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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
7 Samba stars to shine in 2024-25 RSL
The Roshn Saudi League has always shared a special relationship with Brazil and thus Brazilian players, with the South American nation supplying a huge number of foreign footballers to the league through the years. From players of yesteryear like Rivellino and Denilson, to modern-day greats such as Neymar and Roberto Firmino, a cavalcade of Brazil's best have called Saudi Arabia home during the years. This past season was no different, with more than 30 Brazilians sprinkled across the league. Advertisement So, to mark the all-Brazilian clash between Palmeiras and Botafogo taking place at the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday, we look at how some of the standout Samba stars from the 2024-25 RSL. -------- Fabinho - Al Ittihad Right at the top, the former Liverpool midfielder walked away with his first RSL title as Al Ittihad dominated the second half of the season to storm away with the top-flight trophy, ultimately heading the league by eight points ahead of second-placed Al Hilal. Capped 29 times by his national team, Fabinho has formed a dynamic relationship with N'Golo Kante in the centre of the park since joining the Jeddah giants back in 2023; together, they form one of the best midfield duos in the league. Advertisement Ranked seventh in the league for passes and sixth for tackles, in every facet of the game Fabinho was crucial to Al Ittihad's title success. Check out the best images from Al Ittihad's title ceremony -------- Marcos Leonardo - Al Hilal The 22-year-old arrived in Riyadh with a burgeoning reputation after his time with both Santos and Benfica, and he showed why during a superb debut season for defending champions Al Hilal. It's never easy coming into a team that has won the title, let alone one that did so by breaking a slew of records, but Leonardo unmistakably made Al Hilal stronger this campaign - especially when deputising devastatingly for the injured Aleksandar Mitrovic. Advertisement Leonardo's 17 goals ranked him seventh in the 2024-25 RSL and included a run of scoring in seven straight games; incredibly, he netted 11 times in that spell from December through to February. Al Hilal's Leonardo celebrates goal v Al Fayha -------- Galeno - Al Ahli It's hard to quantify the difference the former FC Porto winger made for Al Ahli, but it was significant. Arriving only in February, the 27-year-old played 11 games in the RSL and registered three goals and two assists. However, Galeno changed structurally how Al Ahli attacked, which made them significantly more dangerous. With that in mind, it's no coincidence that Ivan Toney scored 16 of his 23 RSL goals – second only to golden boot winner Cristiano Ronaldo – after the Brazilian wideman arrived. Advertisement Undoubtedly, the crowning glory came in winning the AFC Champions League Elite, with Galeno's goal in the final helping Al Ahli claim their first piece of continental silverware. -------- Robert Renan - Al Shabab The name Robert Renan might not have meant as much to a lot of football fans, but the 21-year-old certainly made something of a name for himself at Al Shabab this season. The Brazil youth international arrived in September on loan from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg as an exciting defender full of potential, promptly settled on the left side of the defence for a team that improved under Fatih Terim's tutelage to eventually finish sixth. Advertisement By season's end, Renan not only had three assists to his name - the most of any defender at the club and more than the likes of legendary captain Abderrazak Hamdallah and Giacomo Bonaventura - but also ranked fourth at Al Shabab for passes, and third for both tackles and clearances. -------- Bento - Al Nassr Signing a top-quality goalkeeper was close to the top of Al Nassr's wish list during last summer's transfer window – and, in Bento, they found just what they were looking for. After five seasons in his homeland with Athletico Paranaense, the 26-year-old made the move to Riyadh as Al Nassr looked to go one better than their RSL runners-up finish they had in 2023-24. Advertisement While they couldn't achieve that, ultimately finishing third, that wasn't the fault of Bento, who concluded his first campaign ranked fourth across the league for clean sheets (nine) - ahead of Yassine Bono and Predrag Rajkovic. The Brazil international more than justified that pre-season faith. -------- Vitinho - Al Ettifaq After three seasons in the RSL, the former Flamengo midfielder had his best campaign yet in the Kingdom thanks in large part to Al Ettifaq manager Saad Al Shehri, who replaced Steven Gerrard in January. Used more sparingly by Gerrard at the beginning of the season, the Brazil youth international came alive in Al Shehri's side, with four of his six goals and five of his seven assists coming under the Saudi manager in the back half of the season. Advertisement Recording his most productive season to date, Vitinho was vital to Al Ettifaq shooting up the table from 12th to eventually finish seventh. -------- Lucas Kal - Al Riyadh The 29-year-old could have been described as a journeyman when he landed in the RSL at the beginning of last season from Atletico Goianiense, with Al Riyadh the eighth stop on his career pathway since making his debut for Sao Paolo in 2017. But, having embraced manager Sabri Lamouchi's guidance, Kal impressed in the heart of midfield for a side that oscillated between the top and bottom half of the table throughout the campaign. With three goals and two assists, Kal also ranked third for passes and fourth for tackles at the club - a more-than-respectable return for someone experiencing the Saudi top flight for the first time.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Five little-known stars who could be heading to Premier League after dazzling at the Club World Cup for Brazilian clubs
