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kevjrr · 1 year

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Title: Go on a date with me.

Pairing: Sergio Ramos x Neymar

Request: Can you write a Neymar x Sergio fanfic? Maybe something set during their Barca/RM days? Sergio refuses to tackle Ney in any match, and all his teammates are teasing him about having a crush on him, and urging him to ask Ney out already.

Tags: fluff, mutual pining

A/n: I don’t think I got the characterization a 100% right, I’m sorry!!

Third person’s pov

Sergio leaves the pitch, a myriad of thoughts running through his mind. He knows he should have tackled him but as always something stopped him. That something being his feelings for the man. For Neymar.

If he had tackled him -or done anything at all to get the ball from him- they would have won but he can never bring himself to so much as touch Neymar on the field, always too scared he will hurt him - like he used to a few years ago. He does not want Ney to hate him plus the man tends to hold a grudge against those who injure him enough to get him out of games.

Sergio would know. Their very first encounter had ended in him spraining the younger man’s ankle. The latter had refused to even meet his eyes any time they saw each other. He can’t have that happening again. Especially not when they are currently closer than they have ever been but he also feels like he’s betraying his team. Even the fans are starting to notice.

Someone calling his name breaks him out of his thoughts. It’s Pepe with Marcelo beside him.

The former nudges him, "Why’d you leave so quickly, we barely caught up."

Sergio almost tells him the truth but ends up biting his tongue.

"No reason."

Pepe squeezes his shoulder. A knowing look on his face. "Is it because of the last minute goal?"

The younger man sucks in a sharp breath.

"No. Don’t worry, it’s nothing. I just can’t stand their smug faces."

This time, Marcelo nudges him. "While I don’t doubt that, this isn’t about them is it?"

Why are his friends so smart? Sergio whines internally.

"You didn’t tackle Neymar." Pepe says matter of factly. "You never do."

Marcelo slaps the other man’s shoulder. "I thought we were going to slowly approach the subject!"

"Well, we’ve waited months for this idiot to tell us how he feels about the little Brazilian! I don’t want to wait anymore." He replies defensively.

The Spaniard almost face plants the tunnel’s floor as he trips on his own feet. "What-what are you talking about?"

Marcelo sighs while Pepe rolls his eyes.

"What do you think? You like Neymar, don’t you?"

"What?! No, I do not!" He sputters trying his best not to stutter again lest they find out he’s lying.

"You do though." Casemiro says, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. James not too far behind him.

Oh shit. He’s screwed.

"I don’t! Why do you even think that?"

"Then why don’t you tackle him? And you don’t provoke him either. You even helped him up last time."

Sergio frantically shakes his head, both to refute James and to get rid of the images that appeared in his mind at his words.

Ney’s small hand grasping his own as he hauls him upright. A tad too hard causing him to slam against the taller man’s chest. He can still feel his warmth. And he will forever cherish the sheepish smile that the Brazilian had given him.

As if Case can read his mind, he says "I remember the look on your face when he smiled at you. You looked like a lovesick puppy."

"And Neymar was as red as a cherry."

"We were in the middle of a match, Pepe, of course his face was red. And I did not look like a lovesick puppy!"

"We were 10 minutes in, he has more stamina than that." Case butts in. "And yes, you did."

He raises a hand when the Spaniard opens his mouth to retort. "Stop denying it. It’s obvious. You never hesitate to push, tackle or foul anyone as long as they have the ball but you don’t even touch Ney."

"Exactly. Plus, you almost tore Sanchez’s head off when he fouled Neymar earlier. You always get mad at us when we do that." James adds cheekily.

"But-"

"We don’t see you reacting like that when we do something similar to anyone else."

"I-"

"Pepe almost broke Messi’s ankle earlier and you didn’t even bat an eye."

"Okay fine! I might like him a little. Happy?" Sergio blurts out. He is too tired to keep arguing with his friends. There is was clearly no use anyway, he isn’t going to change their minds. He just hopes they won’t judge him.

"Just a little?" Case asks, his gaze hard and a threatening edge in his tone.

Sergio gulps, how could he have forgotten how protective his Brazilian teammates are of Neymar?

"No. More than just a little. I…like him a lot." He replies, his shoulders slumping in resignation.

He feels lighter too, it feels good to share how he feels to others. He should do it more often.

"Yes, you should. How about you share your feelings with Ney?" James suggests, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Shit. He said that out loud? "Are you out of your mind?! Absolutely not."

"I think you should too."

"Me too."

"Ditto."

Sergio stares at his friends as if they’ve lost it. They can’t be serious. He won’t lose Neymar, not like this. There is no way the younger man likes him back even if Pepe said that he had apparently blushed. It was probably just the heat.

"No. He doesn’t like me back. I’ll ruin our friendship if I did that." He says, his tone uncharacteristically meek.

"You’re an idiot." Marcelo sighs. Incredulous.

Sergio frowns indignantly, “What?"

"You’re. An. Idiot." He says again, emphasizing each word. "How are you so sure? Don’t you think he favors you on the field too?"

“What do you mean?”

“You oblivious, blind, idiot! When does he ever argue with the ref when they don’t card you for your fouls? Have you seen how he acts when it’s me who doesn’t get carded?” Pepe asks, inhaling deeply to calm himself down before he ends up literally kicking some sense into his friend.

“He..he…oh my God…he really doesn’t!” Sergio shouts, a huge smile on his face as if he has just heard the best news of his life.

“Yes. He doesn’t, why do you think that? Do. Not. Say it’s because you’re friends, we’re teammates but he does not stay quiet for me.” Marcelo says, sounding a little offended at his own words.

Sergio’s heart skips a beat, could he really…? No. Don’t get your hopes up.

“He’s coming. It’s now or never.” James chips in, clearly exasperating but it pumps Sergio up anyway. Because his friends are not judging him. On the contrary, they’re supporting him.

The latter turns around and surprisingly, Neymar is walking down the tunnel alone. The younger man looks up and smiles awkwardly when he sees all of them looking at him.

Sergio almost falls down when his teammates push him towards the other man. He quickly gets his balance back before running towards Ney.

His heart skips a nervous beat when he reaches the Brazilian. However, he can’t help but look him up and down, admiring how his sweat soaked jersey sticks to his body like a second skin, accentuating his curves and abs. God, he aches to touch him.

“Hi.” The younger man greets, almost shyly.

Sergio nearly groans. He can listen Neymar’s husky, honey dipped voice all day long and still not get tired of it.

“Go on a date with me.” Fuck. That…is not how he was planning -well, technically he did not have a plan- on telling him.

Neymar takes a step back, his eyes wide and his jaw to the floor and even amidst his own panic the Spaniard can only focus on how beautiful his eyes look. Glistening as the green fights against the brown.

“A-a date?”

“I-I- I’m sorry. Please forget I-“

“No! I mean yes! I’ll go on a date with you.” Ney blurts out, waving his hands around. His cheeks turning a deep red.

Sergio freezes, his brain short circuiting.

“You..you will?”

Neymar looks at him from under his lashes which makes the older man wonder if he is deliberately trying to kill him. How can a man be this adorable?

“Yes, I will.”

“Now?” Because he can’t wait. He refuses to.

The Brazilian’s lips slowly quirk up into a smile. “Okay.”

Sergio beams at him, gaining a bout of courage he leans forward and pecks his cheek. Cherishing the feel of the man’s soft skin against his lips.

Ney stares at him, his cheeks on fire but his smile impossibly wider and Sergio swears he has never seen anything more beautiful.

“I’ll take a shower then I’ll wait for you outside your locker room?”

“I’ll be quick.” The shorter man promises as he runs towards the changing rooms, waving at his teammates as he goes.

“That wasn’t too hard, was it” James asks, smiling smugly.

Not hard?! He almost had a heart attack when Neymar stepped away from him, Sergio thinks as he watches the other man walk away.

“You better not hurt him.” Case warns as he walks pass him. His tone half-joking, half-serious. But the Spaniard knows not to test the Brazilians. Not when it comes to the people they care about.

It’s not like he can anyway. Hurt Neymar, that is.

“Don’t ruin it.” Marcelo teases. “Oh and we don’t mind the special treatment you give him but at least try to stop him next time yeah? Especially if we’re already losing.”

“Uh yes, Marcelo. Thank you.”

The other man merely winks back.

“What he said. Emphasis on don’t ruin it. I don’t need you mopping around.” Pepe claps his back and jogs to reach Marcelo.

Sergio chuckles, over the moon, until he realizes he has no idea where to take Neymar.

Shit.

#football fic #neymar jr #sergio ramos #what should their ship name be?

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zaeliaeve · 1 year

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ꜰʟᴏʀᴇꜱ [ꜱᴇʀɢɪᴏ ʀᴀᴍᴏꜱ] Chapter 3

DISCLAIMER: This is all fiction, and I apologize for any inaccuracies or mistranslations, I do not speak Spanish. Thanks for reading!

2009

Life as a Madridista comes with many eyes on you. The press was eating up the new team like a starving lion in the jungle. Anything the players did would make headlines. You could find something small like Cristiano eating an ice cream cone in the morning newspaper and calling him the greatest ever, to people calling for the demise of the entire establishment based off of an old rivalry. Life with that team has and always will have extreme ups and downs.

This week is their first away game of the season, and it's against RCD Espanyol in Barcelona. With all the pressure from the media circus, they have been practicing more and more. Catalina had begun getting familiar with the team during practices, not feeling as tense or on edge as she once was around 99% percent of the team. That one percent of worry came from the one and only, Sergio Ramos.

Catalina had a few run-ins with the long-haired defender during their recent times at practice, and none of them were pleasant. The most recent event came when they collided while turning in opposite directions at the same corner in the training facility.

"¡Puta madre!" Sergio shouts as he feels a head clash into his hard chest.

A startled Catalina stumbles back and glances up at the blonde, whose face stayed in an unpleased scowl. "I'm so s-"

Sergio cut her off before she could even finish "Stop being sorry and start thinking with your head"

With that, he was strutting away before Catalina had time to respond.

Catalina felt like she was sixteen all over again around Sergio. She assumed with age she became more confident and overall was finally coming out of her shell a bit, but this felt like three steps back. Something about him struck her that she couldn't put her finger on. It was a feeling she couldn't describe, nor did she have any interest in exploring it more.

After all, Catalina was there to do a job she was coming to really love so the one-sided hatred wasn't at the forefront of her mind. At least, not until nighttime when the thoughts would creep back up, along with occasionally seeing his smug smile that he always carried with him in her dreams.

It felt like the job was suiting her, so one-speed bump wouldn't deter Catalina from doing what she needed to. A few of Catalina's shots from the game were put into a couple of sports magazines, her name written in tiny writing at the bottom giving credit. When Catalina had first seen it in stores she squealed and bought a copy along with a frame. Now, on top of her shelf rests a still of Raúl scoring a penalty, the goalkeeper on the ground on the opposite side from the football.

With the game coming up, they were spending a lot more time in the training facility.

