• Carlo Ancelotti appointed as Brazil’s first ever foreign coach for a World Cup tournament
• Italian manager commits to intensive Portuguese lessons to connect with players and fans
• Former Real Madrid boss signs contract extension until 2030 before the finals begin
• Brazil targeting a sixth World Cup title after 23-year wait since last victory
• Selecao secure dominant 6-2 victory over Panama in final warm-up fixture

Carlo Ancelotti stepped into unfamiliar ground when he agreed to manage Brazil. The Italian coach had guided 43 Brazilian stars throughout his career, yet he had only visited the South American nation once before.

In May 2025, the 66-year-old made history. He became the first overseas manager to lead the five-time champions at a World Cup. This appointment broke a long-standing tradition in Brazilian football culture.

The manager knew he needed to adapt quickly. He hired a Portuguese teacher and booked four lessons every week. Sometimes he even studied on Saturday mornings. This dedication impressed his language tutor, Roberto Piantino.

At early meetings in Rio de Janeiro, the new boss observed CBF staff attempting to speak Spanish and Italian to him. He smiled and rejected their efforts. He insisted that he must learn Portuguese instead.

At first, many Brazilians did not welcome a foreign coach. Legendary player Cafu said he preferred a local manager. Another former star, Emerson Leao, called it an “invasion” at a coaches’ event. But Ancelotti won people over with his humble approach.

He delayed signing his own contract extension until three local staff members received the same job security until 2030. Recent polls show 41% of Brazilians now approve of his work.

Recent results look promising. Brazil beat Panama 6-2 in their final friendly before the World Cup. New faces like Rayan and Igor Thiago scored, while key men Vinicius Jr and Casemiro also found the net.

Ancelotti hopes to end Brazil’s long wait for a sixth title. The country has not won the tournament since 2002. If they fail this summer, it will mark six World Cups without victory. That would be an unwelcome record for the proud football nation.

The manager relies heavily on Vinicius Jr and Raphinha. He describes them as two of the world’s best five players. However, fitting them into his attacking 4-2-4 system remains a work in progress. Neymar’s injury problems add further concerns.

Casemiro revealed how Ancelotti handles pressure. During a difficult match against Paraguay, the manager took a five-minute cigarette break at half-time. He told the players to talk among themselves. When he returned, everyone listened. The Manchester United midfielder said this showed Ancelotti was “different.”

The Italian also refuses to use command words in Portuguese. He told his teacher that giving orders is not his style. This calm, human approach has earned him respect in the dressing room.

With a contract now running until 2030, Ancelotti has time to build something special. But first, he must deliver success this summer. The whole of Brazil will be watching.

• Jules Koundé and Raphinha excluded from the squad travelling to Mestalla
• Both players receive protection ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America
• Robert Lewandowski prepares for his final appearance in a Barcelona shirt
• Barcelona have already secured the La Liga title ahead of Saturday’s kick-off

Barcelona will conclude their domestic campaign this Saturday when they visit Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium. The Catalan giants secured the La Liga championship weeks ago, meaning this final fixture offers only pride to play for.

Head coach Hansi Flick has decided to exclude two key stars from his travelling party. Defender Jules Koundé and winger Raphinha will not feature against Valencia as both focus on the upcoming World Cup.

Koundé did not participate in training on Friday. Flick explained during his pre-match briefing that the French international requires careful management before the global tournament begins. Meanwhile, Raphinha has battled fitness problems throughout the campaign. The Brazilian will also sit out to avoid any unnecessary risks before joining his national team.

The German manager has not summoned any replacements for the missing duo. Eric García and other defensive options provide sufficient cover at the back. However, the attack looks lighter with just four forwards making the journey: Roony Bardghji, Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, and Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker will wear the Barcelona shirt for the last time this weekend as his contract expires.

Flick has consistently prioritised player welfare during his tenure. His decision to shield both Koundé and Raphinha from potential injury comes as no surprise given the importance of the World Cup. Although the match carries little competitive weight for the champions, Barcelona will still aim to finish the season with a positive result.

