Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira Signs Permanent Contract with Barcelona’s Under-19 Team

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira is making things permanent…

The 18-year-old Brazilian footballer, the son of former Brazil forward Ronaldinho, has signed a permanent contract with Barcelona‘s under-19 team, the Catalan club has announced.

Mendes had been training with Barca‘s Juvenil A side, pending a decision on whether to hand him a deal.

Following a successful trial, Barca have now taken up an option to extend Mendes’ stay. He signed a contract on Thursday alongside academy director Jose Ramon Alexanco.

Mendes’ contract will reportedly run until summer next year, when the forward would exit the U19 age bracket. Sources added the club will assess whether to offer an extended deal after his initial contract expires.

The teenager had been playing for Cruzeiro since he was 14 but rescinded his contract with the Brazilian side at the end of last year.

He is a left-footed forward who can play across the front line, with his career being overseen by his uncle, Roberto de Assis Moreira, who also played an active role in Ronaldinho’s playing career.

Mendes’ move to Barcelona will allow Ronaldinho to spend more time back in the city where he spent five years as a player, from 2003-08.

Ronaldinho, 42, has already been in Barcelona while his son has been on trial at Camp Nou and he turned out in Gerard Pique‘s Kings League last weekend.

The 2002 World Cup winner played for Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos‘ team in the seven-a-side competition, but could not stop them falling to a penalty shootout defeat.

During his time as a Barca player, Ronaldinho scored 94 goals in 207 appearances for the club, helping them win the Champions League in 2006 and two LaLiga titles.

Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are among his other former sides in Europe, while he played for Gremio, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro and Fluminense in Brazil and for Queretaro in Mexico. He retired as a player in 2015.

Barcelona Pushing to Sign Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Julian Araujo is a hot commodity…

Barcelona FC is pushing to sign the 21-year-old Mexican American professional soccer player and LA Galaxy right-back before the transfer window closes in Europe on Tuesday, according to ESPN.

Barca have been tracking Araujo for a while and want to sign him on loan initially with an option to make the deal permanent given Hector Bellerin‘s possible move to Sporting Club.

Sources have told ESPN that Araujo would initially be registered with Barca’s B team if signed, but that the Catalan club feel he has the potential to be involved with the first team in the short term.

If Bellerin joins Sporting Lisbon this week — with sources telling ESPN that the deal is likely to happen once Tottenham Hotspur complete the signing of Pedro Porro from the Portuguese side — then Barca would be left without a natural right-back.

Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto and Alejandro Balde have all been used in the position this season, often at the expense of Bellerin.

Araujo, who was born in California, represented the United States at the youth level and has one cap for the senior side. However, in 2021 he switched allegiance to Mexico, although he’s not played for El Tri since winning his third cap in a friendly against Suriname in June 2022.

Barca are hopeful of closing the deal before Tuesday’s deadline but sources add it is a “complex situation.” A source close to the negotiations in the United States says “it isn’t final by any means.”

Araujo has been a regular for the Galaxy across the last two seasons and convincing the Major League Soccer side to let him leave initially on loan is not a simple task.

In addition, the operation may also have to be approved by LaLiga, although registering him with the B team could prove a workaround.

Barca were unable to register midfielder Gavi‘s new contract last week due to the league’s salary limits, although LaLiga president Javier Tebas confirmed on Monday the club do have “some room” to maneuver this month following the departures of Gerard Pique and Memphis Depay.

Pique announced his retirement in December and Memphis joined Atletico earlier in January in a deal worth an initial €3 million.

Shakira’s Bizarrap-Collab “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” Breaks Spotify Records

Posted on January 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is making a record-breaking splash on Spotify…

The 45-year-old Colombian superstar’s Bizarrap-collaboration track “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” released earlier this week, has skyrocketed to the top of Spotify’s Top 50 Global chart.

In addition to reaching the top, collaboration has become the Latin song with the most streams in a single day in 2023, breaking the record for most streams by a track on a given day in Spain and Colombia.

