<p>Vinicius has unfortunately been the target of racist abuse at several La Liga stadiums during his time in Spain.</p>



<p>Regrettably, another such incident occurred during a match between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sevilla-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers">Sevilla</a>. </p>



<p>Footage from the game showed a man and a young fan making racist monkey gestures towards him. This incident unfolded in the 85th minute of the game.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ancelottis-snide-remark-to-vinicius-omission-from-fifa-the-best-20230916-WST-456673.html">Vinicius</a> had already had an altercation with the crowd at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville. </p>



<p>This time, he became entangled with goalkeeper Orjan Nyland while attempting to retrieve the ball for a quick corner kick. </p>



<p>The 23-year-old pushed the goalkeeper, leading to a confrontation with Sevilla’s players who came to Nyland’s defense. </p>



<p>This then led to a scuffle right in front of the north stand, with objects being thrown onto the pitch in the midst of an already tense game. </p>



<p>As Vinicius and Ocampos faced off, a fan made a racist gesture during the altercation, resulting in yellow cards for both players from referee De Burgos Bengoechea.</p>



<h5>What did Sevilla say?</h5>



<p>The Andalusian outfit confirmed after the conclusion of the match that a fan had been removed from the stadium and would be subjected to disciplinary actions by the club.</p>



<p>“Sevilla FC would like to communicate that, after detecting xenophobic and racist behaviour, a member of the public was identified, ejected from the stadium and handed over to legal authorities. The individual will also be subject to the club’s vigorous internal disciplinary protocols and have their membership revoked.</p>



<p>“Sevilla FC condemns all racist and xenophobic behaviour and will work closely with the authorities to ensure that action is taken accordingly. This behaviour does not belong at Sevilla FC”, <a href="https://sevillafc.es/en/current/news/official-statement-sevilla-fc-real-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they said in an official statement</a>.</p>



<h5>What did Vinicius say?</h5>



<p>Despite the prompt identification of the fan involved, in a social media post, Vinicius conveyed his sadness over the fact that one of the individuals involved was a child.</p>



<p>The Brazilian star has emphasized that this incident marks the 19th occasion he has been subjected to such abuse. He has called upon Spanish authorities to take measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, including pursuing criminal actions against anyone found guilty of racially abusing a player.</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="pt" dir="ltr">Parabéns ao Sevilla pelo rápido posicionamento e pela punição em mais um triste episódio para o futebol espanhol.<br><br>Infelizmente, tive acesso a um vídeo com outro ato racista na partida deste sábado, dessa vez praticado por uma criança. Lamento muito que não haja ninguém para… <a href="https://t.co/azlZ7ccPNZ">pic.twitter.com/azlZ7ccPNZ</a></p>— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) <a href="https://twitter.com/vinijr/status/1715851887428214814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>“Congratulations to Sevilla for their quick action and for punishing yet another sad episode for Spanish football. Unfortunately, I was shown a video of another racist act at Saturday’s match, this time by a child. I’m very sorry that there was no one to educate them. I invest, and I invest a lot, in education in Brazil to form citizens with attitudes different from these.</p>



<p>“The face of today’s racist is plastered all over the websites, as it has been on several other occasions. I hope the Spanish authorities do their part and change the law once and for all”, the post on Instagram said.</p>



<p>“These people have to be punished criminally too. It would be a great first step to prepare for the 2030 World Cup. I’m on hand to help. Sorry to sound repetitive, but this is isolated episode number 19. And counting…”</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Pressinphoto</p>


Vinicius applauds Sevilla for taking swift action against racist fan

Sevilla and Real Madrid played to a 1-1 draw, but Vinicius has since asserted that he was racially abused by the home fans during the match.

Vinicius applauds Sevilla for taking swift action against racist fan - World Soccer Talk

<p>Carlo Ancelotti defended Vinicius Jr. as FIFA announced the names of the 12 players up for The Best award. There was controversy as the Brazilian was left absent.</p>



<p>As its name implies, the trophy is presented to the season’s top performer. As expected such names as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland would feature prominently.</p>



<p>The star of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Inter Miami</a> now holds the most coveted individual accolade presented by the international soccer community. After leading Argentina to the World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, he is a favorite.</p>



<p>You may also count on Haaland to be among the best candidates for the award. Because of his 52 goals in 2022-23, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/the-history-of-manchester-united-vs-manchester-city-gary-james-interview-video-20130406-CMS-52551.html">Manchester City</a> won the Premier League, FA Cup, and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a>.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Mbappe, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germai</a>n’s captain, has been consistent throughout his career. His 2022/23 season included a World Cup Final in which he scored a hat trick despite France’s defeat.</p>