WITH all four of its clubs through to the second round, Brazil has been enjoying a highly successful Club World Cup. This should not come as a complete surprise. Having a tournament like this - with a chance to have a crack at the European giants - is a dream come true for Brazilian football. 5 5 5 Even so, one thing remains unaltered. The Brazilian game continues to lose its outstanding talents to Europe - and, increasingly, to the Premier League. Estevao, the Palmeiras wonderkid, joins Chelsea after the tournament, and Igor Jesus, the excellent Botafogo centre forward, links up with Nottingham Forest. Gerson, the Flamengo midfielder who was so impressive in the win over Chelsea, appears on the verge of signing for Zenit in Russia - and there is a chance that one of his team-mates may also be on his way across the Atlantic. It was a mistake by Wesley that allowed Chelsea to take the lead last Friday. But the young right back recovered well. Otherwise, he was defensively sound and his quick forward bursts, both down the touchline and cutting infield, were a consistent part of his team's attacking armoury. The player, who turns 22 in September, made his breakthrough two years ago under Jorge Sampaoli, a coach who loves attacking full-backs. Current boss Filipe Luis was a fine left-back in his playing days, and has helped improve the defensive side of his game. Wesley has forced his way into the Brazil squad, something which always increases the transfer value, and Flamengo expect to make a big sale in the summer window. There is Premier League interest from Brighton and Chelsea, but there will be plenty of competition from other European giants. A Flamengo player who has put himself in the shop window earlier than expected is striker Wallace Yan. The club have been bringing the 20-year-old along gently, giving him experience as a late substitute - and now in the USA he has made a real impact, coming off the bench to score against Chelsea and Los Angeles. A rangy figure who can attack from the right or through the middle, he has been running at defences with the nerveless sense of freedom of someone playing a kick-about in the park, and Wolves are said to be interested. With even the biggest Brazilian clubs selling their young stars, one of the ways that they have been becoming more competitive is to buy in from neighbouring countries. In fact, Brazil now treats the rest of South America in the same way that Europe treats Brazil, picking up some of the best talent. An excellent recent example is that of Alvaro Montoro, an 18-year-old Argentine who has just been picked up by Botafogo. The attacking midfielder came through the ranks at home with Velez Sarsfield. His breakthrough came in this year's group stages of the Copa Libertadores, South America's Champions League. His skill and strength of character were quickly apparent as he weighed in with three goals. Botafogo signed him on the eve of the Club World Cup. They have been delighted by his displays in training - and even more with the substitute appearances he has been making during the competition, where he is looking entirely at home in high pressure situations. Great things are expected. 5 One who has been producing great things for a while is Colombia's Jhon Arias, the star man in the Fluminense side. He was not considered a big name in 2021 when he was still at home with Independiente Santa Fe. But Fluminense played against him, liked what they saw and picked him up for a bargain fee. A squat little figure, for the Colombia national side he is often used as a disciplined member of a central midfield trio. For Fluminense he is a right winger with freedom to roam. He combines well, turns and surges at the opposing defence and - and he showed against Ulsan of South Korea, he strikes a mean free-kick. Arias was by far the best Fluminense player in the side that went down 4-0 to Manchester City in the Intercontinental final at the end of 2023. He demonstrated that he could hold his own in such company, and it is surprising that major European clubs did not make a move. Age is against him - he turns 28 in September, and the current market prefers teenagers. But he is so good - and versatile - that someone should surely take a chance. Another Colombian international midfielder who has made his name in Brazil is Richard Rios of Palmeiras. His is a fascinating story. Rios was a futsal player, representing his country in an international tournament in Rio. Flamengo liked what they saw, and offered him an 11-a-side career. After bouncing around between Brazil and Mexico, Palmeiras acquired him in 2023 and he has since become a fixture for club and country. Rangy, classy, dynamic and competitive - sometimes too competitive - Rios had an excellent Copa America last year and is confirming the good impression in the current tournament. He has just turned 25, and Palmeiras expect to make a sale in the summer window, with Manchester United believed to be among the interested parties. 5
The Guardian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Brazilian teams have excelled at the Club World Cup. How far can they go?