With more than 15 million streams, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” has quickly become the top song in Spanish-speaking markets, including Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, and has made it to the top 10 in Switzerland (7), Luxembourg (5), and Malta (6).

“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” has become a viral sensation, with people worldwide taking it as an empowerment song perfect for lifting one’s spirit after a heartbreak.

In the lyrics, Shakira seemingly addresses the end of her relationship with Gerard Piqué and his new girlfriend, Clara Chía Marti.

The track includes jaw-dropping phrases like “I am worth two of 22.” Fans believe it’s a reference to the age difference between her and Clara.

Shakira also mentions that she gave so much to someone that acted like a “champion” but when she needed him, he gave her “his worst version.” The quote could be about Piqué’s alleged infidelities, and the rocky end of their relationship.

Shakira and the retired Spanish soccer player went their separate ways in 2022 after 11 years together.

Following the split, Shakira returned to music with a volcano-strength force, releasing the chart-topping singles “Te Felicito” and “Monotonía.”

Shakira’s Bizarrap-Collab “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” Makes YouTube History

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

The music video for Shakira’s latest single is breaking YouTube…

The clip for the 45-year-old Colombian superstar’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” in collaboration with hit Argentine producer Bizarrap, has broken a YouTube record.

The music video for the song was viewed more than 63 million times on YouTube in its 24 hours, making it the most watched Latin song in that time frame in the platform’s history.

The previous record was held by Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” remix with Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber, which reached 25 million views in that same time frame. Shakira and Bizarrap more than doubled that amount of views on their video’s first day out.

“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” has taken the world by storm, as Shakira seemingly addresses the end of her 11-year relationship with Gerard Piqué, as well as his new girlfriend Clara Chía Marti.

Shakira and the former soccer player separated last year. They have two children.

In the song, Shakira sings that “I’m worth two 22-year-olds,” adding: “You swapped a Ferrari for a [Renault] Twingo/You swapped a Rolex for a Casio.”

She also declares that “a she-wolf like me isn’t for rookies” (in reference to her own 2009 single) and “I was out of your league, which is why you’re with someone just like you.”

Shakira Partnering with Bizarrap for “BZRP Music Session #53”

Posted on January 10, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is joining the sessions…

The 45-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter is teaming up with Bizarrap for one of the Argentine producer’s hit-producing Music Sessions.

After teasing a new track on Monday, January 9), Shakira and Bizarrap both took to social media to confirm their collaboration.

Initially, the new single had been teased with release date of Wednesday, January 11 and a one liner: “a wolf like me doesn’t have time for men like you.”

Subsequently, they announced the collab, simply writing, “Tomorrow, BZRP Music Session #53.”

It’s the first time the pair has teamed up for a track. Shakira joins a number of artists — including Nicky Jam, Residente and Paulo Londra — who’ve jumped on one of Bizarrap’s zealously streamed music sessions.

His session with Spanish act Quevedo scored both their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Currently, it has more than 400 million views on YouTube.

This new song will follow Shakira’s Ozuna-assisted “Monotonía,” which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart dated November 5. It currently sits at No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart, where it’s ruled for four weeks.

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Recently, Shakira shared a heartfelt message of hope to start off the new year. “Even if our wounds are still open in this new year, time has a surgeon’s hands. Even if someone’s betrayed us, we must continue to trust others,” wrote the Colombian singer. “When faced with contempt, continue to know your worth. Because there are more good people than indecent ones. More people with empathy than indifference.”

She continued: “The ones who leave are fewer than the many who stay by our side. Our tears are not in vain, they water the soil our future will spring from and make us more human, so that even while suffering heartache we can continue to love.”

The message came after a difficult year due to her separation from Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, the father of her children. The singer has spoken openly about the breakup since it was confirmed in June, and has posted material — including releasing the heartbreak song “Monotonía” — alluding to her pain.