• João Cancelo scores a stunning goal from outside the penalty area to make it 3-1
• Raphinha nets twice for Barcelona before Isco converts a penalty for Real Betis
• Barcelona close to historic record of winning all home matches in a La Liga season
• Hansi Flick makes changes to his team after midweek defeat against Alaves

FC Barcelona hold a comfortable lead in their final home match of the 2025-26 campaign. They currently sit 3-1 ahead of Real Betis at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Hansi Flick’s men have produced a strong performance in Catalonia. The German manager rotated his squad following a midweek loss to Alaves. Raphinha returned to the starting eleven and made an immediate impact during the opening hour.

The Brazilian forward opened the scoring in the first half. He added his second goal just after the 60-minute mark to double Barcelona’s advantage. However, Real Betis responded quickly. Isco reduced the deficit when he scored from the penalty spot.

The visitors’ hope did not last long. Barcelona restored their two-goal cushion shortly after. Ronald Araújo won the ball on the right wing and passed to Pedri. The midfielder then found João Cancelo, who ran forward and curled a brilliant strike into the net from outside the box.

The hosts now face the final fifteen minutes of the match. They stand on the brink of making history. No club in La Liga has ever won every home game in a single season. This achievement would cap another excellent campaign for the Catalan giants under Flick’s guidance.

• Barcelona create La Liga history by winning all 19 home fixtures in a single season
• Robert Lewandowski receives emotional send-off during his final appearance at Spotify Camp Nou
• Raphinha scores twice to inspire 3-1 victory over Real Betis
• Joao Cancelo seals historic win with stunning long-range strike
• Hansi Flick rotates squad following midweek defeat to Alaves

Barcelona have achieved an unprecedented feat in Spanish football history. The Catalan giants became the first side ever to claim maximum points from every home fixture during a La Liga campaign. This milestone arrived during a poignant evening at Spotify Camp Nou, where supporters bid farewell to star striker Robert Lewandowski.

Manager Hansi Flick made several alterations to his starting eleven after their surprise loss to Alaves earlier in the week. He recalled key figures including Pedri, Joan Garcia and Raphinha. The Brazilian winger repaid this faith with a match-winning display.

Raphinha opened the scoring shortly before half-time. He cleverly sent Real Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles the wrong way and curled his shot into the far corner. The forward doubled his tally on 62 minutes when he intercepted a misplaced pass from Hector Bellerin and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

The visitors fought back immediately. Substitute Isco won a penalty after drawing a foul from Gavi inside the box. The experienced midfielder picked himself up and converted the spot-kick to make it 2-1. This set up a nervous period for the hosts.

Joao Cancelo eased these concerns in the 74th minute. The Portuguese defender unleashed a powerful drive from distance that flew past Valles, restoring Barcelona’s two-goal advantage. The home side saw out the remaining minutes to preserve their perfect record.

Whilst the historic achievement brings immense pride, the evening centred on Lewandowski. The Polish forward grew visibly emotional as the crowd serenaded him during his final bow at the iconic stadium.

• Barcelona claim 3-1 victory over Real Betis in final home fixture of 2025-26 La Liga campaign
• Raphinha scores two first-half goals to lead the Catalan side at Spotify Camp Nou
• Robert Lewandowski bids farewell to home supporters after 192 appearances for the club
• Joao Cancelo nets stunning long-range goal after moving from defence to attack
• Isco converts penalty for Betis but visitors cannot stop Barcelona’s winning end to home season

Barcelona ended their home campaign on a high note with a convincing 3-1 win against Real Betis at the Spotify Camp Nou. The result capped an emotional evening for the hosts, as club legend Robert Lewandowski made his final appearance in front of the Barcelona faithful.

Brazilian winger Raphinha stole the show with a brilliant double. He opened the scoring with a clever free-kick that wrong-footed the Betis goalkeeper. The forward then pounced on a defensive mistake to make it 2-0 before the break.

Defender Joao Cancelo added the third goal with a powerful strike from distance. The Portuguese star began the match at left-back, but moved into an attacking role later in the game. He capped his display with a fine finish following excellent work from Pedri in midfield.

