Tag Archives: Brazil

Karol G to Headline Halftime Show During YouTube’s Exclusive Live Broadcast of 2025 NFL São Paulo Game

Posted on by
Reply

Karol G is getting in the jogo (de futebol Americano).

The 34-year-old Colombian superstar will headline the halftime show during YouTube’s first exclusive NFL live broadcast taking place at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, in September, YouTube and the National Football League have announced.

Karol GCelebrating the “Sounds of Latin America through Gameday Entertainment,” the 2025 NFL São Paulo game set for September 5 will be a face-off between the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I’m so excited to be part of YouTube’s first-ever NFL live broadcast, it’s truly an honor and a moment I’m so proud to be part of,” Karol Gt, who’s making the rounds with her Billboard No. 1 album Tropicoqueta, said in a press statement. “I’ve watched many NFL halftime shows over the years and now having this opportunity to bring my music to this global stage means the world to me. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in São Paulo and fans all around the world.”

As part of the ongoing collaboration between the NFL and YouTube, the upcoming Chiefs and Chargers game marks YouTube’s first-ever exclusive live NFL game.

In addition to Karol helming the halftime show, Brazilian artist Ana Castela will perform the country’s national anthem “Hino Nacional Brasileiro,” and composer and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington will perform the U.S. national anthem.

“This broadcast is a landmark moment in our partnership with the NFL, where the worlds of football, music and creators will powerfully collide,” said Angela Courtin, VP of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at YouTube. “From the real-life manifestation of our creator community in São Paulo to a global icon like Karol G taking the stage at halftime, this partnership with the NFL is a testament to our shared vision. It’s about more than just a game; it’s a statement that the future of live sports and entertainment is global and connected.”

Tim Tubito, senior director, Global Game Presentation and Entertainment at the NFL, added: “With our incredible NFL fan base in Brazil and across the world, we worked hand-in-hand with our YouTube partners to tap into the larger Latin Pop music scene with an innovative, global artist.”

The week 1 matchup will stream free on YouTube on September 5, beginning with YouTube’s pre-game show at 7 p.m. ET and the game kicking off at 8:00 pm ET.

Neymar Extends Contract with Santos Through the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Posted on by
Reply

Neymar is staying home…

The 33-year-old Brazilian forward has signed a contract extension with Santos through the end of 2025, the club has announced.

NeymarThe deal includes an option to extend his contract through the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, per ESPN Brasil sources.

His previous contract at Santos was due to expire on June 30.

Neymar rejoined his boyhood club in January after terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal by mutual consent.

“I made a decision and I listened to my heart,” Neymar said in Santos’ statement. “Santos is not just my team, it’s my home, my roots, my history, and my life.

“Here, I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy. And this is where I want to fulfill the dreams that are still missing in my career. And nothing will stop me.

“I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began, where it’s never going to end.”

The new deal includes an additional contract between Santos and NR Sports for the use of Neymar’s image, sources told ESPN Brasil.

In the agreement, Santos agreed to pay a minimum of $15 million for all the new contracts from sponsors and earnings in investments generated by Neymar’s presence with the club, sources added.

Earlier this month, Neymar turned down an offer to play on loan at Brazilian club Fluminense in the Club World Cup, with the former Barcelona star focused on regaining his full fitness.

Neymar spent much of his time in Saudi Arabia on the sidelines due to an ACL injury he sustained while on international duty with Brazil in October 2023.

Recurring muscular injuries have limited Neymar to three goals and three assists in 15 games for Santos this year and prevented him from making his long-awaited return to the national team.

But the signing has paid off in other ways for Santos. The club’s president Marcelo Teixeira said that Neymar’s return to Vila Belmiro has led to record-breaking social media growth and significant commercial gains for the club.

“It is a historic and remarkable day for Brazilian football, a gift for the Santos FC fans,” Teixeira said as part of Tuesday’s announcement. “Our idol, our boy, the prince with our number 10 shirt, remains.

“It is a very important moment in this rebuilding process, and we needed Neymar, both on and off the field. The phrase ‘I go, I come back and I stay’ is emblematic and fundamental to the repositioning of Santos FC at its rightful level.”