"Cat I hope you got a shot of that!" Pepe yelled over to the brunette, nodding over to Casillas who landed awkwardly on his face in an attempt to catch one of Xabi's shots.

Xabi was doubled over in laughter, reaching a hand out to steady himself as the laughs kept flowing. Casillas stood up quickly like nothing had happened but the damage was done. A couple of other teammates were chuckling at the goalkeeper who just shook his head in return.

Click click click

Catalina's lips perked up as she watched the group try to regain their composure once again. More and more, Catalina would hear her name called out during practice as a running joke. If someone made a bad shot or did something slightly embarrassing she could hear from the sidelines "Cat please send that to Sports Illustrated!"

Since the team had been practicing so often, it felt more and more comfortable as time had gone on. The players were beginning to build a brotherhood, bonded by experiences only each other could relate to.

A tap on the shoulder caused Catalina to lift her head up from the camera to be met with a familiar curly-haired Brazilian. "Do you mind grabbing another football? We're one short for duos. I'll owe you big time" Marcelo asked, his face sticky with sweat from running.

Catalina pressed the red off button before carefully placing her equipment in the bag strapped to her chest "Yeah, sure no problem"

Marcelo thanked her before pointing off in the direction of the room with tens of footballs stored there. Catalina followed his directions with ease, going back into the facility and turning right; having to open a heavy metal door to enter.

The door shuts behind her as quickly as it had opened, a loud voice causing Catalina to yelp in surprise at something being in there. "Don't!"

The same eyes that crept into her mind at night were now staring back into hers once again. "It locks behind you, too many kids were breaking in here just to get shit" Sergio explains, his tone softer than before.

Catalina was the first one to break eye contact, turning around to shake the silver door handle. It was hard as could be, not even budging a bit. Sergio stared blankly as her pulls at the handle became more frantic with panic.

Please, no. Out of everybody, why him?

After a few more good pulls it was evident that nothing was going to be accomplished by yanking at the metal. Catalina sighed deeply before facing the defender again, who was sitting on the floor in between the racks of footballs. "How long were you in here?" She questions softly, chest slightly heaving as her breaths shorten.

Sergio shrugs his shoulders "Five, maybe six minutes. We needed an extra ball. Why are you in here?" His tone is calm and collected, a stark contrast to hers.

"For the same reason. Marcelo sent me here" Catalina answers as she lowers to the ground, having a feeling she will be here for a good minute.

Catalina reaches into her back jeans pocket when she feels a big lump as she sits, reminding her that her phone was stored safely so there she pulled it out. She checks the top of the small screen and her somewhat hopeful face drops when she realizes she has no bars.

She presses on her aunt's contact just to give it a chance, but the call drops before it has even rung. "Relax, they're gonna realize we're gone and they'll come looking. That, or they'll come in to get the extra ball for duos" Sergio tells her when he sees the clear worry on her face.

Catalina thanks him although she's not even sure what for but Sergio doesn't respond either way. With nothing else to say, they sit in an awkward silence for a couple of minutes, both of them either staring at the ceiling, the footballs, or their own shoes.

This was Catalina's worst nightmare come true, but she was thankful that he didn't seem to be in a completely horrible mood. Still, the silence was almost mind-numbing. Not being able to take the eerie quiet anymore, Catalina spoke up. "You were really great at the game last week. That was the first time I'd ever watched a football game in person, and it was so breathtaking to see up close" Even if the reason she spoke up was just to break the silence, she meant every word.

When Sergio ignored her again, she kept talking. "You get this really bright fire behind your eyes that I've never seen before. You look like you really belong out there. Like that was what you were created to do. I understand why there are fans lined up around the block just to get a glimpse of that fire" Catalina gains the confidence to look at him, and this time when their eyes meet she doesn't pull away.

There's another silence as Sergio's eyes narrow and his brows furrow "Why are you so nice to me?" Sergio's tone tetters on the line of angry, and confused

Catalina frowns and blinks at him as she tries to find the answer herself. The silence didn't seem to satisfy Sergio's curiosity as he watches her struggle to come up with an explanation.

He stands back to his feet before inching closer to the girl, "I've been nothing but mean to you, yet you still keep looking at me like I've done nothing wrong. Like I'm some good guy" Sergio leans down to her eye level and takes her cheeks into his warm palms.

Sergio almost smiles to himself when he sees her face flush red under his touch, but decides against mentioning it. "You need to toughen up. You have these huge puppy-dog eyes that will make bad people want to take advantage of you. Not everyone has good intentions like you in this world, so you have to have a harder exterior to protect yourself." he says softly as moves his thumb up to on top of her eye to emphasize his point.

Catalina instinctively wraps her hands around his toned forearms as he cradles her face, nodding and batting her long eyelashes as he speaks earnestly. Sergio catches himself getting distracted by her reaction, his eyelids dropping a bit as his throat tightens "Look at how sweet you are."

"You're like a fucking doll" Sergio's voice goes low and scratchy before he clears his throat and leans back a bit to distance himself.

This was the first time Catalina has truly looked at Sergio, and it did nothing but complicate her feelings more. For somebody so rough, he had plump pink lips that gave him a slight pout that made him look pretty; accompanied by the same deep brown eyes that haunted her dreams that looked kind even when what he was saying would be in contrast to his appearance.

His thumbs find her eyebrows and push down, creating a forced scowl. "Say fuck you, Sergio."

Catalina's thick eyebrows moved underneath his thumbs in confusion, bringing her out of her dazed state. "What?"

"You can't let people walk all over you. When somebodies being a dick to you, say fuck you and move on. I've been a pretty big dick to you, so I'll be your starting point " He explains, now moving his hands fully off of her face. Catalina almost whines at the loss of heat.

Sergio uses one arm to pull her up back to her feet but still facing him. "Go on, say it"

There's a quick silence as Catalina processes what's happening. "F-fuck you, Sergio?" It comes out quiet and like a question.

He laughs, actually laughs at her before shaking his head in disapproval. "I know you can do better than that, chiqui"

Catalina grows a bit more confident at his sudden fondness, but yet still doesn't know how to approach it right. They make eye contact for a short moment, him grinning at her trying not to laugh again as her brain scrambles. "Fuck you?' It was louder, yet still lacked true heart.

Sergio's knuckles tapped the center of his own chest. "Say it from here, not your head."

Not wanting to disappoint him again, she takes in a deep breath and mimicked his movements on his chest to her own. Catalina releases pent-up air and says "Fuck you, Sergio." It wasn't fully there, but definitely more confident and strong than before.

His hands moved up in defense, feigning shock. "Woah, what did I do to you?" The defender teases, earning a playful soft tap on the chest from Catalina.

Sergio holds her hand in place as his eyes focus on her. "We'll have to work on it more, but that's an improvement. You have to let people know they can't mess with you. You can't look at everyone else with those puppy eyes" He releases her hand and she nods with understanding.

"Catalina, at the Madrid dinner I shouldn't have-" He's cut off by a loud creek of the heavy door, revealing a sweaty Kaká who looks confusedly at the two who seem to be in a good mood.

Kaká doesn't shut the door, instead leaves it firmly in his hand; implying he already knows of the safety protocol. "Let me guess, you're one ball short for duos?" Catalina half-jokes, gaining a snicker from Sergio.

"Actually, yeah. How'd you guess?" Kaká confirms as catches a football with one hand that Sergio tosses to him.

Catalina starts explaining about Marcelo and grabs another ball on the way out, Sergio following behind her. Kaká doesn't miss Sergio and Catalina's eyes glued to each other as they all shuffle back onto the field.

#sergio ramos #sergio ramos fanfiction #sergio ramos imagine #real madrid #madrid #football imagine #football fanfiction

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armchairfootballer · 3 months

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It’s been a rollercoaster 10 years since James Rodríguez wowed the world

It's been 10 years since James Rodríguez scored *that* goal. Yes, that one. You remember it well, surely.

The setting: Brazil's historic Maracanã stadium. In the 28th minute of their Round of 16 contest against Uruguay, Colombia's Abel Aguilar lobbed a header to James, who played it off his chest and volley-kicked it into the top of his opponents' net, near the corner, well beyond a diving Fernando Muslera. In a post-match summary of the goal, the poetic British commentator Peter Drury declared, "First touch, sumptuous. Second touch, magical. That's not a left foot. That is a wand." Uruguayan defender José María Giménez could do nothing more than stand with his hands on his hips, staring at the net in disbelief.

"My word, this boy's a star!" Drury proclaimed in the moment. James did not disappoint. He added another goal that game, taking his tally to five in the tournament after just four games. He'd add another in a quarterfinal loss to Brazil. Though Colombia would bow out at that point, James would go on to win the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer and, later, the Puskas Award for the year's most beautiful goal.

But it hasn't been a bed of roses for James in the ten years since Rio. Today, on his 33rd birthday, we take a look at the rise, fall, and revival of the Colombian midfielder.

The rising star

James had been building a strong career for himself in advance of the 2014 World Cup with productive seasons at Porto (32 goals in 107 appearances; 6 trophies) followed by a high-profile move to Monaco — a 5-year contract with a €45 million transfer fee. But in a post-World Cup interview, James said the magic words: that it would be his "life's dream" to play for Real Madrid. Ten days later, and with 4 years still left on his contract, James had signed with Carlo Ancelotti's band of superstars, a roster that included the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kroos, Kareem Benzema, and Sergio Ramos to name just a few. (Casillas, Pepe, Bale, Marcelo, Navas to name just a few more.)

Things started well at Madrid. Even amidst a team rich in talent, and despite being out for two months with injury, James contributed 17 goals in his first season. But later injuries and diminishing returns in successive seasons meant that James could no longer keep a regular place on the squad. New Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane also didn't seem to favor James' playing style, leading the Colombian to request a loan to Bayern Munich, where we would be reunited with Ancelotti.

Internationally, James was still making waves. At 25, he was named Colombia team captain for the 2016 Copa América, leading them to third place, losing only to eventual winners, Chile.

Fading away

Injuries plagued James for quite some time, keeping him from action for both club and country. After such a dazzling display in 2014, James sat on the bench at the 2018 World Cup and watched as his team went out to England in penalties in the Round of 16.

Despite scoring some key goals to help Bayern Munich win two league titles and a Pokal, James had netted only 15 goals in his 67 appearances with the club, and the owners opted not to pick up the option to purchase him. With no home in Munich or Madrid, he moved to Merseyside for a short stint with Everton (again, reuniting him with Ancelotti).

But failing to impress in England, and with no other clubs willing to take him on, James found himself playing for Qatar's Al Rayyan and didn't contribute much to their mediocre season. The Qatari team let him go just one game into his second season. He moved to Greece where he again lasted only one season after poor results with Olympiacos.

And James wouldn't get to return to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup as Colombia failed to qualify, finishing three points behind Ecuador for the last guaranteed spot. How did the World Cup star fade so fast for James?

Fast forward to summer 2023: James once again finds himself in South America. He now plays for São Paolo in Brazil, 13 years after he had left Argentina's Banfield, where he began built the reputation that catapulted him to European football. A name that had once dominated discussions among pundits — that had been proclaimed as "the next great thing" — had now faded into near oblivion. People weren't talking about James Rodríguez anymore.

