Vinicius stars as Brazil rout Panama 6–2
Vinicius Jr scored and delivered what Spanish papers are calling an "outrageous" assist in Brazil's 6–2 demolition of Panama on Sunday. The winger set up Casemiro's goal with a dribble fans are already clipping for the highlight reel, Spanish outlets described his performance as "escandaloso" (2) (8) (9) (12). Endrick also featured in the World Cup warm-up friendly, wearing the number 19 shirt for the Seleção.
Both players are central to Brazil's plans with the World Cup just days away. Vinicius has been handed the iconic number 7 shirt for the tournament.
Riquelme: "Rodri will play for Real Madrid"
Presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme went big on Sunday: if elected, Manchester City's Rodri "will play for Real Madrid." He also named Erling Haaland as his preferred galáctico signing and promised to announce a global star this Wednesday, a "foreign" player whose name remains under wraps (1) (10).
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Rodri's camp has confirmed the midfielder spoke with Riquelme days ago (1). Reports also link Mikel Arteta as Riquelme's choice for head coach should he unseat Florentino Pérez.
Pérez, meanwhile, defended his ownership reform plan in a weekend interview with El País, insisting any partial stake sale, starting at 5%, would "never call the shots" and that members would always retain 95% control (10).
Transfer market frozen until elections
Multiple players have been offered to Real Madrid, including Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Joško Gvardiol, Enzo Fernández, Vitinha, and João Neves, but all incoming business is on hold until the presidential elections are resolved (5). The club is effectively in a transfer freeze.
Outgoing rumors are still swirling: Manchester United view Aurélien Tchouaméni as their "dream" replacement for Casemiro, with club president involved in shaping their summer stance (4). Fenerbahçe presidential candidate Aziz Yıldırım is also working on a loan move for Arda Güler (11). Beşiktaş have a separate list that includes a Real Madrid player alongside Konyaspor's Adil (13).
Tchouaméni addresses Valverde altercation
Aurélien Tchouaméni has spoken publicly about a training ground incident with Fede Valverde, denying that any punch was thrown. The midfielder addressed the altercation directly, aiming to defuse speculation around tension within the squad (6).
Three Madrid players claim Champions League awards
Despite the quarter-final exit against Bayern Munich, three Real Madrid players picked up individual Champions League honors for the 2025–26 season (7). The recognition underscores the individual quality in the squad even as the collective European campaign fell short.
Fan reactions
The fanbase is split. Riquelme's Rodri promise has ignited debate, some see a genuine project, others call it pure campaign theater. The Arteta link is drawing sharp reactions too, with many questioning whether the Arsenal manager fits the Madrid identity. On a lighter note, Vinicius Jr's dribble and assist for Brazil has everyone in agreement: the man is untouchable right now. Read the full discussion