Despite not being at the top of his game, Neymar’s father and agent, Neymar Sr., recently said that his son has an “interested market” that included European clubs that will compete in the Champions League next season.

“We have started a very good partnership and hope to continue for a long time,” Neymar’s father said in Santos’ statement.

Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, is hopeful of playing in a fourth World Cup.

Brazil’s Serie A was paused on June 12 but will resume after the FIFA Club World Cup.

Santos, who returned to the top flight this year, are 15th in the standings with three wins in 12 games.

Enzo Alves Called Up to Spain’s Under-17 National Team

Posted on by
Reply

Enzo Alves is headed to Spain’s under-17 national team…

The 15-year-old Spanish professional footballer, the son of former Real Madrid and Brazil left back Marcelo, was called up to play on the team on Tuesday.

Enzo AlvesIt was the first call-up to the national team for Alves, who was born in the Spanish capital.

Alves signed his first contract with Real Madrid in 2022 and chose to represent Spain in 2023.

Enzo Alves, MarceloMarcelo played 16 seasons for Real Madrid. He retired last year after joining Brazilian club Fluminense last year.

Neymar Closing In on Deal to Return to Former Club Santos

Posted on by
Reply

Neymar may be returning to his homeland soon…

The 32-year-old Brazilian soccer superstar is closing in on a return to his former club Santos, according to ESPN sources.

NeymarNeymar remains on the roster of Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, but the team’s manager Jorge Jesus said earlier in January that the Brazilian attacker can “no longer play at the level we are used to,” and wasn’t registered to play in the Saudi Pro League, leaving Neymar eligible to play only in the Asian Champions League.

As a result, Neymar has been looking for his next playing opportunity, and appears to have found it with the club with which he began his professional career.

Sources tell ESPN that Neymar’s contract with Al Hilal likely will be terminated, but the final details are still being negotiated. The two sides are expected to meet early this week with the hope of reaching an agreement.

If that occurs, Neymar is set to sign a six-month contract, which will have an option to be extended an additional year, with Santos.

If the deal with Santos is completed, Neymar is set to travel to Brazil this week, and could play for Santos as soon as February 5.

By terminating his Al Hilal contract, which ran through this summer, Neymar would walk away from about $65 million. Sources told ESPN he could make up at least some of the shortfall by having himself and his father, Neymar Santos Sr., become part of an investment fund that includes shares in Santos.

However, ESPN Brazil is reporting that Neymar is still determined to recoup the money from Al Hilal and that any deal involving shares in Santos would be extremely difficult to execute in the short term.

So, though the framework for a return to Santos is in place in principle, there are still sticking points.

If his return to Santos is completed, it will conclude a transfer saga that included the possibility of Neymar heading to MLS side Chicago Fire FC. However, Neymar’s preference was to return to Brazil to regain his form and possibly reclaim his place with the national team.

Neymar endured a difficult spell with Al Hilal after joining the Saudi Arabian club from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023 for a fee of $97.6 million.

The former Barcelona star suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while on international duty shortly after joining Al Hilal. He returned to the field last October, but a hamstring injury kept him from making more of a contribution. He made just seven league and cup appearances with just one goal scored in an AFC Champions League group stage match against Nassaji Mazandaran on Oct. 3, 2023.

Despite his struggles in Saudi Arabia, Neymar remains one of the biggest names in the sport thanks to his exploits alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez while with Barcelona from 2013 to 2017. In that time, he was part of sides that won a UEFA Champions League crown, two LaLiga titles, and three Copa del Reys.

He later moved to PSG in 2017 and won five Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de Frances and two Coupe de la Ligues.

Neymar began his professional career with Santos in 2009, leading them to a Copa Libertadores triumph in 2011, when he scored in the second leg of the final, a 2-1 win over Peñarol.

At the international level, Neymar has appeared 128 times for Brazil, scoring a Selecao record 79 goals. He was part of the Brazil side that won the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, which Brazil hosted.

Orlando City Transfer Facundo Torres to Brazil’s Palmeiras

Posted on by
Reply

Facundo Torres is headed to Brazil for a hefty fee…

Orlando City SC has sent the 24-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer , a forward, to Brazil‘s Palmeiras for a reported club-record $14 million transfer fee.