<p>On the other hand, there has been much discussion in recent days over <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/brazil-reveal-vinicius-replacement-in-world-cup-qualifiers-squad-20230830-WST-452881.html">Vinicius</a>‘ omission from the list.</p>



<h2>Vinicius overlooked despite impressive form</h2>



<p>The Brazilian sensation, who had a spectacular campaign, was notably absent from the list of candidates. In 55 total appearances with Madrid, he scored 23 goals and dished out 21 assists.</p>



<p>The winner of The Best Awarda is based on their achievements from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023. Vinicius was in superb form throughout this time, scoring 16 goals and adding 14 assists. </p>



<p>This helped <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> on their way to two titles in the Copa del Rey and FIFA Club World Cup (per <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=vinicius+stats+2022%2F23+season&amp;rlz=1C1ONGR_enMK1075MK1075&amp;oq=vinicus+stats+202&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgBEAAYDRiABDIGCAAQRRg5MgkIARAAGA0YgAQyCQgCEAAYDRiABDIJCAMQABgNGIAEMggIBBAAGBYYHjIICAUQABgWGB4yCAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yCAgJEAAYFhge0gEIMzc1NWowajeoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Transfermarkt</a>).</p>



<p>Further, the 22-year-old was instrumental in Los Blancos’ run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Only Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, and Erling Haaland scored more goals than he did (30 in all competitions).</p>



<h2>What did Ancelotti say about Vinicius?</h2>



<p>Carlo Ancelotti delivered a snarky answer when asked during a news conference on Saturday about FIFA’s omission of the 23-year-old superstar. </p>



<p>“Vinicius was crying in the dressing room. I asked him ‘what’s going on’, and he said: ‘They haven’t put me on this list’. the Italian boss laughed and added, “He cried for three or four hours and we weren’t able to get him to stop.”</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">🎙️ Periodista: ¿Te sorprende que Vinícius no esté entre los nominados al premio The Best?<br><br>🗣️ Ancelotti: "Le he visto estos días en el vestuario y estaba llorando, me dijo no me pusieron en esa lista, ha llorado 3 o 4 horas, no hemos podido pararlo." 🤣<a href="https://t.co/DfgWVdHUvd">pic.twitter.com/DfgWVdHUvd</a></p>— REAL MADRID ♥️ (@AdriRM33) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdriRM33/status/1702997532639473665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 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 / Marco Canoniero</p>


Ancelotti’s snide remark to Vinicius’ omission from FIFA The Best

In light of Vinicius's snub from FIFA's Best Player award, Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti provided a jocular response

Ancelotti's snide remark to Vinicius' omission from FIFA The Best

<p>Real Madrid star Vinicius got off to a great start of the season but then was dealt an early blow.</p>



<p>After leaving last weekend’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/laliga-weekend-roundup-big-3-grab-all-the-headlines-20230829-WST-452654.html">1-0 La Liga victory against Celta Vigo</a>, the club announced in a statement that the Brazilian had injured the biceps femoris in his right leg. Therefore, he would be unable to participate in the <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/">2026 World Cup South American Qualifications</a>.</p>



<p>Vinicius is thus expected to miss around six weeks of action. He will not be able to make it in time for the September FIFA date, but he will be there for the October international window.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> attacker should return for Los Blancos’ encounter against Osasuna on Oct. 8, according to <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/football/real-madrid/2023/08/28/64ecbfefe2704e519e8b45a1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Marca</em></a>.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Vinicius Jr. hobbles off the pitch early for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo | ESPN FC" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OpqrfCBsdeA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>Raphinha gets first Brazil call since Qatar World Cup in Vinicius place</h2>



<p>Starting on Friday, Sep. 8, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a> begins its quest to reach another World Cup. That starts against Bolivia. Then, Brazil travels to Peru on Sep. 12 for its first road game in qualifying.</p>



<p>New Selecao coach Fernando Diniz has chosen Raphinha to replace the injured 23-year-old Vinicius in the Brazil squad, according to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).</p>



<p>The last time the 26-year-old donned his country’s jersey was during the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">2022 World Cup</a> in Qatar. It was there that Croatia knocked the five-time champions out of the competition in the Quarterfinals.</p>



<p>Following the performance last year in Qatar, Brazil did not include him in the roster for the March exhibition games. To date, Raphinha has scored five goals in 16 international appearances for the <em>Canarinha</em>.</p>



<h5>This could fix his rocky start of season</h5>



<p>Brazil did not call up the Barcelona forward last time around. Now, an injury to Vinicius has opened the door for him to finally get a shot. He must use this opportunity to re-establish himself as a regular member of the Selecao squad.</p>



<p>His season started poorly under Xavi. Due to his red card in the first league encounter against Getafe, he missed the Blaugrana’s next two games of the new campaign.</p>



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


Brazil reveal Vinicius replacement in World Cup Qualifiers squad

Vinicius had a fantastic preseason before suffering an early season injury with Real Madrid, forcing Brazil into a squad change.