Renaissance

After their failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, James expressed uncertainty as to whether he would ever again play for his country. That may have lit a fire under the team and perhaps even under him. Something started to happen...

Colombia started to pile up the wins, or at least had avoided losing. They had racked up victories against Mexico, Germany, and Brazil, among other countries. And before you knew it, they entered Copa América 2024 on a 23-game unbeaten run.

Enter James.

The attacking midfield has been a stalwart for Colombia all tournament and has been one of the keys to their success. In Colombia's five games so far, he has netted one goal and contributed six assists, surpassing Messi's tournament assist record. He's been man of the match for four of Colombia's five games of the tournament so far.

And when Colombia face off against Messi's Argentina in Sunday's final, James will need to play a pivotal role. Will his remarkable revival culminate in extending Colombia's historic unbeaten run and winning their first Copa América since 2001?

In addition to reinvigorating this Colombia team and resurrecting his career, James may also be accomplishing something even more outlandish — he may have some neutrals paying closer attention to him and Colombia than to Messi and Argentina. Colombia has arguably been the Copa's best team. Argentina has yet to come up against substantial competition and have had two victories over Canada.

Meanwhile, Colombia have had already had to battle both Brazil and Uruguay, defeating the latter while down a player for an entire half. The talented superstars of La Albiceleste, the world's #1 ranked team for the last 18 months now, can always dazzle and can outplay any team on their best day. But we've yet to see their best at this tournament, and it's feasible Colombia's passionate, fiery play could be a game-changer.

The bookies may have already made their prediction, but Sunday's eventual outcome is anything but clear. What is clear is that James Rodríguez will have a key role to play in whatever the result.

He's hoping it's a role for the better.

#James Rodriguez #Copa América 2024 #Colombia #Colombia vs Argentina #soccer #football

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mebiselfandi · 1 year

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Title: The Friend Of My Friend

Summary: Sergio makes Pepe apologize after he badly tackles Neymar

Pairings: Neymar & Sergio Ramos, kinda Neymessi, kinda MSN

Tags: vaguely based on that one gif

A/N: I’m gonna finish all my data at this rate but I’m like addicted to my tumblr or smth. Still technically not here. I just had to post this here too to keep things in order for idk posterity or smth.

“Hey! Neymar, wait up!”

Ramos jogged to catch up to Neymar who had stopped to wait for him. Luis and Leo looked at him questionably and somewhat apprehensively. He’d already won the match, did he want to rub it in their faces too?

“What do you want?” Luis asked irritably.

Leo shuffled slightly closer to Neymar in an attempt to look more menacing towards Sergio. Especially after the nasty tackle he’d given him.

“I just want to talk to him,” Sergio said taken aback by the two men’s standoffish behaviors.

“Well how about you go fu-”

“Luis!” Neymar interrupted, “it’s fine, really. You can go on and I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

Both of them hesitated a bit longer before sighing and beginning to walk away from them.

“We’ll save you a seat Ney,” Luis said as he squeezed his shoulder lightly.

Leo gave Sergio one last warning look then turned to give a reassuring smile to Neymar before following Luis out of the stadium and to the bus.

“Yeah?” Neymar asked as he limped slightly towards Sergio, crossing his arms protectively against his chest.

“You’re limping,” Sergio frowned.

Neymar looked away and scowled slightly at the memory of Pepe’s rough tackle that had sent him barreling into the sidelines. As if losing wasn’t enough, he had to sit out the next match to let his now aching leg rest.

“What made you think that?” He asked sarcastically.

Sergio refrained from rolling his eyes at the younger man’s sarcasm.

“Look, Pepe wanted to apologize,” Sergio muttered as he scratched his head.

Neymar’s eyes widened in fear.

“He’s not coming here is he?” He asked nervously as his eyes darted around in search of the man who had almost broken his leg.

Try as he might, Pepe was one of the few players he couldn’t overcome his fear of. The man was frightening. Sure Sergio was intimidating at times but he never tried to hurt Neymar on purpose. And he always apologized if he did hurt him or at least texted or called to make sure he was okay. In fact he could even almost consider Sergio his friend; the older man having taken an unforeseen liking to him. However, Pepe? That man made Neymar feel queasy at his mention. Even worse in his presence.

Sergio observed Neymar as he crossed his arms tighter and his fingers dug into his sides, clinging to his hoodie. His previously unbothered attitude had been replaced with a fearful disposition that made the boy tremor lightly in fear. With each tremble, the guilt mounted for what he was about to say next.

“Actually…” Sergio trailed off with an apologetic expression.

Neymar took a step back as he realized what he’d gotten himself into but before he could get far, Pepe’s figure could already be seen coming down the corridor accompanied by Marcelo and Casemiro.

Sergio had known Neymar and Pepe didn’t get along. However, he had not realized that Neymar was terrified of the man. Had he known he wouldn’t have ganged up on Pepe, along with Marcelo and Casemiro, to apologize to Neymar.

Marcelo gave Neymar a tight hug and so did Casemiro. Both of them ruffling his hair slightly in the process.

“How are you mano?” Marcelo beamed at his friend. Still glowing from the 4-3 win.

“I’m okay,” Neymar muttered with a small smile, feeling slightly less uneasy in the presence of his national teammates.

“And your leg?” Case asked, casting a worried glance at Neymar’s taped leg.

Neymar looked down and rubbed forlornly at his sore thigh. Grimacing faintly when he rubbed a particularly painful area.

“It’s okay. I’m out for the next game but I’ll be fine for the one after,” he said, unable to hide the dejected tone out of his voice.

Marcelo wrapped a comforting arm around Neymar’s shoulder; well aware of the how much the younger man not only hated losing but being injured as well.

“Cheer up irmão,” Case said as he tipped Neymar’s head up slightly by the chin, “you’ll do better next time.”

Neymar let a small smile slip at his friends’ reassurance. However it quickly disappeared when Sergio cleared his throat behind them, reminding him of why he was here in the first place. Case stood on Neymar’s other side and slid a grounding arm around Neymar’s waist which the younger man greatly appreciated. If it wasn’t for his two friends by his side, he was sure he would have already bolted(as much as his leg would allow) after Leo and Luis by now.

Pepe glared Neymar down, making him feel even smaller than he already felt in his presence. Neymar burrowed deeper into Case and Marcelo’s hold as he once again began to feel the flittering feeling of fear bubble inside him. Sergio elbowed his friend softly in the ribs and sent him an unappreciative look for his terror tactics. Pepe sighed in defeat before softening his gaze.

“I’m sorry you got hurt,” he forced out.

Sergio frowned at his apology, silently urging the man to continue.

“And,” he paused to let out a loud groan, “I’m sorry for tackling you,” he finished as though pained.

“It’s fine,” Neymar mumbled tensely, careful to avoid Pepe’s gaze. Clearly uncomfortable.

Sergio shared a look with his teammates.

“Well, we better get going,” Marcelo said, sending a pointed look towards Pepe who rolled his eyes in response, “all of us.”

Marcelo and Case pressed a kiss to each of Neymar’s temples before saying quiet goodbyes and taking Pepe along with them back the way they came; leaving Sergio and Neymar alone once again.

“I didn’t realize-.”

“It’s okay.”

“I wouldn’t have called him if I’d known.”

“Yeah I know that.”

“I’ll make sure he doesn’t tackle you like that again,” Sergio swore as he linked his fingers with Neymar’s.

The younger man could only look at him through his fringe in shock. He wasn’t sure what he’d done to earn Sergio’s…respect? Overprotectiveness? What exactly this was, he didn’t know but it left him feeling incredibly confused.

“It’s part of the game. It happens,” he said trying to understand the other man’s affection.

“Doesn’t mean I should just let it happen though,” Sergio said as his eyebrows knit together.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Neymar’s confusion was reaching an all time high.

“Have I ever not been nice to you?”

“Well…no. But you’re acting weird.”

“I like you,” Sergio confessed as he squeezed Neymar’s hand, “is that a crime?”

Neymar was now sure he must have been dreaming. He could only stare dumbstruck at Sergio

“Not like that.” He laughed as he saw the cogs turning in Neymar’s head. The younger man sighed slightly in relief.

“Thank goodness for that,” Neymar laughed gingerly, a soft blush on his face.

“Don’t worry though,” Sergio continued, “you’re my friend and I take care of my friends. I’ll make sure nobody tries to hurt you on purpose again.” He gave Neymar a wide grin in a way of assuring the validity of his promise.

“Thank you,” Neymar said as he flushed even deeper at Sergio’s words. He looked down at their intertwined hands as he tried to think of what to say.

“Anyways,” Sergio started before Neymar could think of something, “I have to go now. Get well soon Ney.” He pressed a quick kiss to his cheek then grinned again when the man turned to look at him in shock. He squeezed his hand once more before shouting out a goodbye as he jogged back down the corridor.

—————————————————

“So? What did Ramos want?” Luis finally asked when Neymar had now seated himself between him and Leo in the back of the bus.

Neymar was sure it would have been easier to explain anything but what had happened so he could only flush once again and try his best to splutter out of the question.

#just ignore this if you already saw it on my ao3 #meb writes #sergio ramos #neymar #leo messi #luis suarez #casemiro #marcelo vieira #pepe #idk what else to tag

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swaggypsyduck · 1 year

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okay so keep in mind i was a rma fan who didn't really follow psg or kylian until the world cup so i was only getting the salty rma fan perspective on kylian which was that all his teammates hate him because he's arrogant and blablabla.

people were saying that ramos hated mbappe because he disrespected messi and basically the narrative was that kylian was so arrogant and rude that ramos sided with his "old nemesis" messi over him and was getting payback for him by bullying him. it all sounds ridiculous now that i say it but the kylian hate was so popular that i never even questioned it. i tried to find some of the clips. there's probably more but idk what to type to find them.

this is the main clip that was used. he shouldered him at training and people were saying it was revenge for "disrespecting messi" https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYobXvQW/

this one ramos is "choking" him and messi is laughing at it and people were saying he was threatening kylian and that messi was happy about it. it sounds so stupid as im typing it but it sounded more believable when you only hear about kylian through spanish media https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYog8HQ7/

the first clip from this video they were just saying he's bullying him because he doesn't like him. i hadn't seen the other clips where they're laughing just the first one where he's "kicking him" and mbappe looks mad https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYogfsQy/

same thing with this one https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYogSRSR/

anyway i was dumb for believing that but in my defense a lot of people who didn't follow them enough to know about their friendship thought he hated kylian too. to end on a positive note, here's a cute clip I found while looking for those of kylian running across the whole field to jump in his arms :) https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYogemTu

o m f g

ANON THANK U SO MUCH FOR THIS IM DYING OF LAUGHTER 😭💀. i already knew how bad the spanish media tried to portray mbappe but i didn't think they took him being treated like a little brother to mean ramos or messi hates him. or that they'd attack him for literally just standing there. damn they should never see how my brother and i rough house then... like all the clips r just them having fun it's insane 💀💀.

as a fellow rma fan how were any of the clips different to him annoying ozil, marcelo, modrić, and pepe in rma training (or torres/pique on intnl break)💀💀. some ppl are so fucking gullible (good thing u realized ur mistake anon!). "revenge for messi" be soooo fucking fr rn😭😭. messi and ramos r both too grown and too solidified in their careers for that type of petty bs. it hurts me as a ramos fan to see those types of things bc like?? is this how u (general u not u anon) remember our capi?? as a bully of young players on his team?? as someone who doesn't make a safe environment for his team?? it's honestly an insult to the legacy he's built at rma.

oh man but the comment section in some of those vids do NOT pass the vibe check. a good rule of thumb that i use to navigate media is the second i see mostly racist comments or comments w racial undertones (especially if it's about black/immigrant athletes) i do my own research. saves me a LOT of trouble w rumors and media lololol. i also ask the questions: where is their source coming from? how old are these men to be acting like this? should i be taking facts from a country (england, spain, france, etc.) who's known to let racism and bias run rampant in leagues, media, and officials? and finally the most important question:

is this an opinion a cis male football fan would agree with?

anyways to end this on a positive note thank you for the comedic material! and for reminding me that the hug exists.

