if he could possibly win a Ballon d’Or with the Spanish club. “I see myself playing at my best, winning a lot of Champions Leagues like Karim [Benzema] has, like Luka [Modric] has,” said Vinicius.</p>



<p>“They’re great players who’ve been here and written their names in the history of the best club in the world … I hope I can sign [with Madrid] forever.”</p>



<p>Although he started his young career a bit slow at Real, the Brazilian has been on fire as of late. In fact, Vinicius has a combined 20 goals/assists in his last 20 Champions League appearances. He also has 21 goals and 16 assists in all competitions so far this season for his club. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Alterphotos</em></p>


Vinicius wants Ancelotti to coach Real and Brazil

Budding superstar Vinicius Junior has made it clear that he wants Carlo Ancelotti to stay with Real Madrid, but he also wants the manager to leave the door open for Brazil. Despite collecting LaLiga and Champions League trophies last season, there are rumblings that the Italian could depart the club this summer. The Spanish giants [&hellip;]

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior wants Carlo Ancelotti to remain at Real Madrid, but the winger would also like to see him with Brazil.

<p>Spain top flight <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LaLiga</a> has dominated the latest list of top 10 most valuable soccer players in the world. <a href="https://www.footballbenchmark.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Football Benchmark</a>, a sports business analysis company, has released their list and there are some interesting inclusions and exclusions.</p>



<h5>Mbappé, Haaland are unsurprisingly top two players </h5>



<p>Perhaps unsurprisingly, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain’s</a> Kylian Mbappé tops Football Benchmark’s list. The France international leads the way with a current valuation of $218 million. Mbappé was subject to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/21/very-happy-mbappe-snubs-real-madrid-to-stay-at-psg/">a potential move to Real Madrid</a> last summer, but chose instead to remain in the French capital.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City’s</a> Erling Haaland is now second on the list at $198 million. The superstar striker has racked up an incredible 42 goals in 36 total club matches during the current campaign. Haaland is on pace to smash the Premier League’s 38-game goalscoring record this season.</p>



<h2>LaLiga players makeup half of the most valuable list</h2>



<p>Besides the two undisputed top players on the planet, LaLiga players take up five of the top 10 players on the list. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> now have three players with Vinicius Jr., Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Gavi and Pedri, on the other hand, make the cut for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping a close eye on Barcelona midfielder Gavi, should the Spaniard fail to sign another deal with the La Liga giants 😳<br><br>[Sky Sports Germany] <a href="https://t.co/NRVSNGMu7M">pic.twitter.com/NRVSNGMu7M</a></p>— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/TMuk_news/status/1640682726415036416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Despite the Premier League’s dominance in fandom, there are only two English top flight players on the list. Haaland’s Manchester City teammate Phil Foden is the only other <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier League</a> player to make the top 10. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal’s</a> duo of Bukayo Saka (12th) and Gabriel Jesus (16th) just miss the company’s cut. While Rodri (13th), Marcus Rashford (15th), Ruben Dias (19th) and Darwin Núñez (20th) all round out the league’s top 20 contenders. </p>



<h5>Football Benchmark’s top 10 most valuable soccer players:</h5>



<ol><li>Kylian Mbappé (PSG) – $218 million</li><li>Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – $198 million</li><li>Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) – $165 million</li><li>Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid) – $153 million</li><li>Phil Foden (Manchester City) – $150 million</li><li>Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) – $147 million</li><li>Gavi (Barcelona) – $146 million</li><li>Pedri (Barcelona) – $144 million</li><li>Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) – $123 million</li><li>Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid) – $111 million</li></ol>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</em></p>


LaLiga dominates top 10 most valuable players list

Spain top flight LaLiga has dominated the latest list of top 10 most valuable soccer players in the world. Football Benchmark, a sports business analysis company, has released their list and there are some interesting inclusions and exclusions. Mbappé, Haaland are unsurprisingly top two players Perhaps unsurprisingly, Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappé tops Football Benchmark's list. [&hellip;]

LaLiga currently has five of the top 10 most valuable soccer players in the world according to Football Benchmark.