'Many people didn't believe this would happen. It is happening,' said Fluminense manager Renato Gaúcho as he reflected on the performances of the Brazilian teams at the Club World Cup. With Fluminense, Palmeiras, Botafogo and Flamengo all on their way to the last 16, Renato said that Brazilian football and people should be 'very proud' of what their clubs have done in the US. The results in the group stage were impressive. Botafogo beat European champions Paris Saint-Germain; Flamengo won convincingly against Chelsea; and the only defeat for a Brazilian team – when Botafogo lost to Atlético Madrid – came when they had an eye on the knockout stage. In all, they played 12 games, lost one and only conceded nine goals. The last 16 kicks off on Saturday, with Botafogo v Palmeiras in Philadelphia. The tie resumes a rivalry that has been at the forefront of Brazilian football in recent years. While it's not an historic conflict or one based on geographical proximity, the clubs have been at loggerheads as they have battled for the Brasileirão title. Consider it a Brazilian version of the Manchester City v Liverpool rivalry – but with a bit more spice. In 2023, Botafogo built up a 15-point lead in the title race but started to fritter it away. By the time they met Palmeiras towards the end of the campaign, their lead was down to six points. Botafogo raced into a 3-0 lead in their crunch match but Endrick inspired a 4-3 comeback. In the end, Palmeiras denied Botafogo the title and snatched it for themselves. Afterwards, Botafogo's majority owner John Textor went on a rampage, accusing Palmeiras of corruption. Leila Pereira, the Palmeiras president, called Textor's accusations 'irresponsible and criminal' and dubbed him the 'embarrassment of Brazilian football'. The feud between the two leaders is one of the biggest subplots before their match on Saturday, with rival fans telling Botafogo supporters to enjoy themselves before Textor sinks their club à la Lyon. Botafogo recovered from their heartbreak in 2024, becoming just the fourth team in history to do a league and Libertadores double. To make their revenge even sweeter, they eliminated Palmeiras in the last 16. They have struggled in the league this season though, especially after losing their best players in Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada (who is on loan at one of Textor's other clubs, Lyon), as well as their manager. So their success at the Club World Cup – including that standout victory against PSG – has come as a welcome surprise. We've been talking to their defender Vitinho – who spent a few years at Burnley – and he is feeling confident. 'We have a very strong team, we know our potential and we never stopped believing,' he says. 'As long as we have a chance, we will fight to the fullest. We worked hard, we believed and we achieved our goal, which was to qualify from the group stage. We knew we would face a very tough team in the round of 16. It will be like that until the end. We have had great duels against Palmeiras in recent years, memorable moments for both teams, and this will be another very important game for both clubs.' On the other side of the rivalry, Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton says he and his teammates have been preparing for the Club World Cup for a long time and are satisfied with their performances so far. 'It was a good start, we're on the right track,' he said. 'This competition, playing against the best teams in the world, is a great opportunity for everyone to show their worth. And the Brazilian teams are doing it very well. It is up to us to maintain this level and improve, because the pressure will only increase. We have great opportunities to advance in the competition.' He knows that Botafogo will be tough opponents. 'A Brazilian confrontation is always difficult because you know the characteristics of the players, but at this point you can't choose your opponents. It will be difficult for Palmeiras, as it will be difficult for Botafogo; they are two great teams. Brazilian football has won here; we will have a Brazilian team in the quarter-finals. This values our football.' Flamengo, the current league leaders in Brazil, have been dealt a tough draw in the last 16, where they face Bayern Munich. Having won their group, it looked as though Flamengo would play Benfica or Boca Juniors in the last 16 but Vincent Kompany's decision to rest players against Benfica backfired on Bayern – and Flamengo. The winner of their last-16 tie will meet Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Miami in the