#anon #asks #THANK GOD I LIVE IN CANADA LOL #imagine waking up and seeing that bs everyday #actually ive experienced that racist bs in spain myself so maybe my opinion wouldn't be that different #but also like im glad u learned ur lesson on thinking critically #sergio ramos #kylian mbappe #psg

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stateofsport211 · 2 years

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All-In Regulars: Morocco Became Africa's First Semifinalist, Set A Clash with Defending Champion France

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dreams were crushed upon the loss against Morocco (📸 Associated Press via The Hindustan Times)

The quarterfinal days continue with two possibly history-making matches, for some reason. Morocco tried to become the first African and Arab semifinalist by taking a strong team in Portugal, while England took on France for another classic encounter.

Here was how everything unfolded, before the winners of the aforementioned matches took each other on the semifinal.

Morocco v. Portugal

The first match had a history-making possibility as Morocco took Portugal for a spot in the semifinal. For note, Morocco became the fourth African country to advance to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. However, a tough contest in Portugal, whose one of the key players, Cristiano Ronaldo, could have his last international dance in this year's World Cup. Furthermore, Ronaldo once again started the match on the bench for tactical reasons, taking into account Goncalo Ramos' contribution in the last round.

Youssef En-Nesyri's goal in the 42nd minute of the match secured Morocco the lead and the victory at the end (📸 Getty Images via Northern Public Radio)

The first half was already fast-paced from the way both teams approached the match: Morocco was thought to be the more aggressive side compared to Portugal's tactical. This materialized in one of the first notable Portuguese chances, where Joao Felix fired the ball right to the Moroccan penalty box, only to be saved by Yassine Bounou at 4'. However, Morocco picked up their pace by producing a shot that flew over the bar; unfortunately, it was offside.

Another notable Moroccan chance in the first half was a header from Youssef En-Nesyri, where he shot a header after receiving a preceding ball, just still above the goal post. The Moroccan defense was tested even further when Joao Felix struck the Moroccan penalty box numerous times, only for it to be either: (a) executed too far and wide, or; (b) saved by Bounou himself. Toward the end of the first half, En-Nesyri scored the (maiden) goal for Morocco, where he scored a perfect header to Diogo Costa's surprise. As a result, Morocco led 1-0.

However, the pace slowed a little in the second half, despite the Portuguese counter-attack attempt. Ronaldo's entrance to the game at 50' with Joao Cancelo increased the intensity of the Portuguese game, with his one chance being saved by Bounou. Not only Ronaldo, several other players, such as Goncalo Ramos, Bruno Fernandes, and even Felix again, have had their chances, to no avail. The Moroccan side parked the bus in an extraordinary way thanks to their defense in this half (and the non-existent middle efforts from Portugal), which ended right after Pepe's wide header.

Left: Morocco's Badr Nenoun celebrated after Morocco's victory against Portugal (📸 Getty Images via The Times of India); right: scenes as Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, and Ricardo Horta were dejected as Yassine Bounou, Badr Benoun, and Jawad El Yamiq celebrated their semifinal qualification (📸Reuters via The Gulf News)

With this victory, Morocco became the first African (and Arab, even) country to reach the World Cup semifinal. Furthermore, due to Portugal's loss, Cristiano Ronaldo was seen leaving the pitch first in tears, sparking divisive reactions around the internet.

England v. France

Jude Bellingham reacted right in front of Wilson Sampaio, the referee of the match (📸 Sky Sports)

The second match of the day featured another big match between England, who became the runner-up of the Euro 2020 (held in 2021), and France, the defending champion of the FIFA World Cup. One would say this was a heavy clash of "the two football giants [imperials, specifically]," considering the possible dynamicity of the match.

The first half started rapidly with a "tug-of-war" style, where both teams tried to drive each other to their rhythm according to the early ball possession rates, where each team held 44% and the ball was contested in 12%. However, France seemed to take more initiative with their possible chances, one of them was close at 16', where Jordan Henderson tried to pass to Bukayo Saka, only for the ball to get to Adrien Rabiot in an attempt to assist Ousmane Dembele, which went too wide. The proactivity bore fruit when Aurelien Tchouameni scored a goal at 17' after a series of smooth passes, slowly breaching the English defense, thus catching Jordan Pickford off-guard. It took England several moments until they tried to counter-attack, for example from an on-target chance by Harry Kane, where it got saved by Hugo Lloris at 28', showing an intense French defending. This score stood until the whistle blew to mark the first half ending.

Harry Kane scored a goal from his first penalty in the second half (📸 Reuters via The Guardian)

Olivier Giroud celebrated after he scored the French second goal of the match (📸 AS)

The intensity raised in the second half when Jude Bellingham already had another on-target chance for England, where he fired right from the edge of the area, only for Lloris to save it. Several minutes later, Tchouameni fouled Saka in the penalty area, followed by a successful penalty execution by Kane (all of these happened within 51-52'). The equalizer heated everything up in this match, proven by how the teams tried to outbalance each other with their counter-attack and defense capabilities. There were several remarkable chances from England, especially coming from Saka until France took over the situation and produced additional rounds of scoring opportunities, for example from Giroud, where his second chance was saved by Pickford or defended by Kyle Walker. Giroud then finally scored at 78', assisted by Antoine Griezmann right after the corner.

To prevail, England had to give them all in the last 14 minutes. Somehow, Theo Hernandez fouled Mason Mount when he barged Mount from behind, hence England was awarded another penalty after a check with the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR). In contrast with the first penalty, Kane did not manage to score a goal, sending the ball up in the sky instead. Since England had to score by the end of the match, they tried to pressure France further and produced several occasions to score, and they could not materialize any (even after the 8 minutes of injury time), lacking precision. To top it off, there was a free kick before the final whistle blew, where Marcus Rashford executed it closely, but still above the bar.

The French victory secured their second consecutive World Cup semifinal, just like Croatia, where they will face an inspired Morocco. On the other hand, Wilton Sampaio's decisions became another different point of attention. For Gary Neville, for example, the French first goal should have been ruled out due to Saka being fouled midway through the goal construction. Furthermore, Stuart Parker also thought there was a moment where England deserved a penalty when it did not happen, while both Bellingham and Henry Maguire thought "it was a poor refereeing, although it was not all his fault."

Refereeing aside, the English head coach, Gareth Southgate, saw this match as a positive improvement for the team while needing time to reflect and make correct decisions. For the French side, Giroud admitted parts of this match were rather mental, especially after conceding, but they worked their way out.

The General State of Draws

The current situation of the knock-out stage (📸 Eurosport)

Time flies: it looked like not a while ago the World Cup started, and we are now down to the final four. This means we only have four matches in six days to spare: the two semifinals, held separately between December 13-14, and the last two rounds: the third place play-off (on December 17) and the finals (on December 18). Looks really quick, right?

Two interesting semifinals are on the look in the next four days. There is a likelihood of repeating the 2018 finals, which was France v. Croatia; however, the chance of this happening would not be as easy as one would flip their hands. Although during both years Croatia survived numerous extra times and penalty shootouts, the Argentinean counter-offensive capability should not be underlooked, especially knowing the peak 2022 Argentina.

On the other hand, the next match in discussion (Morocco v. France) looks even tougher: not only Morocco did not concede any goals coming to this round (except the own goal against Canada) but also the French balancing capabilities, as demonstrated in the last few matches. Or, there could be more on the floor as things progress.

Morocco v. France: Will Morocco Defy the Odds Again?

The two key players for France & Morocco: Kylian Mbappe for France (left) and Achraf Hakimi (right) (📸 Associated Press via News 9 Sports)

France and Morocco have yet to face each other in a FIFA World Cup match before, which means this would be their first meeting. The last time they met, it was an international friendly match from 2007, where France drew Morocco 2-2. Bear in mind that it was an entirely different era, where from the French side, Sidney Govou and Samir Nasri scored; while Tarik Sektioui and Youssef Moukhtari scored for the Moroccan side.

Going back to 2022 and the World Cup, this is another entirely different stage, composition, approach, and form for both countries. While the French rapidness can still be relied on, as effectively as it was against England, today's Morocco is something else: when they are at their peak and go more offensively, they could drive the rhythm until the other succumbed to the pressure, something that was effective against Portugal (minus the lacking central from the Portuguese side). As a confirmation, in the past few matches, regardless if they involve both teams or not, had effective counter-attack and counter-pressing capability as the main importance compared to ball possession, where organization becomes crucial to determine their level.

This match would be an intriguing test of both teams' ability to balance both, which might boil down to the teams' executions: their ability to proactively create chances and effectively capitalize on them. For Morocco, it was tested in the previous matches coming to this round: defeating Belgium and Canada and drawing Croatia in the group stage, as well as defeating Spain (albeit in the penalty shootout) and Portugal to top it off. Apart from the slight 1-0 defeat against Tunisia, France had been solid: scoring 11 goals and conceding 5. This is where, speaking of being conceded, the offense-defense balance should be checked out: it would not take a single goalkeeper carriage to keep a clean sheet (in the case of Yassine Bounou for the last 3 rounds, especially), but it needs strong defenders to assist holding the fort (in the general Moroccan case).

Expect a heated dramatic match flow for this one. While it is possible for a penalty shootout to be served as a last resort, the team that could outbalance the other would prevail in this match. The French ceiling is high, knowing their experience, but the Moroccans should not be ruled out. Pulling a classic line: it is worth seeing what is going to happen here; who knows, this will be the way Morocco writes another history in this World Cup.