LaLiga dominates top 10 most valuable players list - World Soccer Talk

<p>Real Madrid came back to beat <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/atletico-madrid-tv-schedule/">Atletico Madrid</a>, 3-1, in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-del-rey-tv-schedule/">Copa del Rey</a> quarterfinals on Thursday. The Madrid derby is historically one of the fiercest rivals in club soccer. </p>



<p>Thursday’s game didn’t disappoint. The match featured three brilliant goals, as well as a red card.</p>



<p>The pre-match hype for the massive match was marred by an incident from some Atleti fans. Right-wing ultras hung a doll wearing Vinicius Junior’s jersey from a bridge near Real’s training ground. Both clubs, along with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid-espreal_madrid/story/4861622/atletico-madrid-laliga-condemn-repugnant-racism-after-vinicius-doll-hung-from-bridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condemned</a> the racist act.</p>



<h5>Morata scores against old team again</h5>



<p>Atleti struck first in the game with a goal inside the first 20 minutes. Koke played a perfect lobbed ball over the back line of Real’s defense into an onrushing Nahuel Molina. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/argentina-win-world-cup-in-one-of-the-classic-finals-of-all-time-20221218-WST-412674.html">Argentine World Cup winner</a> then squared a pass straight to Alvaro Morata for the easy finish. It was a beautifully worked team goal for the visitors and their first strike on the road in the Madrid Derby since 2018.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ATLETICO MADRID TAKE THE EARLY LEAD THROUGH ALVARO MORATA! <a href="https://t.co/ERmoRxhOJj">pic.twitter.com/ERmoRxhOJj</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1618705896280068096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The goal was Morata’s third strike in seven games against his former club. He also previously netted against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real</a> in both legs of a Champions League semi-final while playing for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>. Morata played 95 total matches for the club during two separate stints.</p>



<p>Real’s injury woes worsened a bit when Ferland Mendy was forced off of the pitch. Midfielder Dani Ceballos entered the fray for the defender, which made Eduardo Camavinga switch to the left back position. Carlo Ancelotti’s team is already without David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eden Hazard, and Lucas Vazquez.</p>



<h2>Rodrygo levels the score with stunner in Madrid derby in Copa del Rey</h2>



<p>The hosts amped up the pressure in the second half and finally found a breakthrough in the 79th minute. Substitute Rodrygo scored an incredible solo goal after a marauding run into Atleti’s box to level the score.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">RODRYGO OUT OF THIS WORLD! 😱 <a href="https://t.co/wTGaXF6ZvV">pic.twitter.com/wTGaXF6ZvV</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1618725592190574592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>With the game tied at 1-1 at the full-time whistle, the match went into extra time. Atleti’s chances to advance plummeted in the 99th minute. Center back Stefan Savic picked up a red card for a simply silly challenge while on a yellow. It was two yellows inside of two minutes, putting Atletico down a man for the remaining 20 minutes. </p>



<h5>Benzema, Vinicius put finishing touches on Atleti</h5>



<p>Real’s star striker Karim Benzema put his team ahead just five minutes later. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a> international put a neatly placed shot between Jan Oblak and the post after the ball fell to him inside the box. It was Benzema’s 13th goal of the current campaign. </p>



<p>Vinicius, the target of those racist attacks from a small contingent of Atletico supports, exacted his revenge to ice the game. Another Brazilian to score a brilliant solo goal for Real Madrid provided the third for Los Blancos. The magician put together a mazy run through the Atletico defense before calmly slotting past Oblak. </p>



<p>The 19-time winners of the Copa del Rey will now face either Osasuna, Athletic Club or rivals <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> in the semis.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Lagencia</em></p>


Vinicius gets revenge, Real Madrid advances in Copa del Rey

Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in extra time to advance in the Copa del Rey, with three brilliant goals and a red card shown.