quarter-finals then possibly Real Madrid in the semis. Focusing on the first task in hand, club icon Zico joked that 'we have an advantage, because we've only ever played one game against Bayern and it was 3-1 to Flamengo'. He's not referring to a past Intercontinental Cup, though, but rather a match at the Kuala Lumpur International Tournament in 1994. Flamengo were awarded $20,000 for that victory. The stakes will be far higher in Miami on Sunday night. Flamengo manager Filipe Luís is full of respect for Bayern, calling them 'dominant', a 'colossus' with 'an extraordinary squad' and 'an excellent coach' and one of the top tier of European clubs that are above anything South America can offer. 'They're a club that inspires us and gives us ideas to copy, but in a game anything can happen,' he added. Filipe Luís knows Flamengo face an uphill battle but he wants his team to keep their identity and, if they are to go out, to do so on their own shield. 'Flamengo's DNA requires you try to take the ball away from the opponent, try to press, control the game and be as vertical as possible,' he said. 'That is what we will try to do. We know their quality and the way they play. They will try to impose their rhythm, and we will try to do the same. In the end, may the best team win.' Some Flamengo fans have taken umbrage with what they perceive to be Bayern rolling over for Benfica and settling for second place. It's a strategy Fluminense appeared to adopt as well. They rested players and drew with Mamelodi Sundowns, perhaps as a means of playing either River Plate or Monterrey in the last 16. With Dortmund and Inter winning, though, and Fluminense picking up just a point, the 2023 Libertadores winners will now face Inter. 'Now, there is no easy game,' says their manager Renato, who has also echoed the idea that knockout football is about more than money. 'It's no use having a team of 500m, football is on the field,' he said. Fluminense have their own veterans, such as Thiago Silva at the heart of their defence, but perhaps it's the perfect moment to pounce on a crestfallen and ageing Inter side after their hammering against PSG. This is an article by Tom Sanderson and Josué Seixas
The Guardian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Brazilian teams have excelled at the Club World Cup. How far can they go?
'Many people didn't believe this would happen. It is happening,' said Fluminense manager Renato Gaúcho as he reflected on the performances of the Brazilian teams at the Club World Cup. With Fluminense, Palmeiras, Botafogo and Flamengo all on their way to the last 16, Renato said that Brazilian football and people should be 'very proud' of what their clubs have done in the US. The results in the group stage were impressive. Botafogo beat European champions Paris Saint-Germain; Flamengo won convincingly against Chelsea; and the only defeat for a Brazilian team – when Botafogo lost to Atlético Madrid – came when they had an eye on the knockout stage. In all, they played 12 games, lost one and only conceded nine goals. The last 16 kicks off on Saturday, with Botafogo v Palmeiras in Philadelphia. The tie resumes a rivalry that has been at the forefront of Brazilian football in recent years. While it's not an historic conflict or one based on geographical proximity, the clubs have been at loggerheads as they have battled for the Brasileirão title. Consider it a Brazilian version of the Manchester City v Liverpool rivalry – but with a bit more spice. In 2023, Botafogo built up a 15-point lead in the title race but started to fritter it away. By the time they met Palmeiras towards the end of the campaign, their lead was down to six points. Botafogo raced into a 3-0 lead in their crunch match but Endrick inspired a 4-3 comeback. In the end, Palmeiras denied Botafogo the title and snatched it for themselves. Afterwards, Botafogo's majority owner John Textor went on a rampage, accusing Palmeiras of corruption. Leila Pereira, the Palmeiras president, called Textor's accusations 'irresponsible and criminal' and dubbed him the 'embarrassment of Brazilian football'. The feud between the two leaders is one of the biggest subplots before their match on Saturday, with rival fans telling Botafogo supporters to enjoy themselves before Textor sinks their club à la Lyon. Botafogo recovered from their heartbreak in 2024, becoming just the fourth team in history to do a league and Libertadores double. To make their revenge even sweeter, they eliminated Palmeiras in the last 16. They have struggled in the league this season though, especially after losing their best players in Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada (who is on loan at one of Textor's other clubs, Lyon), as well as their manager. So their success at the Club World Cup – including that standout victory against PSG – has come as a welcome surprise. We've been talking to their defender Vitinho – who spent a few years at Burnley – and he is feeling confident. 