Lewandowski could not mark his farewell with a goal. The Polish striker left the pitch at half-time to a standing ovation from the crowd. He departs having scored 119 times in 192 matches for the club.

Real Betis found a route back into the game when Isco converted from the penalty spot during the second half. However, the visitors could not find another breakthrough against a solid Barcelona defence.

The victory ensures Barcelona finish their home season with momentum, giving the supporters a memorable final evening at the Camp Nou before the summer break.

• FC Barcelona have identified Anthony Gordon as a potential replacement for Raphinha
• Club director Deco held discussions with the player’s agents in Barcelona recently
• Newcastle United value the England international at approximately €80 million
• German champions Bayern Munich are also monitoring the 25-year-old forward
• Gordon’s high-intensity pressing and speed match Raphinha’s playing style

FC Barcelona are plotting a major summer move for Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon. The Catalan club view the England international as a possible successor to Raphinha, who faces an uncertain future at the Nou Camp.

The Spanish giants have struggled to secure their primary attacking targets. Atletico Madrid refuse to sell Julian Alvarez, forcing the club to consider other options. Sporting director Deco has now turned his attention to the Premier League winger.

Sources indicate that Deco recently met with Gordon’s representatives in Barcelona. The talks suggest serious interest from the La Liga side. However, Barcelona face stiff competition from Bayern Munich for the player’s signature.

Newcastle reportedly demand around €80 million for the 25-year-old. This fee presents a challenge for Barcelona, who must manage their finances carefully this summer. The club also need to address the situation with Robert Lewandowski, who may depart or accept a reduced role.

Gordon has impressed scouts with his energetic style. He presses opponents aggressively and possesses excellent pace. These qualities mirror those of current Barcelona winger Raphinha. While Gordon has played more centrally this season, he began his career on the wing.

The forward has contributed 17 goals and five assists in 46 matches this season. His versatility appeals to Barcelona’s coaching staff. The club may need to sell Raphinha to Saudi Arabia to fund this deal.

Alternative options like Vedat Muriqi, Alexander Sorloth and Joao Pedro remain on the table. Young talents Ez Abde, Jan Virgili and Victor Munoz could also provide cover on the left flank.

• Tania Belloli mocked exit rumours on Instagram by posting five laughing emojis under a transfer report
• Saudi Arabian clubs are preparing another lucrative offer for the 29-year-old Brazilian winger
• Super-agent Pini Zahavi maintains strong links with both Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Middle Eastern football
• Raphinha’s current contract with the Catalan giants runs until 2028
• Spanish media report the player has no plans to leave Camp Nou this summer

Raphinha has become one of the most important players for Barcelona this season. The Brazilian winger has suffered several injuries that hurt the team’s chances in cup competitions. His absence has proved difficult for manager Hansi Flick to overcome.

Despite this, rumours suggest the 29-year-old could leave Camp Nou this summer. Saudi Arabian clubs are preparing another lucrative offer for the player. This follows similar interest from last year.

Barcelona would consider selling if Raphinha agrees to move. However, his wife Tania Belloli has strongly denied these rumours. She commented on an Instagram post about the transfer talk with five laughing faces. This suggests the family has no plans to leave Spain.

Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Raphinha wants to stay at Barcelona. The club knows this but has not closed the door on a Saudi deal. They do not want to reject a big financial offer without discussion.

Super-agent Pini Zahavi could play a key role in any transfer. He has close ties with Saudi football and Barcelona president Joan Laporta. Zahavi tried to arrange a move last summer. He also helped bring Robert Lewandowski to the club.

Raphinha signed a contract extension until 2028. At 29 years old, he may be looking for his final major contract before retirement. However, leaving now seems too early after an injury-plagued season. He will likely want another chance to lead the attack when fully fit.

The interest appears to come mainly from Saudi Arabia or Barcelona’s board considering financial options. The player himself seems happy to remain in Catalonia.