#fifa world cup 2022 #fifa world cup #world cup qatar 2022 #football news #football updates #quarterfinals #knock out stage #qatar 2022 #world cup #qatar world cup

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writingreadingdaydreaming · 1 month

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wouldn’t it be interesting if there was some juxtaposing alpha footballer to pepe where everyone is like “wow what a powerhouse! he’s been in the game for so long!1! work horse! the strongest and the most inspiring!!” and then they turn to pepe and are like “you omega hag why tf are you still playing”

(in my head we pretend that pepe is still an active playing footballer)

feel free to ignore what i just said if it doesn’t fit your pepe plot line though

It absolutely fits in my with my omega Pepe plot and the powerhouses name in question would be Cristiano Ronaldo 😄

Also Ramos but he’s not a complete shithole in my universe-

I think it would be interesting how Pepe and Ronaldo would be treated differently in football. Ronaldo is passionate and Pepe is violent. Ronaldo is a leader and Pepe is bossy. Ronaldo is strong and Pepe is aggressive. Like I could go on but you get the point.

Also the ultra-incels saying that Pepe’s biological clock is ticking and completely ignoring the fact that he doesn’t even have a uterus and therefore cannot get pregnant and reproduce 😀

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fa14-eb23 · 6 months

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You just made a foul to him and put him down, but then you see him getting up, very angry, looking at you and coming to you, just his look scares the shit out of you, so you start running away very scared to be ass kicked by him, even if this means that he could get a red but you just want to stay alive and safe 🥹

Or, almost the same situation but instead you're the referee and you have to give him a yeow/red card, but you're so scared of him that you think if it's a bad idea to not giving him any card and just forgiving him

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baekhvuns · 2 years

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Does Ronaldo need more money though lmao, unless he wants to be loaded for the rest of his life and do nothing but produce more kids

People wait the whole year to die at the end. Lmao so the royal family killers have a weird ass royal family obsessed aunt and she told then they were cursed, because of the coincidence 😭🔪

The bump on my head is gone actually! But I do have a small bump on my forehead cause I hit it... on the bottom of the balcony (don't ask 😅)

P.E. = PEPE alright big brain moment 😵

I didn't exactly catch-catch the puckers I just snatched them, but once a middle aged guy wanted to fight me, a 18 year old girl?! He wanted it more than I did, but with that behaviour??? Get fucked

I get you because I was often angry at Pepe and Ramos for sabotaging the team with their behaviour like REALLY?! I think most of Neymar's cards are for his questionable acting skills lol. The comment "Pepe/Ramos: if he's still breathing it wasn't a foul" jshsajshjsshnsjsjsjshdd

SM better does well for SuperM or else 💀💀💀💀 I was hoping for a live performance of Halazia to hear the actual vocals, but almost everyone lipped during Gayo (basically every artist)?! So I'm laughing at Atunas saying they were live, not even Jongho and the rap line. If you can't hear the difference you can even see the lips didn't match come on 🤡 Actually ZFP1 is my fave album! It's cohesive, even though I don't listen to GLB a lot and don't care for ODAAT, other songs are 👌🏻 but many people found the Fever series underwhelming and I kinda get it, like ZFP2 that album is... questionable imo. On the other hand those who became fans during that era say otherwise and don't necessarily vibe with their current sound. You can't please anyone, but I definitely prefer their music pre-Movement era, ngl. Treasure series my beloved 🥰

I'm glad Hwa is getting interested in producing though! But yeah can't have a normal discussion even with people who bias him 🔫

Seonghwa's Gayo fan cam dropped, I'm gonna camp there, he llooked like one of those fuzzy chickens, he said he liked that disheveled look, and he pulled if off.

2002-2009 liners?! Time to kill YG for real

PSG what are you doing omg. No way, the Al-Nassr guy is an icon already actually, jobless but iconic

IU and LJS such a hot couple, but these couples >>>>> there was another one and Seonghwa is dating someone from CLC?! I don't remember being a member of CLC, but okay 🤭

SEONGWHWHAHWHAHHAHA LEGO LIVE AGAIN, THE YEAR HAS BEEN SAVED 🥰

But there was no need to comment that OP and there was absolutely NO NEED for him to read it out loud. I'm having a normal reaction

Also, I'm watching the Youngjae show rn and is it just me or is Hwa looking extra beautiful and radiant recently 😭 also if MinHwaSang cut their hair it's on fucking sight, game over - DV 💖

hi hello!!!

The memes are indeed funny, but I'm lowkey crying like why Cristiano, why akhsiajsksjsjjsnshsjahss. The Zlatan movie doesn't seem to be well-received, tbh the poster scared me, hahahah but it can be cool for kids /// Does Ronaldo need more money though lmao, unless he wants to be loaded for the rest of his life and do nothing but produce more kids

😭😭😭 no bc no one offered him a contract where else would he go 😭😭😭 saudi slightly better than a us club i guess bfwbdnsnckc zlatan’s movie poster looks like a character from hotel transylvania tbh,,, LMFAOOOO bro is making his own real madrid just wait till 2030 his kids would be playing in the wc 😭😭😭 no bc earning $380 PER FUCKING MINUTE?????? what. a. life.

People wait the whole year to die at the end. Lmao so the royal family killers have a weird ass royal family obsessed aunt and she told then they were cursed, because of the coincidence 😭🔪

nO SERIOUSLY u wait a whole year for what? just die now bfwndbjejc NO WAAAYYYY STOP GOT CURSED FOR WHAAT DBWBDB 😭😭😭😭😭 is the royal family aunt also obsessed with the meghan and harry thing 🧍🏻‍♀️🧍🏻‍♀️ its a group discussion in my household every month dndnd

The bump on my head is gone actually! But I do have a small bump on my forehead cause I hit it... on the bottom of the balcony (don't ask 😅) /// P.E. = PEPE alright big brain moment 😵

…….anon 😭😭😭 i understand the balcony ( somehow) bUT THE BOTTOM OF IT??? 😭😭😭 U KNOW IT !!! pepe should open a school where they teach p.e, his way <3 it was lucky for him that pepe was in a good mood 😭 do u also think that kep1er is basically derived from pepe’s name fbwmdbks

I didn't exactly catch-catch the puckers I just snatched them, but once a middle aged guy wanted to fight me, a 18 year old girl?! He wanted it more than I did, but with that behaviour??? Get fucked

aHHH THE SAME THING 🔫 snatching it is more impressive bc u have to have the speed to do it 🤌🏻 LMFAOOO??? A WHOLE ASS ADULT??? NAAAAHHHHH BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME UNCLE FBFBBD

no cause ur fouling and risking u to skip the next natch and putting career threatening injuries on ppl 😭😭😭 but NOW??? DO WHATEVER U WANT I SUPPORT no ur right def the acting skills but when he fouls back it always counts </3 LMFAOOOO NO ITS RIGHT if the player is still breathing it is not a foul or the “u missed the ball pepe” “i wasn’t aiming for the ball bro” 😭😭😭 pepe is the reason VAR is invented 😭😭😭😭

NO CAYSE THIS DBDBD

tbh sm does superm well in terms of musical side but with GOT the music is just ��📉📉 wait they did?? (did not see the perf at all) all of them were wearing the head seats too omg no bc i saw it on my tl about atinys saying they didn’t lipsync while others said everyone lip-synced 😭😭 i agree with u!! pt1 was great, the tracks THE INCEPTION??? 😮‍💨😮‍💨 wait i also do not losten to glb, ill listen to every song except that one 😭😭 and then after that albim,,, it went a little 📉 nO BC TREASURE SERIES IS SUPERIOR !!!!!! UNTOUCHABLE !!!!!! the concept / lore was the perfect amount 😭

I'm glad Hwa is getting interested in producing though! But yeah can't have a normal discussion even with people who bias him 🔫 /// Seonghwa's Gayo fan cam dropped, I'm gonna camp there, he llooked like one of those fuzzy chickens, he said he liked that disheveled look, and he pulled if off.

prod seonghwa 2023 manifesting 🤲🏻 need a tear jerking ballad that’ll ruin me <3 FUZZY CHICKENS GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE IM SCREAMING FBQKFHQKDBWKHCSKHDSK HE PILLED IT OFF BUT FUZZY CHICKEN VIOLATION 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 OH MY DAYS THATS A VIOLATION

2002-2009 liners?! Time to kill YG for real

BESTIE 2010 NOW 😭😭😭 tool baby monster seriously,,, ppl saying she looks like garam 😭

PSG what are you doing omg. No way, the Al-Nassr guy is an icon already actually, jobless but iconic

no literally and they let their star boy out to fly to the states while the not even the brazilian players JUST neymar get’s the shit + they started the transfer drama,, a low class club feeding to the ego of ONE boy 🔫🔫 ,, JOBLESS BUT ICONIC UR RIGHT i wonder if he’s paid a $$$$ for it too

IU and LJS such a hot couple, but these couples >>>>> there was another one and Seonghwa is dating someone from CLC?! I don't remember being a member of CLC, but okay 🤭 ///// SEONGWHWHAHWHAHHAHA LEGO LIVE AGAIN, THE YEAR HAS BEEN SAVED 🥰

they rly lived a friends to lovers au <333

WAIT THAT LIST???? HOW COME DISPATCH DIDNT REVEAL THOSE 🤨🤨 LMFAOOOO THE WAY MY JAW FELL WHEN U SAID HWA X CLC MEMBER FVFNWHDMS two POLAR OPPOSITES 😭😭😭 seonghwa came as a blessing this year w that blond hair and the constant MF hair flips he does KNOWING FULL WELL IT DOES SOMETHING TO US 🔫🔫

But there was no need to comment that OP and there was absolutely NO NEED for him to read it out loud. I'm having a normal reaction

wait…the comment…why did he pick that one to read out…loud….is he…is this mf….. he’s an exhibitionist

Also, I'm watching the Youngjae show rn and is it just me or is Hwa looking extra beautiful and radiant recently 😭 also if MinHwaSang cut their hair it's on fucking sight, game over - DV 💖

need him to drop the skincare and food routine 🔫 ANON I THINK ITS THE HAIR ITS THE BLOND 😭😭😭 no bc if they tOUCH IT. trim it even SLIGHTLY. haha. ha. 🔫

oooh! what is ur kpop ick!

🧍🏻‍♀️🧍🏻‍♀️

#✉️ : ask #dv 💖 anon

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epuiseeparmedia · 2 years

Text

I don’t know why not playing a 37 year old four games in a row is generating so much drama.

Or why Cristiano, who would play with a broken ankle and a fever if not stopped for his own sake, being momentarily a little sad about it get blown out of proportion. He had always been sad about not playing, that is the default position of literally any football player.

Oh yes I know. It sells papers. And haters think it vindicated den Tag, never mind it’s mighty… Switzerland, you know the ones Ronaldo already scored two in June, already at 37, maybe shill out with the hype; it ain’t Brazil yet. That poor Ramos literally got the best night of his career and journalists made it all about Cristiano.