'We have a very strong team, we know our potential and we never stopped believing,' he says. 'As long as we have a chance, we will fight to the fullest. We worked hard, we believed and we achieved our goal, which was to qualify from the group stage. We knew we would face a very tough team in the round of 16. It will be like that until the end. We have had great duels against Palmeiras in recent years, memorable moments for both teams, and this will be another very important game for both clubs.' On the other side of the rivalry, Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton says he and his teammates have been preparing for the Club World Cup for a long time and are satisfied with their performances so far. 'It was a good start, we're on the right track,' he said. 'This competition, playing against the best teams in the world, is a great opportunity for everyone to show their worth. And the Brazilian teams are doing it very well. It is up to us to maintain this level and improve, because the pressure will only increase. We have great opportunities to advance in the competition.' He knows that Botafogo will be tough opponents. 'A Brazilian confrontation is always difficult because you know the characteristics of the players, but at this point you can't choose your opponents. It will be difficult for Palmeiras, as it will be difficult for Botafogo; they are two great teams. Brazilian football has won here; we will have a Brazilian team in the quarter-finals. This values our football.' Flamengo, the current league leaders in Brazil, have been dealt a tough draw in the last 16, where they face Bayern Munich. Having won their group, it looked as though Flamengo would play Benfica or Boca Juniors in the last 16 but Vincent Kompany's decision to rest players against Benfica backfired on Bayern – and Flamengo. The winner of their last-16 tie will meet Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Miami in the quarter-finals then possibly Real Madrid in the semis. Focusing on the first task in hand, club icon Zico joked that 'we have an advantage, because we've only ever played one game against Bayern and it was 3-1 to Flamengo'. He's not referring to a past Intercontinental Cup, though, but rather a match at the Kuala Lumpur International Tournament in 1994. Flamengo were awarded $20,000 for that victory. The stakes will be far higher in Miami on Sunday night. Flamengo manager Filipe Luís is full of respect for Bayern, calling them 'dominant', a 'colossus' with 'an extraordinary squad' and 'an excellent coach' and one of the top tier of European clubs that are above anything South America can offer. 'They're a club that inspires us and gives us ideas to copy, but in a game anything can happen,' he added. Filipe Luís knows Flamengo face an uphill battle but he wants his team to keep their identity and, if they are to go out, to do so on their own shield. 'Flamengo's DNA requires you try to take the ball away from the opponent, try to press, control the game and be as vertical as possible,' he said. 'That is what we will try to do. We know their quality and the way they play. They will try to impose their rhythm, and we will try to do the same. In the end, may the best team win.' Some Flamengo fans have taken umbrage with what they perceive to be Bayern rolling over for Benfica and settling for second place. It's a strategy Fluminense appeared to adopt as well. They rested players and drew with Mamelodi Sundowns, perhaps as a means of playing either River Plate or Monterrey in the last 16. With Dortmund and Inter winning, though, and Fluminense picking up just a point, the 2023 Libertadores winners will now face Inter. 'Now, there is no easy game,' says their manager Renato, who has also echoed the idea that knockout football is about more than money. 'It's no use having a team of 500m, football is on the field,' he said. Fluminense have their own veterans, such as Thiago Silva at the heart of their defence, but perhaps it's the perfect moment to pounce on a crestfallen and ageing Inter side after their hammering against PSG. This is an article by Tom Sanderson and Josué Seixas
Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
