Dribble Diaries

Estevao Willian, the prodigious forward from Palmeiras who has already agreed to join Chelsea in the summer, has reached another milestone in Brazilian football, previously set by national icon Neymar. The 17-year-old scored twice in a 3-0 win over Sao Bernardo on Saturday, the first a staggering 25-yard thwack that clattered off the inside of the post and past the helpless Alex Alves. Estevao peppered the game with some of his trademark dazzling bursts of skill, and he scored again before halftime. On top of his 20 career goals, the two-way forward has ten assists in 57 senior appearances, bringing his total direct goal contributions to 30. According to DataFutebol, Neymar was the last Brazilian footballer to reach that milestone before turning 18. Estevao vs. Neymar before turning 18. Estevao was officially signed by Chelsea last summer, but FIFA regulations prohibit him from completing his Premier League move until he turns 18 in April. The talented youngster is set to join the Bl...

Marcelo, a former Brazilian football player, has announced his retirement at the age of 36. The defender, who won 25 championships, including five Champions Leagues, in 546 matches for Real Madrid over a 16-year period, has opted to retire after returning to his first club Fluminense, which has renamed their academy stadium in his honor. Marcelo, who has 58 caps, stated in a video shared on his official X account that his love of football stems from his grandfather. He wanted me to be a professional football player and tried everything he could to make it happen. "At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door, and I came here. Now I can proudly say that I am a genuine Madrileño. I've raised a family here with my wife. "Sixteen seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains, and countless unforgettable nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey. Real Madrid is a distinct club. Madridismo is an ineffable feeling. "Playing for my country since the youth levels h...

Thiago Silva has had one of the most successful club careers of any modern player. However, some may argue that his greatest triumph occurred this weekend in his homeland. The veteran centre-half has been back at his former club Fluminense since July, but things have not gone as planned for the Rio team. Flu needed a win in the final day of the Brasileirão season to secure their spot in Serie A for the following season. And they accomplished exactly that, defeating high-flying Palmeiras 1-0. Thiago Silva walked the entire length of the pitch on his knees to show respect after the game. Captain. Leader. Legend.

Botafogo won their first Copa Libertadores with a 3-1 victory over Atlético Mineiro. The all-Brazilian fight got off to a rousing start as Artur Jorge's team was reduced to ten men just 31 seconds in after Gregore was sent off for a high lunge on Fausto Vera. But the Estrela Solitária broke the deadlock with a sweeping finish from Luiz Henrique, who went on to win a penalty later in the half. Everson's foul on the winger was reviewed by VAR before Alex Telles cemented their dominance with a comfortable penalty kick just before halftime. Mineiro responded early in the second half, with Eduardo Vargas heading in Hulk's corner from the left, but the 2013 victors were unable to equalize. Júnior Santos' late goal secured victory for Artur Jorge's team in Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental, sparking wild celebrations. Botafogo currently leads the Brasileirão by three points with two games remaining in 2024.

The Copa Libertadores quarterfinal second legs resume Wednesday evening, with four Brazilian heavyweights in action. Here's what has happened so far. With a Deyverson double, Atlético Mineiro eliminated Fluminense in the quarterfinals. The encounter followed a predictable pattern practically from the start, with Atlético Mineiro applying pressure in an attempt to equalize the tie. The hosts were rampaging, creating a flurry of chances to recover parity, but Fluminense's ageless Thiago Silva was a rock in the back for the first 45 minutes. Following the restart, the door was finally burst open after much knocking, and it took Thiago Silva being beaten to a header for the ball to hit the back of the net. Deyverson, who came on as a half-time substitute, scored the first goal barely five minutes into the second half. Tackles flew in in the dying minutes, and both teams finished the game with 11 men on the field, but the drama culminated in the final two minutes when Deyverson sp...