Ronaldo doesn’t have contempt for the bald asshole for subbing him, despite the lies journalists decide they would spread. If people had actually watched the interview it’s not the subbing. He quite frankly admitted to his age and he was telling for a whole year before about giving young players a chance. He was annoyed to come in at the last five minutes. Multiple times. Each time with a bullshit excuse. And the United management leaking stories to the press. Like, be honest and don’t put him on the list so he can have the night out with his kids. My read is that he was also angry for Casemiro getting the same treatment or Garnacho getting completely ignored before the “strike” (but watch all the commentators ignoring it was Casemiro who saved that idiot at Chelsea, and give him credit for Garnacho prowess at Fulham when Voldemort had benched him again), and it’s part of the things he wouldn’t expand on so don’t quote me on that.

Look: Cristiano and Pepe had dragged that team to highs and lows for twenty odd years , Ronaldo was playing injured in 2014. Everyone screamed to stop relying on Cristiano too much and now that they do, now that they have a fighting chance, journalists can’t wait to chuck him without so much as a thank you note for all the works and give the potential glory to literally anyone else but him.

“They qualified but he didn’t help” as they forgot about fifa literally cancelling his goal against Serbia for no reason, goal that would have avoided the play off entirely. “They won but he didn’t score” as he attracted the whole defence to him and keep them busy. Like with Real Madrid, if Ronaldo didn’t score in the final he didn’t participate ; but when he did, he shouldn’t be happy because it is a collective sport and look at him being a narcissist again. “He created drama in the team” as he literally said nothing against anyone in it and it’s the journalists who bring his name at every conference. The Belgium team had a whole drama and got eliminated first round but you would think the troubled team this year is Portugal.

It’s the tell every hardworking person know. You devote yourself to a job but the moment you get sick, or even tired, or need the company to give back even a little, you are being ungrateful and pushy and entitled and why don’t you just resigned. Well he’s about to walk out.

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mahixa · 3 years

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Following football topic. I'm a huge Real Madrid fan but I love football more than any team, I just enjoy watching it. So yeah, you are partially right about only two teams winning LaLiga because Atleti won last year and I think Messi going to PSG will make things more interesting this season.

My only hope is to Atleti not to win please (nothing against you), I'd rather Sevilla to win 🤣

And... I don't know about others but I became a merengue because I liked their way of thinking, they never give up and I'll always support them even if they don't win anything (like last year haha).

Hello! I think Messi's departure is very messy on so many levels and I really don't like what PSG is doing, but then again - money money money, the same thing happens to every team that suddenly gets some rich people supporting it financially (City, Chelsea, what's up. Also after reading stuff like Football Leaks: Uncovering the Dirty Deals Behind the Beautiful Game I know way too much not to pay attention to what is happening), and I think PSG squad now symbolises some teenager's wet FIFA game cheating codes dream more than anything that should be legal in this sport. I just don't like such huge transfers for huge amount of money and this is exactly what is happening here, but yeah. What can we do. I think your reason to love and support Real Madrid is very very very nice and I wish more people supporting this team and the ones which I've met were the same! 🧡 I personally think this team used to be quite unnecessarily brutal and getting unfair head start by referees (brutal players like Camacho or Casemiro or Pepe or Ramos. Casemiro kicking Casquero's body TWICE?! On purpose!) and they are known for things like Ramos pretending to be injuried during 2017 Champions League final, which resulted in getting being Cuadrado sent off. That to me was peak Ramos behaviour and in words of Rio Ferdinand (which I admire and respect a lot) - he should be ashamed of himself. I've only met two cool Real fans who wouldn't call my teams (Liverpool and Atletico) shit right into my face. It has never happened to me to such extent with fans of different groups. Anyway I have a feeling you would be the third cool Real fan and thank you for that, as I said I like your reasons behind it even though every team never wants to give up, I just think some things could have been handled differently in the history of this team (but also, every team has something to be blamed for so... I just think some teams more than others). For me Liverpool is a magical team with their You'll Never Walk Alone vibes and supporting them has made me very happy, even though for almost my whole life they were not winning anything (paaaaaainnnnn). My Mum and Sister are Arsenal fans so lmao, they know what pain means hahaha

Thanks for your message! I wish we could talk so maybe you could change my mind on Real, I'd really like to have a different opinion about them but unfortunately almost every single one of any encounters with their fans made me feel bad or annoyed like nothing else

#this turned out to be an essay but i'm very passionate about football and i know quite a lot about it so i can talk for hours #anyway thanks for sending me this message and i hope to meet more real fans like you

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thefinishedarticle · 4 years

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The Ultimate José

This is one hypothetical question which I keep seeing asked: if you had to assemble a starting XI out of all of the players José Mourinho has managed, who would you choose?

I have copied the discussion-prompting efforts of betting companies William Hill and 888 below, which agree on every member of the team apart from the holding midfielder: William Hill chose Michael Essien, whilst 888 opt for Claude Makélélé. But all of the papers have had their attempts as well, with a fair amount of variation in their results, so I thought I’d have a more thorough look to see just how reasonable their choices are.

Interestingly, it’s a question which has already been answered by Mourinho himself. He refused to do so in 2017, stating that to do so would be a disservice to the players who weren’t included. "It’s an answer that I’ve always refused to give and will continue to," he said then. "So many players gave their blood and soul when they played for me, how can I name some and forget others?”

However, this year he bit the bullet and listed a team as follows: Cech, Gallas, Carvalho, Terry, Zanetti, Makélélé, Lampard, Ozil, Ronaldo, Hazard, Drogba. There are a few differences to the teams suggested above, but then Mourinho is not necessary the objective expert here, especially as he had high-profile fallings-out with many of the talents under his management.

So which is correct?

Defence and Goalkeeper

Firstly, we should clarify whether we're choosing ‘the best players to have played under Mourinho’ over their career, or best players whilst playing for Mourinho. I assume the latter, In that case, Ricardo Carvalho is the first name on the team sheet. The pair won five league titles in seven seasons together, across three different clubs in three different leagues, and picked up five domestic cups and two European titles in the same period.

Carvalho was a major part of Mourinho’s early success with Porto, winning two Portuguese league titles, a domestic cup, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League in 2003 and 2004, with enough of a starring role to be named in the Portuguese team of the season and the UEFA team of the season in respective years. He is the only member of that successful Porto squad with that level of recognition (Paulo Ferreira made the UEFA team in 2003, Maniche made it in 2004, and Deco made the Portuguese team in 2004).

Both Carvalho and Ferreira followed Mourinho to Chelsea, where they continued with their third and fourth successive league titles and three domestic cups in three years from 2004 to 2007. Maniche arrived in the 2004/05 season to share in that title, but he was only a squad player whereas the two defenders slotted straight into the first team. Mourinho then left for Inter Milan, but when he was signed by Real Madrid he brought Carvalho back from Chelsea: his compatriot was again a starring defender as they won the domestic cup in the first season, and remained a starter in their following league winning campaign before injury forced his demotion to the bench, and became a squad player for Mourinho’s acrimonious final year at the club.

Sergio Ramos was there for the full three years, sharing in those cup and league victories as well as twice appearing in the UEFA team of the year, but surely he can’t compete with Carvalho’s level of consistent loyalty and success. I think that John Terry also beats him to the other centre-back spot, because he was a fixture in both that original period of Chelsea success and Mourinho’s victorious return in 2013. The pair won three Premier Leagues titles and four domestic cups in five full seasons together, and Terry appeared in the Premier League team of the year for all three league wins (as well as in the UEFA team twice) to demonstrate his starring role in their success. He and Carvalho can renew their successful partnership. Pepe, Ivanoic, Cahill, Samuel, and others did well, but don’t quite clear this extremely high bar.

I am going to disagree with the examples above again when it comes to the left-back pick. Ashley Cole only really played one full season under Mourinho, having been signed post-title success, and was never part of one of his league-winning sides. William Gallas was his predecessor who starred in that dominant Chelsea team and won back-to-back titles, appearing in the Premier League Team of the Year for the latter. Most would say that Cole was the better player for Chelsea, or across his career, but that’s not what we’re looking for here - a point which will also apply to many Chelsea legends which began under Mourinho but only grew once he’d moved on.

The right flank is probably even more contentious. As noted above, Ferreira was an ever-present for five consecutive seasons and four consecutive league titles. Or you could play Maicon, Mourinho’s main man in Milan and a legend of the position. Both won titles and appeared in the UEFA team once under him. The choice of Zanetti is actually a really strange one: he made the most appearances of any player in those two years at Inter, but he starred on the right side of a three-man midfield rather than in his other role at right-back.

If we’re just shunting players into that position, Sergio Ramos played at right-back under Mourinho's first season in Madrid, only shifting to the middle once Carvalho had left a centre-back berth empty (and appeared in the UEFA team for both). I’m minded to give him that role, allowing him to play alongside Carvalho and Terry, with Carvalho providing the bridge between the two partnerships, but it’s a tough position to decide and I think it would be fairer to go for an out-and-out right back in Ferreira, given he spent five years doing great work in that actual position. The left has fewer claimants, but Marcelo was a real star at Real (with his own UEFA team appearance) and probably edges Gallas when comparing their short time of two seasons each.

Circling back to goal, Cech’s position is also under pressure. Iker Casillas was more often in the UEFA team (twice to once), and De Gea was more often in the Premier League’s (twice to once, as well as one UEFA appearance). Cech was also relegated to the bench for Chelsea’s third title in 2014/15. He probably just edges it thanks to his longevity (four seasons of excellent goalkeeping compared to three and two), but again you could make an argument either way.

Midfield

Midfield is also interesting. Wesley Sneijder only had one, albeit brilliant, season under Mourinho. He was excellent in Inter’s treble success, but then we don’t credit Maniche and Deco when they led Porto to the Champions League, two titles and a cup. In comparison, Mesut Ozil was one of Real's stars for all three of Mourinho’s seasons in Spain, twice featuring in the UEFA team of the year.

Essien is an interesting choice, a useful latecomer to both Chelsea and Real, but Mourinho won as much or more with Cambiasso, Xabi Alonso, Di Maria, Khedira, Kaka, Matic, Fabregas, Oscar and others, so there is plenty of room for argument. That’s ignoring the likes of Vieira, Modric, and Carrick who weren't really part of a Mourinho success story but have glittering CVs of their own.

The one certainty is that Frank Lampard makes it. He was consistently great under Mourinho, and Chelsea’s top goalscorer in both of their title-winning seasons. I will include him alongside Makélélé, who did the defensive equivalent. Ozil could round out the trio and provide creativity for the front three, or it would be good to start Zanetti on the right side as another defensive-minded player, allowing the forwards to run riot.

Forward

Their selection may prove to be the most divisive. Cristiano Ronaldo obviously makes the team, as he would probably make an XI of all teams, but there are question marks over the other two. Mourinho managed forwards including Benzema, Higuain, Ibrahimovic, Eto'o, Milito, Costa, Crespo, Adriano, Torres, Lukaku, and Kane, together with others. People seem to think that Didier Drogba walks into this team, but they are probably thinking along the same lines as with Ashley Cole. He was a Chelsea legend more than he was a Mourinho one. His peak came under Ancelotti, when Mourinho was long gone.