All 4 Brazilian clubs advance at Club World Cup. One is guaranteed to make the quarterfinals
One clear and unexpected force has surged as the group stage of the Club World Cup comes to a close: Brazil. Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense – all Copa Libertadores winners in recent years – all advanced to the second round. All offered tough competition to the powerful European clubs, and all have excited tens of millions of fans at home. There's renewed hope for Brazilian fans after years of defeats against European teams in FIFA competitions. Flamengo and Palmeiras topped their groups – Flamengo stunned Chelsea 3–1 to be the first team to qualify for the knockout rounds. Botafogo, which shocked Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain, and Fluminense qualified in second place. 'Our first objective was the Round-of-16, but that isn't the end objective,' Fluminense midfielder Jhon Arias said Wednesday after a 0–0 draw with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns. All four clubs from Brazil have similar expectations for the knockout stage. Botafogo and Palmeiras will face off Saturday, a game which guarantees at least one Brazilian club a spot in the quarterfinals. Flamengo takes on Bayern Munich on Sunday. Fluminense will face either River Plate, Inter Milan, or Monterrey. Corinthians was the last Brazilian club to win the world club title, beating Chelsea in 2012. That tournament format was much smaller than the current 32-team competition, which features clubs from five continents. New optimism Copa Libertadores champion Botafogo produced the biggest group-stage upset with the June 19 win over PSG. Before that encounter, Brazilian fans and soccer pundits expected the French club to bulldoze the carioca side, which has had ups and downs this year. 'Botafogo was the team that best defended against us in the entire season,' PSG coach Luis Enrique said. 'They deserved it.' Two factors have helped Brazilian clubs: they're halfway through their season, unlike the European clubs which have finished, and they're familiar with the kind of heat that has blanketed the tournament. Still, Brazilian coaches, executives, players, and fans weren't showing much optimism before the tournament began. That has also changed, as Flamengo fans showed in Philadelphia by chanting 'the time is coming' for Bayern Munich after the German club was confirmed as their next opponent. 'The cemetery of football is full of favorites,' Botafogo coach Renato Paiva said after victory over the European champions. 'Almost nobody can openly face PSG. Could I try that? I could, but that was a big risk in a competition of this kind.' Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said he wasn't surprised by his team's loss against Flamengo. The Brazilian lineup controlled the match and had nine shots on goal against only four from the English club. Atletico Madrid's late 1–0 over Botafogo was the only defeat for a Brazilian club in the group stage. South American power Brazilian teams are so competitive in South America that they have won the past six editions of the Copa Libertadores, including five all-Brazil finals. Much of that success for Brazilians comes from talent of the rest of South America, as it has happened in the Club World Cup. The Brazilian league attracts young footballers from across the region before they move elsewhere for money and more prestige. But some choose to stay and grow in a tough league outside of Europe with up to six serious contenders for the trophy every year. Flamengo playmaker Giorgián de Arrascaeta is Uruguayan. Botafogo's key player is Venezuela's Jefferson Savarino. Fluminense highly depends on Arias. Palmeiras is trusting more goals will come from Argentina's Flaco López. And none of those have ever played in Europe. 'Many good things in all history that happen in football come from South America,' Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said Sunday. 'The greatest players come from there.' Brazil has also brought in several Portuguese coaches with success. Paiva took over Botafogo from his countryman Arthur Jorge. And Abel Ferreira has won almost every title with Palmeiras since he joined the club in 2020. That has also made Brazilian clubs more competitive. 'I am very proud to be in Brazil. I had many chances to leave, and I did not,' Ferreira said at the start of the tournament. Asked how big the gap is between his team and European clubs, Ferreira said: 'It is minimal. We have to compete.' The knockout stage of the Club World Cup will tell whether he is right.