<div id="attachment_355640" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-355640" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-355640" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/11/GettyImages-1346660650-1024x712.webp" alt="Brazil&apos;s dominance in world soccer" width="1024" height="712" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355640" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Brazil’s dominance in the soccer world is one of historic and current significance. Of course, we all know how the nation leads all countries in World Cup Championships. The country consistently produces world-class players that dominate the club scene. Now, Brazil is expanding their domestic output to match the game’s global development.</p>
<p>Twelve games into CONMEBOL’s FIFA World Cup qualification, and Brazil are on top. With a mind-boggling 31 points in eleven games, the Brazilians look set to qualify for the World Cup. They possess an 18-point buffer from missing out on World Cup action.</p>
<p>The Copa Libertadores Final takes place on November 27. The two finalists, Flamengo and Palmeiras, are both Brazilian. Five of the eight quarterfinalists hailed from Brazil in the 2021 Copa Libertadores.</p>
<p>Similarly, the Copa Sudamericana Final features two Brazilian teams. On November 20, Athletico Paranaense takes on Red Bull Bragantino. Brazil’s dominance appeared in the group stage of South America’s Europa-League-equivalent. Four Brazilian clubs qualified for the knockout stages.</p>
<p>Other South American nations pump out talent as well. However, Brazil remains a head above their competition.</p>
<h3>Brazil’s soccer identity</h3>
<div id="attachment_355619" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-355619" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-355619" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/11/Brazil-World-Cup-Fans-1-1200x606.webp" alt="" width="1200" height="606" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355619" class="wp-caption-text">Brazilian fans celebrate during the 2014 World Cup.</p></div>
<blockquote><p><em>“If you are first, you are first. If you are second, you are nothing.” </em></p></blockquote>
<p>Pele’s famous word epitomize Brazil’s dominance throughout the world’s game. The Brazilians try their hardest to win, and when they don’t, they don’t take it well.</p>
<p>It’s no secret that Brazil is a soccer nation. With so many players coming out of the large country, one wonders why Brazil churns out so much world-class talent.</p>
<p>Many Brazilians joked that soccer is their second religion. But, in reality, it is not too far off from the truth.</p>
<p>Exposure to a significant amount of soccer makes you want to play more often. Brazil bleeds the familiar yellow and blue jerseys of the Brazilian soccer team. It has seen more and more success as it becomes more and more popular.</p>
<p>A heavy emphasis on futsal could also be why Brazil has so many talented players. Futsal, an indoor and smaller version of soccer. It prioritizes ball control, quick bursts of passing and creativity. The sport holds a special place in the culture of Brazil.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, part of the reason for its heightened popularity comes from the impoverished public in Brazil. <a href="https://borgenproject.org/tag/poverty-in-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Millions of Brazilians live in Favelas</a>, the slums of major cities like Rio de Janeiro, <span>São Paulo and </span>Ceilândia. The lack of development due to wealth imbalance contributes to the youth learning to play in tight areas on roads, concrete or dirt. Even then, young stars in Brazil make the most of their time. They develop fast reflexes, stunning balance, eye-opening ball-control, and dexterousness with the ball through the air.</p>
<p>Neymar is the perfect example of that. His rainbow flicks, body feints, and elasticos are a staple of his soccer style that much of Brazil replicates.</p>
<h3>Brazil’s dominance across club competitions</h3>
<p>Most soccer fans lament the ‘woeful’ Brazilian league. A young, albeit ill-prepared, Brazilian phenom leaves home to play for one of Europe’s best clubs. What happens next is unpredictable. Some, like Neymar from Santos and Vinicius Jr. from Flamengo, turn out to be world-class. Others erase themselves from the history book thanks to their sheer mediocrity. It is certainly a gamble, but clubs take that risk with a number of success stories.</p>
<div id="attachment_355622" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-355622" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-355622 size-medium" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2021/11/Neymar-against-Croatia-1-300x184-300x184.webp" alt="" width="300" height="184" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355622" class="wp-caption-text">Neymar takes on two Croatian defenders in the 2014 World Cup.</p></div>
