SportsNews

‘They’re not ready,’ Vinicius Jr defiant after losing Ballon d’Or to Rodri

Published

10 months ago

October 29, 2024

Source: Rodriguez, Vinicius And Bellingham Description:

Brazil and Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Jr, said on Monday that he will keep on fighting racism even if his activism is what led to him not winning the Ballon d’Or, sources close to the player told Reuters.

Despite being regarded favourite, Vinicius finished second in the prestigious award voting behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodriguez. Many took to social media to express outrage over the outcome.

The Brazilian also took to social media after the awards to say he will keep fighting again racism.

“I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” Vinicius posted on X after his LaLiga side Real Madrid cancelled their plans to attend the ceremony in Paris, boycotting it in anticipation of the Brazilian not winning the men’s award.

Asked what Vinicius meant with his post, his management staff told Reuters that he was referring to his fight against racism.

They believe it was what led to him not winning the award, saying that “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.”

The 24-year-old Brazil international has been subjected to racial abuse on several occasions in Spain, leading to at least two convictions for racist insults in pioneer cases in the country.

Real also won the Men’s Club of the Year award, and their manager Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Coach of the Year after winning the European and Spanish league double in a near-perfect campaign last season.

France Football, which organises the Ballon d’Or awards, was not immediately available for comment.

The awards are based on voting by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries.

“FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you, my bro,” Real’s Eduardo Camavinga posted on X.

While several other teammates shared messages with photos of Vinicius saying “You are the best”.

“I waited all year for Vini Jr to be deservedly recognised as the best player in the world and now they come to tell me that the Ballon d’Or is not for him?” Brazilian women’s great Marta said in a video on Instagram.

Vinicius was instrumental in Real’s Champions League-LaLiga double along with 21-year-old Jude Bellingham, who scored 19 goals in a sparkling debut campaign and helped England reach the Euro 2024 final and came third in the Ballon d’Or ranking.

SportsNews

Anambra set to host second national beach soccer league this month.

Published

1 day ago

August 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎The Anambra Beach Soccer Association says all is set for the second round of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League, due to kick off in Nnewi on August 21.
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‎Okwudili Awam, the Director of Media of ABSA, gave the assurance in Awka on Monday.
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‎”We are thrilled to inform lovers of beach soccer that Anambra will host the second round of the 2025 NBSL commencing on Aug. 21st, 2025″
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‎Awam said the league would be held at the Beach Soccer stadium within the Nnewi High School premises.
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‎He said eight beach soccer clubs, including Kebbi Fishers, Ibom, Nmako Patigi, Kada, Kebbi United, Jigawa Golden Stars, Niger, and hosts Anambra Beach Soccer Warriors, would take part in the league.
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SportsNews

3,312 footballers to compete in 202 matches, as Abia begins talent hunt

Published

4 days ago

August 9, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Abia State Government says it would fish out hidden male football talents through the Abia State Soccer Fest commencing on August 23, 2025, across the 17 LGAs of the State.

The State also disclosed that new football stars would be discovered for Abia State, Nigerian Premier League clubs, Nigerian national teams and major European clubs from the competition.

Addressing journalists on Friday, the Vice Chairman of the Local Organization Committee, LOC of Abia Fest, Captain Eric Asomugha said that the competition would commence on August 23 in 184 Wards of the State and would culminate in best teams from 17 LGAs competing at State level.

He said that the tournament, which is being organised by Abia State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, is for players between the age bracket of 16 and 23 years.

“Over 6 or 7 months. We are working on different things. We are going to have the best player in each match.

“We shall be inviting scouts from local, state, national and international to fish out the talents that are going to be discovered in this great tournament,” said Asomugha.

Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development , Nwaobilor Ananaba thanked Governor Otti for his policies in the discovery of talents and sports development in general.

They made it clear that every male resident between the ages of 16-23 is free to participate, as Governor Otti had already abolished the “State of Origin” dichotomy.