<p>Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior is going to miss four weeks because of a hamstring injury. He joins a lengthy list of stars that are missing extended time for <em>Los Blancos</em>. Both <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-madrid-lose-courtois-to-acl-injury-who-will-replace-him-20230811-WST-449407.html">Thibaut Courtois</a> and Eder Militao are out for the season because of knee injuries. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-madrid-win-race-to-sign-teen-dubbed-the-turkish-messi-20230707-WST-441764.html">New signing</a> Arda Guler is a name on the injury list. His injury is the same duration as Vinicius at around a month.</p>



<p>The Brazilian left Real Madrid’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> game against Celta Vigo after just 18 minutes. In an innocuous play, Vinicius pulled up and fell clutching his hamstring. He came off but was walking under his own power. Therefore, it is arguably fortunate news that his hamstring injury is not lasting any longer. Instead, he just needs to recuperate. </p>



<p>Still, this means the Brazilian will miss between four and six weeks of action. Vinicius is the only true left-winger on the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> squad, which is rife with midfielders. Therefore, he likely has a replacement from one of them. For example, Federico Valverde has played games at right wing for the club. Then, the running joke on social media is that Eduardo Camavinga can play virtually any position. That does include time at left-back this season.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vinicius Jr adds to Real Madrid&apos;s growing injury list this season 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/EkxcaDDKpe">pic.twitter.com/EkxcaDDKpe</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1696196698010271902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>However, Real Madrid may take advantage of the slim time left in the transfer market to bring in a temporary replacement for arguably its best player.</p>



<h2>Vinicius injury forces Real Madrid to find replacement</h2>



<p>One of those names that Real Madrid may seek out is Anthony Martial of Manchester United. According to <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-transfer-news-live-27606238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports out of Spain</a>, Manchester United has offered the French forward as a replacement for Vinicius. The initial reports indicate this is a loan move, which is likely to last for this season. </p>



<p>Martial started in United’s recent win over Nottingham Forest. However, he failed to make any kind of impact, and Erik ten Hag pulled him off after an hour. Injuries and dips in form have been a consistent theme for Martial in his time in England. Despite three strong seasons in Premier League play, he never maintained form.</p>



<p>Last season, Martial played in Spain on loan at Sevilla. Yet, he only scored once in 12 appearances in all competitions. Real Madrid may seek out Martial to help bear the injury load. He would face a tall task to fill Vinicius’ shoes in the Real Madrid squad.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO &amp; @guelbergoes</em></p>


Curious replacement for Vinicius injury emerges for Real Madrid

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior is going to miss four weeks because of a hamstring injury, and one name is already linked to the club.

<p>LaLiga president Javier Tebas continued to make bold claims as he deals with rampant racism in the Spanish top flight. Tebas and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> star Vinicius Junior battled on Twitter. That came after the Brazilian was on the receiving end of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/laliga-fails-to-fight-racial-abuse-toward-vinicius-once-again-20230522-WST-434046.html">heavy racist abuse</a> in Real Madrid’s game against Valencia. </p>



<p>Now, Tebas is stating that he and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> could eradicate racism in six months. The caveat is that he and the league do not have the power to do so. At a news conference on Thursday, he said <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/laliga-asks-for-more-power-to-fight-racism-after-latest-incident-20230523-WST-434252.html">the league is taking the legal route</a>. If all comes to fruition, racism will be out of the league in half a year.</p>



<p>“What we want is the power to do more things. With the power we are convinced within months this would be solved,” Tebas told the media. Then, he compared the issues of racism or homophobia to the economic distress of clubs.</p>



<p>“We have been able to have economic control to stop our clubs going bankrupt so if we are given the competencies we can put an end to this because it is easier to stop than financial control.”</p>