Drogba may have gone on to define Chelsea, but people easily forget that he wasn't the star in their two title-winning seasons. He started fewer than half of their league games in 2004/05, and only scored 10 goals as Eidur Gudjohnsen took the lead role. He played the same number of games as fellow forward Mateja Kezman, who we don’t remember in the same light. In the next year’s league campaign he still only started 20 times, with the line led by new signing Hernan Crespo, and scored 12 goals. He doesn’t make the XI with the most starts for either year:

Cech, Terry, Carvalho, Gallas, Ferreira, Makélélé, Lampard, Mendes, J Cole, Duff, Gudjohnsen

Cech, Terry, Carvalho, Gallas, del Horno, Makélélé, Lampard, Essien, J Cole, Robben, Crespo

He certainly wasn’t the club’s top scorer in either year, let alone anywhere near dominating the league. He only really established himself in 2006/07, when Shevchenko was brought in for Mourinho’s third season, and his famous flop left the space for Drogba to rise. Chelsea didn’t win the title that year, but Drogba’s 33 goals in 60 games across all competions helped them win both of the domestic cups, and he secured glory with winning goals in both finals.

Unfortunately, his form then dipped again alarmingly over the next two seasons. Chelsea’s rocky start to 2007/08 which saw Mourinho leave Chelsea was reflected by his record of one goal in their opening eight games (he would only score his second goal in their twelfth game of the season, but not before getting sent off in the eleventh). Overall, he had one excellent season under Mourinho, two useful ones, and one truly dire start, which was no blip but the beginning of a two year slump of disappointment, featuring repeated disciplinary issues (including the red card for slapping which lost them the Champions League), goal droughts and agitating to transfer. It’s a mixed memory at best, and tinted rose by his subsequent achievements under other managers.

The question is how that compares to the strikers Mourinho managed at closer to their prime. Diego Milito, for example: he led Inter to the treble with 30 goals in 52 games (he didn’t have a league cup to stat-pad in), including two goals and a Man of the Match performance in the Champions League final, a winner in the semis, and the only goal in the Coppa Italia final. That seems to be at least the equal to Drogba’s one top season, so the question is whether the additional time as a rotation option counts in his favour, or whether it dilutes his overall rating in terms of his performances under Mourinho.

Both Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuaín helped to fire Real to a record-breaking league title, and they were consistently top-class over Mourinho’s spell there. Benzema scored 32, 20, and 21 goals in 52, 50, and 52 games respectively, whilst Higuaín managed the slightly more modest hauls of 26 and 18 goals in 54 and 44 games before leaving for Naples. Their numbers are made more impressive when considering that Ronaldo was the team’s main goalscorer.

Then there is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who served Mourinho briefly but brilliantly at two clubs. He preceded Milito’s sublime Inter season with an excellent one of his own, 29 goals (and 9 assists) in 47 games, including the Golden Boot to fire them to the league title and the final goal in each round of the Coppa Italia. That earnt him a move to Barcelona, but Mourinho offered him a reunion at United eight years later, and he picked up where they’d left off: scoring 28 goals in 45 games, before injury forced an end to his momentum.

He had a massive impact on the United side as a talisman and leader, dragging them back up to 2nd in the league after their post-Fergie slump and leading them to victory in the EFL Cup and Europa League. He scored twice in the EFL Cup final, including a late winning goal, having kicked off their season by scoring the late winner that won United the Community Shield. Despite being injured in the Europa quarter finals, he recorded the second most goals and assists and duly made the team of the tournament (he was voted third overall).

It is worth noting that this wasn’t like Drogba hitting his prime in a team of double-champions (United’s previous three top scorers had managed just 17, 14, 19 goals in full, injury-free seasons), but Ibrahimovic hit similar numbers anyway. He beat all of Drogba’s seasons under Mourinho apart from one, and we have to assume he could have beaten those stats if he had been allowed to continue (overall he scored 5 fewer goals in 15 fewer games, and in the league he played 8 fewer games but 3 fewer goals, whilst still beating Drogba for assists).

His one Inter season was 25 goals and 7 assists in the league, five more goals and three more assists than Drogba’s best season at Chelsea whilst playing one fewer game. That’s two top seasons against one, and at two different clubs where Mourinho was new and needed a win. I know that there was more to Drogba beyond his goals, but the same is true of Ibrahimovic given his physical presence, impact on the team and higher assist tally. If we are looking at how the players performed under Mourinho overall, I thnk he has to edge it.

People will do doubt mention that Mourinho once said Drogba was the best player to have played under him. This was said whilst Mourinho was manager of Real, with Ronaldo scoring 50-60 goals a season and winning the Ballon d’Or, so unless we accept that Drogba is better than Ronaldo we can’t hold those words up as gospel seven years later. It also seems that Mourinho has fallen for the Drogba nostalgia I alluded to, because in a recent interview he listed him as his highest-scoring striker, with 186 goals in total and 46 per season. Drogba’s actual tally was 78, which would be 19 per season and compares much less favourably to the other figures in Mourinho’s speech (an average of 30, 29 and 26 goals for Milito, Ibrahimovic and Benzema respectively).

Hazard is another player who had one excellent season (Premier League player of the year) under Mourinho, but then went on a drought and saw him fired. Is that better than the forwards listed above, many of whom, like treble-winning Samuel Eto'o, could play wide? Or Arjen Robben and Joe Cole, who won Chelsea's first two Premier Leagues? Robben was consistently excellent across Mourinho's first three seasons at Chelsea and all the success they brought, but left just before the slump - that makes him a strong candidate, even without his later success.

This is without even mentioning players like Shevchenko, Pizarro, Luis Figo, Salah, De Bruyne, Mata, Pedro, Sanchez, Willian and Balotelli, or Duff and Wright-Phillips who featured with Cole and Robben in those original Chelsea teams, or even peak Angel Di Maria, who played opposite Ronaldo for Real. Depending on how you play it, there are so many options here. But we should look to get Ronaldo on his preferred right wing, and that means we need a left-sided player, which rules out Robben’s famous trick of cutting in from the right and shooting with his left foot. I have also avoided the temptation to just shoehorn in another striker, as some have done. In that case, I’m happy to concede to the popular demand for Hazard, and hope that this appeases those who will no doubt clamour for Drogba’s inclusion.

The final team is therefore as follows: Cech, Terry, Carvalho, Ferreira, Marcelo, Lampard, Makélélé, Ozil, Hazard, Ibra, Ronaldo. This seems to be the best selection of the basis of the reasoning above, although there were difficult decisions in many areas and I would happily change a number of elements, especially when it comes to midfield: this is set up as a free-flowing offensive team to make the most of the riches of attacking talent on offer, but Zanetti and others could easily come in to make it more secure as and when required. I’m conscious that Inter feel under-represented, but then Mourinho was only there for a short time and many of the stars only joined him for a single year, so a lack of longevity has seen them miss out to players from his longer stints at Chelsea and Madrid.

#football #Chelsea #Mourinho #Real Madrid

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orangedodge · 5 years

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I've finished reading issue six of Hickman's X-Men, and wanted to take this time to revisit—and expand a bit—on my pet theory that Xavier has a list of people (Emma, Kitty, Illyana, maybe Bishop, being the big ones) that he wants to keep away from Krakoa for as a long, and as often, as is possible. First up, with this post, I'll go why I think the makeup of the Quiet Council alludes to this. So let's backtrack a bit to House of X.

House of X, no. 6 Jonathan Hickman and Pepe Larraz, Dawn of X

This group of Mr. Sinister, Exodus, and Mystique was one that caught my attention immediately when the issue first came out. I recall the general fandom being baffled by the inclusion these three specific members, who seemed random additions, perhaps there for chaos, or just to bring the council up to an even twelve seats. And okay, one could readily make a case for Mr. Sinister, who is currently of extreme value to the Krakoa project, and should be kept as invested in its affairs as possible. But Raven and Exodus? I actually didn't find their inclusion that unusual, because like Sinister they've been important leaders of divergent mutant factions who, while they may have once been affiliated with Xavier or Erik—originally, in Bennet's case, and occasionally, in Raven's—have since branched out and could now be seen as the spokespersons for alternate modes of thought. It's only reasonable that, in a nation building project, the founders of Krakoa would want to court them, to bring as many alignments of mutants into the fold as possible.

So rather, what struck my attention personally, was why specifically these three, and why only these three? Why didn't Selene get an invitation to participate in Krakoa's government? Why not Astra or Sublime or the Sugar Man (any of whom could add redundancy to the always-flaky Sinister)? You could just as well have a council of 15 or 16 as one of twelve. And why are they together? Why not put Raven with Kurt and Storm? Or put Erik with Raven and Bennet? Or Apocalypse with Sinister and Mystique? Those partnerships seem more obvious, and so it seemed unusual within the context of this story that they should be grouped together as their own faction instead, until I remembered that these three were once affiliated with one another. They worked together extensively during Mike Carey's Messiah Trilogy, which Dawn of X appears to be functioning as a direct continuation of.

That made me consider one of the more under-the-radar effects of Hickman's retcon to Sinister: if Essex has been working for Charles and Erik all along, than his actions in Carey's Messiah Trilogy were implicitly undertaken on Xavier's behalf. That's not to say that Charles ordered a purge of precognitive mutants [1], which no matter how ruthless he's become I don't think would be in his character. Nor necessarily that he deliberately sanctioned the need for one. But I think it's very plausible that Sinister might, on his own initiative, conduct such a purge if he believed it to be within the scope of his patron's interests, as he then understood them. And Xavier may have taken it as a fait accompli pursuant to an objective he was already beholden to, but reluctant to pursue himself. Maintaining a deniable silence, and letting a subordinate dirty their hands for him, is much more in line with his previous actions.

Of course, it could also just be a coincidence, or a detail that Hickman overlooked, or chose to ignore, when researching Carey. Which leads me to this week's issue of X-Men, when Destiny suggests otherwise.

X-Men vol. 5, no. 6, Jonathan Hickman and Matteo Buffagni, Dawn of X.

Outside that this is a clear example that Xavier views keeping precognitives away to be an absolute and nonnegotiable imperative, the specific act of keeping Destiny, the most feared of the precognitive mutants, away from the nation Krakoa is described as an act that keeps them “blind.” We've seen that wording before, in Mike Carey's Blinded by the Light, which served as the initial build-up to Messiah Complex.

Cannonball: “It was never about killing the X-Men, Bobby. It was about blinding us.” - X-Men vol. 2 no. 202, Mike Carey and Humberto Ramos, Blinded by the Light.

Blindfold: “The light fades [...] but we're still blind. [...] And the mother will cry. And the machine will sing. And we'll all go running to our places. If we can find our places—in the dark.” - X-Men vol 2. no. 203, Mike Carey and Humberto Ramos, Blinded by the Light.

