New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, three of football’s most decorated nations find themselves united by a common ambition but driven by different motivations. For Brazil and Spain, the tournament offers an opportunity to relive memories of eras when they ruled world football. For Argentina, the challenge is even greater: defending the crown and breaking a jinx that has haunted champions for more than six decades.No nation embodies World Cup success quite like Braz…
Latest Raphinha News & Updates
Madrid, May 28 (IANS) FC Barcelona are closing in on their first signing for the 2026-27 La Liga season after reportedly reaching an agreement to sign England international winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.Barcelona-based newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday that the deal is worth around 70 million euros (81.3 million U.S. dollars), plus an initial 10 million euros in performance-related variables.The newly crowned La Liga champion has reportedly fought off strong interest …
Barcelona, May 18 (IANS) FC Barcelona wrapped up their title-winning La Liga season in memorable style. A brace from Raphinha led to a 3-1 victory over Real Betis. This victory made Barcelona the first team to win all 19 home matches in a 38-game La Liga season.Having already secured the championship by defeating Real Madrid last weekend, Barcelona maintained their strong form under Hansi Flick with another powerful performance in front of their home fans.Raphinha set the pace in the 28th minute…
Barcelona, May 10 (IANS) FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has announced a 23-man squad for Sunday’s crucial El Clásico against Real Madrid, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal ruled out due to a hamstring injury.Barcelona head into the highly anticipated clash at Camp Nou knowing that a draw or victory would be enough to secure the La Liga title with four games still left in the season. Flick’s men currently hold an 11-point lead over Madrid and are now within touching distance of reclai…
Madrid, April 21 (IANS) League leaders Barcelona return to Camp Nou on Wednesday night, aiming to take another step toward this season’s La Liga title against a Celta Vigo side seeking to halt a recent slide in form.This will be Barcelona’s first game since their Champions League quarterfinal defeat to Atletico Madrid, and their nine-point lead at the top of the table could be cut to six before kickoff if Real Madrid beat Alaves at home on Tuesday night.Barcelona have been flawless in La Liga si…
Madrid, April 15 (IANS) Barcelona forward Rapinha did not hold back in criticism and launched a scathing attack on the refereeing after his team was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Barcelona’s 2–1 win in the return leg was not enough to overturn a 2–0 deficit from the first match, as they lost the tie 3–2 on aggregate against their Spanish rivals.“For me, this match was a robbery. Not just this match but the other one as well….
Barcelona, April 2 (IANS) Spanish football giant Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, has slammed FIFA over what he described as a congested and poorly planned international calendar after the team’s prime player, Raphinha, suffered a hamstring injury while representing Brazil.The injury occurred during an international friendly against France, leaving FC Barcelona without one of their most in-form attackers at a crucial stage of the season.Laporta did not hold back in his criticism of the sched…
Mexico City, April 1 (IANS) The remaining places for this year’s FIFA World Cup were finalised, capping a qualifying campaign that spanned nearly three years and setting the stage for the tournament’s first 48-team edition. The competition will be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The expanded format has opened the door to new contenders while leaving several established powers and high-profile players on the outside looking in.Absent giantsItaly will miss…
Madrid, March 28 (IANS) FC Barcelona’s La Liga and UEFA Champions League title hopes have suffered a big setback after Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty for Brazil, playing in a pre-World Cup friendly.The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Friday that Raphinha suffered the injury in his right hamstring during Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to France in a friendly. The forward will leave the Brazilian squad to return to Barcelona for treatment, reports Xinhua.This…
Madrid, March 19 (IANS) FC Barcelona stormed into the Champions League quarterfinals after routing Newcastle United 7-2 at Camp Nou for an 8-3 aggregate victory.After last week’s 1-1 draw in Newcastle left the tie finely poised, Barcelona blew it open with a ruthless second-half display. Fermin Lopez, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha led the way as the Spanish side overwhelmed Newcastle after the break.The first half had been a breathless affair in front of 60,000 fans, with five goals and chance…