Shakira Releases Heartbreaking Video for New Bachata Single “Monotonía,” Featuring Ozuna

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is addressing her recent heartbreak…

The 45-year-old Colombian superstar has joined voices with Ozuna for the new Spanish single “Monotonía,” a bachata track released on Wednesday, October 19.

Shakira starts off declaring: “It wasn’t your fault, it wasn’t my fault. It was monotony’s fault. I never said anything but it hurt. I knew this would happen.”

Marking the first collaboration between Shakira and Ozuna, “Monotonía” follows the singer-songwriter’s Latin Airplay chart-topping song “Te Felicito” with Rauw Alejandro, where she calls out her significant other and congratulates them on a stellar performance making her believe he truly loved her.

In the music video — which Shakira co-directed with longtime collaborator Jaume de la Iguana — she has an encounter with the ex at a grocery store where he blows up her chest and her heart is ejected from her body. She then runs around with her beating heart in hand until she hands it over to Ozuna, who takes it from her and puts it in a safe box.

“Monotonía” and “Te Felicito” follow Shakira’s public breakup from longtime partner, and the father of her two children, soccer star Gerard Piqué.

In an interview with Elle, she addressed the split, calling this moment one of the “most difficult” of her life.

“I’ve remained quiet and just tried to process it all. Um, and yeah, it’s hard to talk about it, especially because I’m still going through it, and because I’m in the public eye and because our separation is not like a regular separation. And so it’s been tough not only for me, but also for my kids. Incredibly difficult.”

Shakira Teams Up with Ozuna for New Single “Monotonía”

Posted on October 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira isn’t afraid of monotony…

The 45-year-old Colombian singer has joined voices with Ozuna for the new song “Monotonía.”

The track will be released on October 19, Shakira revealed via her official social media accounts, where she posted a brief sound clip and an image of the song title atop a heart being stabbed with a dagger.

“Un pequeño rey con una súper reina,” Ozuna commented on Shakira’s Instagram post Sunday afternoon.

Earlier this week, Shakira — who confirmed her split with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué a few months ago, and said recently that she was going through “the most difficult, darkest hours of my life” — had teased new lyrics on Instagram: “No fue culpa tuya/ Ni tampoco mía/ Fue culpa de la monotonía.”

“Monotonía” will be Shakira’s follow-up to “Te Felicito” with Rauw Alejandro, which topped the Billboard Latin Airplay chart and also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart. It peaked at No. 10 on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

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Ronald Araujo Nearing Long-Term Deal with FC Barcelona

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ronald Araujo is thisclose to a new deal…

The 23-year-old Uruguayan professional soccer player and Barcelona defender is close to agreement on a new long-term contract with the Spanish club, according to his agent.

Araujo’s current deal is set to expire in 2023; and Manchester United and Liverpool were reportedly keen on signing the Uruguay international.

Barca’s previous offer to Araujo was worth around €5 million annually, with sources saying the money on offer from the Premier League sides was worth almost double.

But, Barca has now upped its proposal, with the player’s agent, Flavio Perchman, revealing an agreement is close after a meeting with sporting director Mateu Alemany.

“It’s close,” Perchman told reporters. “There is a desire on both sides [to finalize the renewal] and Ronald wants to stay at the club.”

Araujo has been on the same deal at Barca since 2018, when he first joined the “B team” from Boston River in his homeland in a deal worth an initial €2m.

That made him one of the lowest-paid players in the first team going into the current campaign, with his agents keen for his salary to rise along with his status at the club.

Under coach Xavi Hernandez he has emerged as a key player this season, making 34 appearances in all competitions and scoring four goals, including in the recent 4-0 Clasico win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barca having to adhere to LaLiga‘s strict financial rules due to their financial problems, though, they’ve played hardball during negotiations with Araujo’s camp.

At the same time the team has been holding talks with Araujo, Barcelona has also been negotiating the signing of Andreas Christensen and even met with Antonio Rudiger‘s agent last week.