So that's what I think Hickman is doing: he's re-purposed Carey's purge to service his overall story of the nation Krakoa's cyclical war against the Sentinels, reinterpreting it as the policy manifestation of Xavier's assurance that no precognitive would ever be allowed to reside on the island. One previous victim, Gateway, has since been resurrected, but one could plausibly argue that he has no specific awareness of the futures that Xavier is concealing knowledge of, and was granted a reprieve when it came time for Xavier to sort all of this out personally. And the same could be said of Bishop being left to his own devices. He was always an iffy case in the original Carey story, since he only had access to information that was publicly available after the war was lost, which happened very early in his timeline. And of course, he's not really in Krakoa very often anyway, is he? He's off globetrotting, with the never ending mission of confirming the death of every single mutant who has ever gone missing. Of the four survivors of the original purge, Cable and Blindfold were killed in the immediate build-up to House of X, Shadowcat was killed (or at minimum, is believed to have been killed) by the creature Krakoa itself, and Emma Frost currently has a target on her head. So I think it’s likely that, while Xavier isn’t actively removing anyone, the list remains in place, and his will has become known to the shadier individuals surrounding him.

[1] I'm using kind of an inventive, loose, definition of what it means to be a “precognitive” here, because I don't really have another convenient way of describing this group of characters. Bishop, Vargas, Cable, Gateway, etc. are not precognitive in the same way that Blindfold and Destiny are. But they have and had specific knowledge of the future, or the means to effortlessly obtain more whenever they want. In the Carey run, that was enough to group them together with psychics that have precognitive and clairvoyant abilities, so I'll continue to do so here and in future posts.

#x-men #comics #marvel #dawn of x #house of x #powers of x

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weirdsciencecomics · 5 years

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Here are the February 2020 Marvel Comics Solicitations for all Spider-Man related comics!

VENOM #23

DONNY CATES • MARK BAGLEY (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNG

GWEN STACY VARIANT COVER BY HUMBERTO RAMOS

VENOM ISLAND COMES ALIVE!

They say there’s no rest for the wicked, and few creatures in the Marvel Universe are as wicked as CARNAGE. Face front, readers — the seeds of next year’s VENOM event are already beginning to grow…

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

RAVENCROFT #2 (OF 5)

FRANK TIERI • ANGEL UNZUETA (A) • Cover by KYLE HOTZ

VARIANT COVER BY SKAN

Ravencroft is open for business! But with the secrets revealed in RUINS OF RAVENCROFT in the open, the Institute is more dangerous than ever. Can John Jameson right the ship before it’s too late?

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SYMBIOTE SPIDER-MAN: ALIEN REALITY #3 (OF 5)

PETER DAVID • GREG LAND (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM

VARIANT COVER BY ALEX SAVIUK

GWEN STACY VARIANT COVER BY PHIL NOTO

VARIANT COVER BY GERARDO SANDOVAL

CONNECTING CHINESE NEW YEAR VARIANT COVER (2 of 3) BY JIE YUAN

PETER PARKER: THE SPIDER SUPREME?!

After reliving one of the most horrible moments of his life, Peter Parker turns to one of his oldest allies for a magical helping hand. Don’t miss the next history-shaking adventure of Peter David and Greg Land’s landmark SYMBIOTE SPIDER-MAN Series!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39

NICK SPENCER • IBAN COELLO (A) • COVER BY PATRICK GLEASON

GWEN STACY VARIANT COVER BY PEPE LARRAZ

CONNECTING CHINESE NEW YEAR VARIANT COVER (3 OF 3) BY JIE YUAN

There’s a new game in town, and the ante is QUITE HIGH! Welcome to The Palace, a super-villain casino run by the classic (and under-utilized) Spidey-villain CHANCE! It’s got everything a villain could want, including betting on whether your arch-enemy is going to make it through his or her latest super-battle! Not only will this not sit well with Spidey, but it may just CRUSH him.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #40

NICK SPENCER • IBAN COELLO (A) • COVER BY PATRICK GLEASON

GWEN STACY VARIANT COVER BY ELIZABETH TORQUE

Jonah Jameson’s new gig has proven to be nothing but trouble for Spidey. As you are well aware, JJJ doesn’t take “no” for an answer, so even if Spidey is knee-deep in a world-saving situation, JJJ will always be there to “help” him. But while Spidey is dealing with JJJ and Chance, something is brewing with Kindred and it can’t bode well for Peter.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

SPIDER-HAM #3 (OF 5)

ZEB WELLS

WILL ROBSON (A/C)

VARIANT COVER BY DAVID NAKAYAMA

LET’S DO THE HAM WARP AGAIN!

What’s a Ham Warp? We don’t know, but this third issue of SPIDER-HAM is an interdimensional delight! Spider-Ham just can’t catch a break! First SPIDER-MAN crashes his solo adventure…and now they’re trapped in the past! Somebody’s gotta bring home the bacon!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

SPIDER-MAN/VENOM: DOUBLE TROUBLE #4 (of 4)

MARIKO TAMAKI

GURIHIRU (A/C)

“VENOM IS A GREAT ROOMMATE AND FRIEND!” – Spider-Man

Spider-Man and Venom must finally work together to fix their situation…one that Venom TOTALLY didn’t get them into in the first place. YOU CAN’T PROVE IT WAS HIM!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING MARY JANE #5

Leah Williams • Carlos Gómez (A) • Cover by Humberto Ramos

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

GWEN STACY VARIANT COVER BY JAVIER RODRIGUEZ

CUT?!

All that stands between MJ and Mysterio’s ragtag crew and filming their climactic battle scene is…well, VULTURE, STEGRON, TARANTULA, KING COBRA, RHINO, and SCORPION! If this is Mary Jane’s last chance to realize her dreams, you can bet she’s going to fight like a tiger–or a spider! Will filming ever wrap? Will Mary Jane ever go home to the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN? And can Peter forgive her for her Hollywood team up?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

GHOST-SPIDER #7

SEANAN McGUIRE • IG GUARA (A)

Cover by PAUL POPE

Gwen has it all! Two worlds, two lives, living in harmony…nothing bad could happen! …something bad is definitely about to happen. Be there when Gwen’s worlds begin to collide!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: THE DAILY BUGLE #2 (OF 5)

MAT JOHNSON • MACK CHATER (A)

COVER BY NIKO HENRICHON

VARIANT COVER BY PASQUAL FERRY

Professors missing from Empire State University: Abductees or recruits? Skeins of Spider-Man’s web drape Lower Manhattan: Charming local color, or Department of Sanitation headache? Does anything happen in Kingpin’s city without his knowledge? The reporters of the Daily Bugle are beating pavement to answer YOUR questions.

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #15

SALADIN AHMED • JAVIER GARRON (A/C)

GWEN STACY VARIANT COVER BY NICK BRADSHAW

INVASION AT BROOKLYN VISIONS!

Miles’ journal has gone missing–you know, the one where he wrote his private thoughts about BEING SPIDER-MAN!!! And it’s fallen into enemy hands! Does that have something to do with Miles’ high school under siege by the most monstrous goons he’s faced since CARNAGE? You’re about to see more of Brooklyn Visions than ever–but is it for the last time?

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

SPIDER-VERSE #5 (OF 6)

CHRISTOS GAGE – JUAN FERREYRA (A)

Cover by DAVE RAPOZA

SPIDER-MAN NOIR, DEAD NO MOIR?!

Miles continues his journey to save the web of life and comes face to face with Spider-Man Noir! But, wait…isn’t he dead?!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

BLACK CAT #9

JED MACKAY • KRIS ANKA (A) • Cover by J. SCOTT CAMPBELL

GWEN STACY VARIANT COVER BY CARLOS GOMEZ

Felicia has gotten into some trouble in New York. Some may call it “inciting a war” but we aren’t here to mince words. What’s a girl to do? GO TO MADRIPOOR! That’s right, the Black Cat and her crew go to Madripoor to steal the next object on their list. No problem, just another artifact that is in the private collection of someone named… where’d I put that note… oh, here. Someone named “Patch.” Uh-oh. Patch is Wolverine. BLACK CAT IS STEALING FROM WOLVERINE?! All this and guest-artist KRIS ANKA (UNCANNY X-MEN, RUNAWAYS) is joining the book for two issues!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

MORBIUS #4

VITA AYALA • MARCELO FERREIRA (A) • Cover by SKAN

CONNECTING VARIANT COVER BY JUAN JOSE RYP (4 OF 5)

THE MONSTER CALLED MORBIUS!

Michael Morbius has always been a man of science. But he’s also a man of pride, and when those two traits combine, the results have been catastrophic. This time is no different! Whatever Morbius has wrought havoc on his genetics – with his humanity inching closer to memory with every passing moment! This while a figure from his past returns, with Morbius dead in her sights.

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

SCREAM: CURSE OF CARNAGE #4

CLAY McLEOD CHAPMAN • CHRISTOPHER MOONEYHAM (A) • Cover by RYAN STEGMAN

VARIANT COVER BY CLAYTON CRAIN

SPINNING OUT OF THE PAGES OF THE VENOM EVENT OF THE YEAR, ABSOLUTE CARNAGE!

SCREAM faces an ancient evil from the depths of the sea! Watch as the VENOM lore builds the history of the symbiotes into a twisted tale of horror and menace! You’ll never want to go back in the water again, True Believers!

32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN: THE BLACK CAT STRIKES #2 (OF 5)

DENNIS “HOPELESS” HALLUM • LUCA MARESCA (A) • Cover by SANA TAKEDA

Variant Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA

BLACK CAT HEARTS SPIDER-MAN!

The BLACK CAT continues her mysterious crime spree in New York…but will her reappearance catch SPIDER-MAN in a tangled web between MARY JANE and his former flame?! An all-new look into Peter and Felicia’s fiery passion and the deadly consequences of a Super Hero romance. ME-OW!

32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

GWEN STACY #1 (OF 5)

CHRISTOS GAGE • TODD NAUCK (A) • Cover by ADAM HUGHES

VARIANT COVER BY JEEHYUNG LEE

VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY JEEHYUNG LEE

FACES OF GWEN VARIANT COVER BY TODD NAUCK

CONNECTING CHINESE NEW YEAR VARIANT COVER (1 OF 3) BY JIE YUAN

HIDDEN GEM VARIANT COVER BY TBA

VARIANT COVER BY J. SCOTT CAMBPELL

VARIANT COVER BY TBA

The First of Gwen Stacy’s AMAZING Adventures!

Gwen and Peter may not have met until AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #31, but that doesn’t mean Gwen’s life began on that page. Learn the never-before told origin of Gwen Stacy, top of her class, daughter of the Police Captain and, as her friend Harry Osborn calls her, “The Beauty Queen of Standard High.” But she’s way more that you even know! Gwen’s got a science brain, a nose for trouble and a no-quit attitude that always gets her in trouble. In the early Marvel Universe, that’s a recipe for disaster. Don’t miss Gwen, Captain Stacy, Harry and Norman Osborn, Crimemaster, Wilson Fisk, Jean DeWolff, Yuri Wantanabe and even Spider-Man!

40 PGS./Rated T …$4.99

Spider-Man February 2020 Marvel Comics Solicits Here are the February 2020 Marvel Comics Solicitations for all Spider-Man related comics! VENOM #23 DONNY CATES • MARK BAGLEY (A/C)

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