<p>LaLiga plans to send a group to the government and Spanish political parties to challenge current laws to make it easier to fight racism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of discrimination.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Following a 90-minute LaLiga press conference, president Javier Tebas is asked how many black people work in Spain&apos;s top division. <a href="https://t.co/TXb0yJh8nV">pic.twitter.com/TXb0yJh8nV</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1661771805969850368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Tebas issuing ‘support’ of Vinicius in LaLiga fight</h2>



<p>In the meantime, with just two games remaining in the league, Tebas said the Brazilian would have the full backing of the league if he decides to abandon a game due to racism. Despite this support, Tebas is yet to reach out directly to Vinicius outside of that social media back-and-forth. However, the LaLiga President has talked to sponsors to reassure them that this is an isolated incident.</p>



<p>Of course, it is not an isolated incident. Since December 2020, LaLiga reported nine racist incidents involving just Vinicius. Officials resolved four of those nine. Investigations found two did not have racism. From there, the club has the authority to issue sanctions. Yet, in this most recent Valencia case, the Spanish Football Federation ordered <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65691729" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a partial stadium ban</a> and a $45,000 fine for the club.</p>



<p>Again, that was the Spanish Football Federation, not LaLiga, even though this is an issue specific to the league. Much of Tebas’s actions have seemed to backtrack on his initial outburst soon after the incident itself. </p>



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


LaLiga president Tebas would support Vinicius if he walks off field

LaLiga President Javier Tebas continues to fight an uphill battle as he sidesteps the issues of racism in LaLiga and Vinicius Junior.

<p>In the aftermath of Real Madrid’s high-tension victory over Cadiz last week, <a href="https://twitter.com/vinijr/status/1590846143222763520" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinicius Jr. tweeted</a> out the message: “Thank God, another game without an injury”</p>



<p>It was a statement that was part genuine relief given the state of injuries ahead of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup 2022</a> tournament, and part some thinly-veiled criticism of the treatment he believes he’s dealt with in La Liga.</p>



<p>And it’s become a debate that’s dominated the headlines in Spain.</p>



<h2>Vinicius Jr. and the Boy Who Cried Wolf</h2>



<p>On an ESPN FC broadcast, Frank Leboeuf perfectly summed up the issue with Vinicius using the classic children’s tale “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” In many ways, it’s an apt analysis of the situation, though in a vacuum perhaps a bit too simplistic.&nbsp;</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Will refs be held responsible for the fouls allowed on Vinicius Jr.? | ESPN FC Extra Time" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0jwBmeHEdig?start=333&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>There’s nuance to this situation but objectively Vinicius has been far and away the most fouled player in Spain and one of the most fouled in Europe.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Acaba de decir Carlo Ancelotti: "Vinicius es el que más faltas sufre, bofetadas, patadas… y le llaman provocador"<br><br>Miramos los que más faltas reciben en España y en las grandes ligas (al menos 1.000 minutos jugados) y… <a href="https://t.co/uF1mqKUfwH">pic.twitter.com/uF1mqKUfwH</a></p>— BeSoccer Pro (@BeSoccerPro) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeSoccerPro/status/1590316706211454976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Carlo Ancelotti, as always, recently offered his insight:</p>



<p>“<em>Fair play isn’t as common in Latin countries. It’s much more common in other countries. But, fair play is one of the most important parts of football. Trying to provoke a player isn’t fair play, whether it’s physically or verbally, but Vinícius needs to improve in his response to this. He’s young, so he will improve in this aspect.”</em></p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🎙| Ancelotti: "If you provoke [Vinicius] on the pitch that&apos;s not fair-play. Vinicius also has to improve under this aspect. But he&apos;s still young."</p>— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/MadridXtra/status/1590308231749976064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>But while there’s merit to his anger at a lack of protection from the refs, he’s also played a role with some of his embellishments. It’s become this never-ending cycle of opponents fouling Vinicius, followed by Vini Jr. himself selling the contact at times to ensure the ref sees it, the ref getting tired of the embellishment, and then eventually legitimately poor fouls are not punished.</p>



<p>And therein lies the rub. Vinicius isn’t entirely wrong. But until he approves his reaction and approach, defenders will continue to utilize this against him and put him off his game. Football, like life, isn’t fair and to hit the highest levels he’ll have to focus on what he can control above all.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


Vinicius Jr and the Boy Who Cried Wolf

We take a look at Vinicius Jr and the Boy Who Cried Wolf. The footballer is often fouled at Real Madrid, but is he part of the problem?

Vinicius Jr and the Boy Who Cried Wolf - World Soccer Talk

<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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