Christensen will join the club from Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer, but a move for Rudiger is less likely.

The public nature of those negotiations forced the club to up their offer to Araujo, who was willing to accept a lower deal to remain with the LaLiga side.

Araujo, Gerard Pique and Eric Garcia have been Barca’s first choice centerbacks under Xavi, with Christensen set to compete with them from the summer onwards.

Barcelona Expresses Interest in Eric Garcia

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

There’s growing interest in Eric Garcia…

Futbol Club Barcelona has enquired about the 19-year-old Spanish footballer’s situation at Manchester City as they line up a potential move to bring the defender back to Camp Nou, according to ESPN.

Manchester City was quick to knock back Barca‘s initial approach, with high-ranking executives at the English club making it clear that Garcia isn’t for sale.

Team manager Pep Guardiola is especially fond of Garcia and, while ManCity hope to sign a new centerback this summer, they also want to keep him involved as part of the first-team squad.

However, there is also an understanding at the club that the uncertainty over Guardiola’s long-term future could become a problem at some point. Players are also in the dark and with two years left on his contract, Garcia is in a strong negotiating position.

This provoked Barca to ask about his availability during recent talks between the two clubs regarding a possible swap deal involving right-backs Nelson Semedo and Joao Cancelo.

Garcia was considered one of the brightest prospects in Barca’s La Masia academy when he decided to leave in 2017 to join Premier League champions Manchester City,

Guardiola handed him his full debut in a League Cup game against Leicester in 2018 and he has made 11 appearances this season, starting twice in the league and once in the Champions League.

He’s also been capped five times by Spain under-21s and Barca have followed his development closely since he left three years ago.

A number of different sources at Barca said the club view Garcia as a “good fit” centerback for the team’s style of football. He was brought up on the club’s philosophy and one of his major strengths is his ability on the ball.

Barca, who missed out on Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus last summer, have been searching for a central defender for a long time as they contemplate a future without Gerard Pique, who turned 33 in February.

Manchester City’s reluctance to sell makes a move for Garcia this summer unlikely, especially as Barca expect to be less active in the transfer market due to the effects the coronavirus pandemic has had on their budget. They will focus on their main target, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, and will not have money left over to invest elsewhere.

But sources tell ESPN that Barca will not give up on Barcelona native Garcia in the long-term and will continue to monitor his situation as he moves into the final two years of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Lionel Messi Leads Barcelona to 1-0 Win Over Atletico Madrid

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi leads Barcelona back to the top of the standings…

The 32-year-old Argentine soccer star hit a sensational late goal on Sunday to give Barcelona FC a 1-0 win against rival Atletico Madrid, as the team reclaimed the top spot in La Liga from Real Madrid.

Messi, playing his 701st game for Barca, settled a pulsating and tense encounter in the 86th minute, galloping down the right wing before cutting inside and playing a one-two with Luis Suarez before guiding the ball into the bottom corner.

It was Messi’s first goal against Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium and gave his side their first win over their rivals at the ground in three attempts after successive draws in the last two seasons.

“Whenever you have a game like this which is really tight and really tough, being able to count on Messi is always an advantage,” said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.

The strike saw Barca return to the top of the standings with 31 points after 14 games, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference, while Atletico were left in the sixth spot with 25 points, having played one match more than Barca and Real.

Both sides hit the woodwork and Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also made two stunning saves, while Atletico felt that Gerard Pique should have been shown a second yellow card in the second half for a late tackle on Alvaro Morata.

Atletico were also fortunate not to have a player sent off when Vitolo slammed into Pique’s knee with a fierce challenge a few minutes later after picking up an earlier booking.

“We feel very hard done by,” said Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez. “We played superbly and Barcelona had hardly any chances but when Messi appears he is capable of doing anything and he made it look so easy, that’s why he is the best.”

Atletico had won only one of their previous six games in all competitions and looked intent on making an early statement as they came out pressing Barca high up the pitch and peppering their box with crosses.

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