<p>Furthermore, no country has more players in foreign leagues than Brazil. In 2019, <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1080755/foreign-players-european-soccer-nation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">466 Brazilians played in European competition</a>. That is more than any other country in terms of having players outside of their country of origin.</p>
<p>Brazil has a wealth of home-grown players to rely on at the club level, regardless of how many wunderkinds leave for Europe. Only 11% of soccer players playing in the Brazilian Serie A are foreigners. 64% of players playing in the English Premier League aren’t English. Spain (41%), the United States (57%), Mexico (41%) aren’t far off from the English.</p>
<h5><span>Brasileirão Série A</span></h5>
<p>The percentage numbers that the <span>Brasileirão Série A </span>has are the norm for South American soccer leagues. What separates the Brazilians from the rest of South America is the commitment and sheer number of Brazilians that go through the youth academies every day.</p>
<p>Now through the years, there has been another narrative. Veteran Brazilians have returned to their homelands to mentor young players. Diego Costa, Hulk, and Willian are examples of this.</p>
<p>When they do, it’s a win-win situation. The veterans are closer to their families, mentor the youth, and enjoy a stress-free time away from global media. The young players receive valuable input from the vets while also competing with some of the best players the world has ever seen.</p>
<p>The Brazilian Serie A also acts as a feeder league for Europe’s elite. Due to Brazil’s volatile economy, Brazil’s sides must resort to selling their most skilled youth to EPL, LaLiga and Serie A so they can fend off bankruptcy. Yet, we could be rocketing towards an era like the heydays of the Brazilian Serie A. As Brazil’s economy, carried by coffee profits, continues to improve, so will the status of Brazilian clubs everywhere.</p>
<h5>South American Competition</h5>
<p>We can look at the Copa Libertadores records to attest to the strength of Brazilian leagues. Although the Argentine teams <a href="https://interestingfootball.com/list-of-copa-libertadores-all-time-winners-most-successful-teams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claim the most titles</a>, Brazil’s dominance slipped in the Final, but teams from the nation do have the most appearances in championship games. In the Copa Sudamericana, they are second, only behind Argentina, in club titles.</p>
<p>Brazil’s dominance is even more clear in the Copa Libertadores Femenina. The Brazilians won the competition nine times in twelve years, a staggering number. World-class players like Barbara, Cristiane, Beatriz, and Formiga all dominated the continental competition.</p>
<h3>Is Brazil Better Than England?</h3>
<p>England lays claim as being the home of the sport at large. However, Brazil might do it best, at least compared to their English counterparts.</p>
<p>It’s also a good marker for the FA and CBF to judge the progress of the competitions and leagues they create.</p>
<p>The Brazilians played England 26 times. The South American side has 11 wins, 11 draws and just four losses. The Brazilians’ sheer enthusiasm for soccer, their unique approach to the game and their massive population aids the <em>Canarinho’s</em> case in the matchup.</p>
<p>But, with club soccer, the odds are more tilted towards the English. Of course, the European game dominates the club side of the sport. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and more are make significant leaps in quality each year.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Brazil falls behind. The English have top-tier facilities, an endless amount of money, and youth academies that help develop players. The Brazilians may challenge the English in terms of youth development, but first-team production is not close across the league.</p>
<p>But, significant advancements are being made. With the emergence of more talent and funds, there is a newfound hope for Brazilian club soccer. As for the <span>Seleção</span>, things can only get better for the star-studded roster.</p>
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Breaking down Brazil's dominance in world soccer

Brazil's dominance in the soccer world transcends continents. Consistently great talents make the nation one of the best for the sport.

Breaking down Brazil's dominance in world soccer - World Soccer Talk

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Breaking down Brazil's dominance in world soccer