• Raphinha is considering leaving FC Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
• Saudi Arabian clubs have tracked the winger for several years and are ready to bid.
• The player prefers to remain for one more season to chase the UEFA Champions League trophy.

FC Barcelona expect to sell two or three major stars this summer. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Robert Lewandowski are among those who could leave. However, the biggest departure might be Raphinha.

The Brazilian has battled fitness problems this campaign. He has sat out 19 matches due to injuries. These physical troubles have made him question whether he should stay at the Spotify Camp Nou.

According to reports, Raphinha has spent his time on the sidelines thinking about his future. He will not make a final choice until the season ends. The club knows he is unsure about staying, so they are now open to selling him.

Saudi Arabian teams have watched Raphinha for many years. At least two clubs from the Middle East plan to make offers this summer. Most people expect him to move there if he leaves Barcelona.

Despite the interest, Raphinha still wants to stay for one more year. He dreams of winning the Champions League with the Catalan giants. The club has not lifted this trophy since 2015. Head coach Hansi Flick and the rest of the squad fully support the winger if he decides to remain.

• Ez Abde worries about playing time if he returns to Barcelona
• The winger has scored 12 goals for Real Betis this season
• Newcastle United are also interested in signing the Morocco international

FC Barcelona are searching for a new left winger this summer. The Catalan club do not plan to keep Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal. They want an affordable option to challenge Raphinha for a place in the starting eleven.

Real Betis star Ez Abde has become a surprise target. The 22-year-old left Barcelona in 2023 to join the Andalusian side. His first few months in Seville were difficult. However, this season has been different. Abde has found excellent form. He has 12 goals and nine assists in 38 matches across all competitions.

Barcelona still watch the Morocco international closely. They have a sell-on clause in his contract. This means they could sign him for less money. Sporting director Deco likes the player. Betis will sell if someone pays the right price.

But Abde has serious doubts about going back to the Spotify Camp Nou. He starts every week for Betis now. He wants the same role at his next club. At Barcelona, Raphinha remains the first choice on the left wing. Abde does not want to sit on the bench.

Newcastle United also want to sign him. The English club could offer him more minutes. Barcelona must prove they will give him chances to play. If they cannot convince him, Abde may reject their offer.

• Raphinha and Marc Bernal will return to the Barcelona squad for Saturday’s trip to Osasuna.
• The Catalans can still reach 100 points this season if they win their final five matches.
• Flick expects to sign a new contract until 2028 once the La Liga title is secured.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that captain Raphinha and midfielder Marc Bernal will travel with the team to Pamplona for their La Liga clash against Osasuna this Saturday. The match kicks off at 21:00 CEST at El Sadar, the same ground where Flick suffered his first defeat as Blaugrana boss earlier this campaign.

The German coach admitted his side paid the price for rotating too heavily during that previous visit. “We made many changes to the starting eleven that day. We will not do that tomorrow,” Flick stated. He warned that Osasuna remain dangerous opponents, particularly with striker Ante Budimir in form, and noted the hosts are targeting European qualification next term.

Barcelona could achieve 100 points this season by winning their remaining five fixtures, but Flick refuses to look beyond the immediate challenge. “We focus only on the next match. I am not good with numbers,” he said. “It would be perfect to win every game, but we face difficult opponents. We must play at our best. That is our philosophy.”

The return of Raphinha offers a major boost after the Brazilian missed the whole of April through injury. “Rapha always gives 100%. It is his mentality,” Flick praised. “He is the captain and helps us enormously. He will travel with us and we will see what happens.” Youngster Marc Bernal will definitely feature, though Andreas Christensen’s availability remains uncertain. Flick also singled out Espart for praise, suggesting the youngster could play a bigger role next term.

Regarding Lamine Yamal, who is also recovering from injury, Flick offered positive news. “He is doing well and his progress is good. I think we will see him at the World Cup. He has time to recover properly.”

Flick also expressed his joy at working in Catalonia. “People thank me every day. It is an honour to coach this club,” he said. “We have a fantastic atmosphere. The players give everything for Barcelona.” The former Germany boss expects to extend his stay until 2028 once the league title is mathematically secured.