In Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Venezuela during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, Vinícius Jr. had a challenging match. After earning a penalty in the second half, the Real Madrid forward missed his chance, failing to score past Venezuelan goalkeeper Rafael Romo. This missed opportunity sparked a wave of criticism from Brazilian fans and analysts.
While Vinícius Jr. shines for Real Madrid, his performances with the Brazilian national team have often been scrutinized. Against Venezuela, his inability to convert a crucial penalty after Raphinha’s stunning free-kick had opened the scoring led to widespread disappointment. Fans took to social media to express their frustration, with many questioning why Vinícius Jr. was the one to take the penalty instead of Raphinha, who had already proven his ability with the set-piece goal.
The criticism grew quickly, with some calling out Vinícius Jr. for lacking composure in decisive moments. “He’s repeatedly failed to deliver for Brazil,” one fan wrote. Some even suggested that his miss represented a worrying trend for a player expected to be the future of the Seleção.
However, amidst this criticism, an unexpected ally emerged: Kylian Mbappé. According to reports from *Defensa Central*, the French star reached out to his Real Madrid teammate, offering words of encouragement. “Now it’s time to raise your head and keep fighting, my brother,” Mbappé reportedly told Vinícius Jr.
This gesture from Mbappé stands out not only because of the friendship between the two, but also due to the competitive atmosphere at Real Madrid, where tensions between players can often surface. Despite earlier reports of a possible altercation between Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. during a recent La Liga match, this support highlights the mutual respect between the two.
As Brazil, currently third in the qualifiers with 17 points, looks ahead, they will need to quickly regroup. With a five-point gap to Argentina at the top, the Seleção must bounce back in their next match against Uruguay on November 19.
Paul Pogba, the French midfielder, is now a free agent and seems to have a clear vision for his next challenge. After a challenging period in his career, he is determined to make a strong comeback and continue playing at the highest level.
In recent weeks, Pogba’s career has received a significant boost. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced the four-year ban imposed on him by the Italian anti-doping authorities, allowing him to resume his career. According to the CAS decision, Pogba will be able to return to training with a club in January, aiming for a competitive comeback in March 2025.
Juventus Departure and Future Plans
However, Juventus will not be the club to offer him a fresh start. The Italian giants made it clear after the CAS ruling that Pogba was no longer part of their plans, officially terminating his contract effective November 30, 2024. Pogba bid an emotional farewell to the club and its fans on social media, expressing his gratitude for the unforgettable bond formed during his time in Turin.
Looking Ahead: Possible Destinations
Now, Pogba is focused on relaunching his career. He is currently training in Miami and has multiple options on the table, including offers from clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS), Saudi Arabia, and Europe. However, Pogba’s primary goal seems to be securing a move to a club that will participate in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup. This target narrows his choices to some of the most prominent clubs globally.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Pogba’s ambition is to play in the Club World Cup, which would see him move to one of the world’s elite teams. This pursuit could pave the way for an exciting and ambitious new chapter in his career, marking a significant rebound for the French international.
Pogba’s options remain open, but his determination to take on this new challenge suggests an intriguing and high-profile future ahead.