Facundo TorresTorres departs as the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise’s all-time leading scorer after tallying 47 goals and 25 assists in 123 matches across all competitions from 2022-24.

“First, we want to thank Facu for everything he has done for this club. He has been involved in so many great moments and successes during his time here that will leave a lasting legacy in our history,” Orlando City general manager Luiz Muzzi said.

“Because of that success, Facu has generated the attention of the global market, and this is a move that, at this time, makes sense for both Facundo and Orlando City. Not only does this continue a great and established relationship with a successful club in Palmeiras, but it shows our success in developing young talent into world stars.”

Torres guided the Lions to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup title and the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs‘ Eastern Conference final.

Torres joined Orlando City as a young designated player in January 2022 for a $7.5 million transfer fee from Peñarol in his native Uruguay.

“Today I say goodbye to a club that marked an unforgettable stage in my career and in my life, my first experience as a professional away from home. Thank you to the staff, my teammates and all the people who are part of this club for the constant support and trust from the first day,” Torres said.

“I leave with pride for what we achieved together and with the satisfaction of having left my mark on this club that will always be special to me. I wish you the greatest success in the future. Thank you for everything, Orlando. I’ll miss you.”

Torres’ departure opens a designated player spot on Orlando City’s 2025 roster.

Tatiana Weston-Webb Claims Silver in Women’s Surfing at 2024 Paris Games

Posted on by
Reply

2024 Paris GamesTatiana Guimarães Weston-Webb is leaving the 2024 Paris Games as an Olympic medalist.

In a dramatic final heat on Monday, the 28-year-old Brazilian American surfer had to settle for a silver medal in women’s surfing after losing to Caroline Marks of the United States at Teahupo’o, Tahiti.

Tatiana Weston-WebbWeston-Webb needed a wave of 4.68 points when she caught one in the final two minutes that she took all the way into the reef before finally giving up.

She couldn’t quite barrel the wave but managed to make a few turns, allowing the judges to give her the win. The horn sounded to end the heat before the score was announced.

Weston-Webb was eventually given a 4.50 for her final wave resulting in a total score of 10.33, falling .17 points short of Marks, who finished with a 10.50.

Marks gave the United States a gold medal winner for the second straight Olympics after Carissa Moore won the inaugural surfing event at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Weston-Webb, who competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics for Brazil, had surfed her way into the final by knocking out Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy in the semifinals.

Gabriel Medina Rebounds to Earn Bronze in Men’s Surfing at 2024 Paris Games

Posted on by
Reply

2024 Paris GamesIt may not be the color everyone anticipated, but Gabriel Medina is still an Olympic medalist at the 2024 Paris Games. 

The 30-year-old Brazilian professional surfer, a three-time surfing world champion and viral photo sensation, had to settle for Olympic bronze in Tahiti on Monday after going into the 2024 Summer Olympics as a widely tipped favorite.

Gabriel MedinaBeaten in the semifinals by Australian Jack Robinson after taking only one wave, Medina was more creative in the bronze match against the surprise of the men’s draw, Alonso Correa, winning with a score of 15.54 to the Peruvian’s 12.43.

Modest surf conditions resulted in a tight duel, but Medina chose his waves better in the final 20 minutes to seal third on the podium.

Gabriel MedinaAn AFP photograph of Medina celebrating after kicking out of a wave last week after a ride that earned a record Olympic score became a global sensation, and a defining image of the sport and the Paris Olympics.

Gabriel Medina

Rebeca Andrade Edges Past Simone Biles for Women’s Floor Final Gold at 2024 Paris Games

Posted on by
Reply

2024 Paris GamesRebeca Andrade has closed out her 2024 Paris Games with an exclamation point…

The 25-year-old Brazilian artistic gymnast edged out American superstar Simone Biles in Monday’s women’s gymnastics floor final to earn the gold medal, becoming Brazil’s most decorated Olympian in any discipline with six career medals.

Rebeca AndradeAndrade, already a gold medalist in the vault at the pandemic-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games, won her fourth medal in Paris after all-around and vault silver and team bronze

Going into the competition, Biles was the favorite to come out on top after her seven-tenth lead in qualifications and a difficulty score of 6.9. Andrade was expected to take the silver.

Rebeca AndradeBut Biles, who struggled in warm-ups and was limping due to her calf injury, didn’t execute her routine to perfection, earning a 14.133 from the judges, .033 behind Andrade’s 14.166.

Team USA’s Jordan Chiles took home the bronze with a 13.766, after her coaches appealed her initial score.

Together, Andrade, Biles and Chiles made Olympic history as the first three Black gymnasts to share the top three spots in an Olympics — a feat that also occurred at last year’s world championships, when Biles and Andrade shared the podium with Shilese Jones in the individual all-around.

Rebeca AndradeIn a show of true sportsmanship and respect, Biles and Chiles bowed in honor of the gold medalist following the medal presentation as Andrade raised her arms triumphantly while smiling.

“First, it was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting for us,” Biles told reporters in a press conference. “But then Jordan was like, ‘Should we bow to her?’ And I was like, ‘absolutely’ — it was just the right thing to do.”

“She’s so amazing. She’s queen,” Biles said. “She’s such an excitement to watch — all the fans in the crowd always cheering for her.”

Rebeca Andrade Wins Vault Silver at 2024 Paris Games to Enter Brazil’s Olympic History Books

Posted on by
Reply

2024 Paris GamesRebeca Andrade has earned her place in Brazil Olympics history.

The 25-year-old Brazilian artistic gymnast earned a silver in the women’s gymnastics vault final at the 2024 Paris Games on Saturday to tie the record for the most Olympic medals of any athlete in Brazil history.

Rebeca AndradeTeam USA’s Simone Biles claimed the gold while her compatriot Jade Carey took home the bronze.

Days after facing off against Biles in the women’s gymnastics individual all-around competition, where he won silver, Andrade ended up with an average score of 14.966 after her two vaults,

Biles completed her two vaults with a commanding combined score of 15.300.

Jade ended with 14.466.

Rebeca AndradeWhile Simone reigned as champion in her categories, Andrade has proven she has what it takes to keep up. In fact, Rebeca—who won silver in the vault at the 2020 Tokyo Games, where she became the first South American woman to make it to the podium in the event—is a force to be reckoned with.

“I don’t wanna compete with Rebeca no more—I’m tired,” Simone quipped to reporters after the competition August 1. “She’s way too close.”

Laughing at the friendly competition, she added, “I’ve never had an athlete that close, so it definitely put me on my toes and it brought out the best athlete in myself.”

Brazil Defeats France to Advance to Women’s Soccer Semifinals at 2024 Paris Games

Posted on by
Reply

2024 Paris GamesThe Olympic run of Marta and her Brazilian teammates continues…

Brazil beat hosts France 1-0 in Nantes to reach the women’s Olympic soccer semifinals at the 2024 Paris Games and extend the top-level international career of the 38-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and legendary forward.

Brazil Women's Soccer TeamMarta, a six-time women’s world player of the year, was suspended for the quarterfinal after receiving a red card in Brazil’s loss to Spain in its final group-stage game.

At the time, with Brazil struggling to even make it through the group stage, that looked like being a sad end to the Olympic career of Marta, who has announced she will retire from international soccer this year.

But after limping through in third place in its group with two losses from three games, Brazil won without the player widely regarded as the best of all time in women’s soccer.

Gabi Portilho got the decisive goal, bursting through two defenders to finish past keeper Constance Picaud in the 82nd minute to the delight of Marta watching on in the stands.

Brazil, with Marta back from suspension, will face a rematch with Spain in the last four on Tuesday and is guaranteed the chance to play for a medal.

Despite all her accolades, Marta has never won an Olympic or Women’s World Cup title with Brazil. The team went close twice, winning silver medals in 2004 and 2008.

France paid the price for failing to capitalize on its chances in the first half, with Sakina Karchaoui seeing a 16th-minute penalty saved by Brazil goalkeeper Lorena.

Griedge Mbock Bathy then headed against the bar from a corner in the 39th.

Portilho’s goal was Brazil’s first shot on target and she then hit the post late on.