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August 10, 2025
Brazil has long been known as a footballing powerhouse, producing legendary talents that capture the world’s imagination. From Pelé to Ronaldinho, the country’s football tradition is rich with iconic players and some of them have been trying to follow Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps...
A new generation of Brazilian stars is emerging, eager to carry the nation’s footballing legacy into the future. This group, led by Neymar, Vinicius Jr., and a host of other young players, is poised to continue Brazil's footballing dominance on the global stage. It’s impossible not to draw comparisons to the greats who’ve come before them. One name that stands out in this context is Cristiano Ronaldo, whose professional journey has been nothing short of transformative. While Ronaldo’s career has primarily been centred in Europe, his influence as a global football icon has extended far beyond the pitch. Let’s explore how the new generation of Brazilian footballers, including Neymar and Vinicius Jr., follow in the footsteps of global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, while also examining how these players shape the future of football...
Cristiano Ronaldo - Ready for another season
No discussion of Brazil’s new generation would be complete without Neymar. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward has been at the forefront of Brazilian football for over a decade, and his impact on the game is undeniable. Neymar’s style of play is a mix of flair, creativity, and technical brilliance that has earned him a global following.
Neymar's time at Barcelona alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, often called the "MSN" trio, solidified his place among the world’s best players. His transition to PSG in 2017, for a world-record transfer fee, only added to his superstar status.
However, beyond his footballing talents, Neymar has embraced the digital age, connecting with fans through social media, sponsorship deals, and even livestreaming his personal life. You’ll even see his likeness in Canada's live dealer games, where football fans can combine multiple interests. This level of engagement is reshaping how fans experience football and how players maintain their public image.
Neymar’s digital presence allows fans to connect with him in real time, whether through live streams on platforms like Instagram or by sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content. His use of digital media is a prime example of how modern athletes leverage technology to bridge the gap between themselves and their supporters.
While Neymar remains Brazil’s most prominent footballer, a new wave of talent is making its mark on the global stage, with Vinicius Jr. leading the charge. The young Real Madrid forward has been an exciting prospect since his arrival at the Spanish club, showcasing his immense potential with every performance.
Vinicius Jr.’s style of play is characterised by his blistering pace, technical skills, and an eye for goal, making him one of the most electrifying players in Europe today. At just 23 years old, he is already one of the key players at Real Madrid, helping the club secure domestic and international titles. His rapid rise has captured the attention of football fans worldwide, and many see him as the natural successor to Neymar’s throne as Brazil’s next great footballer.
Like Neymar, Vinicius Jr. is adapting to the digital world, regularly engaging with fans through social media and streaming platforms. As his career progresses, it’s clear that Vinicius Jr. will continue to grow his brand in tandem with his football career, much like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has become a global brand in his own right.
This new breed of footballers understands the importance of their presence on digital platforms, and their ability to connect with fans directly is transforming the football landscape.
While Neymar and Vinicius Jr. are the face of Brazil’s future, there’s no denying the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose career has set a new standard for what it means to be a global football icon.
Ronaldo's legacy is built not just on his record-breaking performances on the pitch but also on his dedication to his personal brand and his ability to engage with fans in previously unimaginable ways.
Ronaldo’s transition to social media, where he boasts over 500 million followers across various platforms, has allowed him to control his narrative and interact with fans directly. He shares his fitness regimes, training routines, and personal milestones with his audience, creating a sense of closeness that has helped him maintain a loyal global fanbase.
In many ways, Ronaldo’s approach to digital engagement has set the tone for the next generation of footballers, including Neymar and Vinicius Jr.
As Neymar and Vinicius Jr. continue to shine on the footballing stage, it’s clear that they are part of a broader digital revolution in sports. The way fans experience football is changing, and this new generation of Brazilian footballers are helping to lead the charge. These athletes reshape how fans interact with the game by embracing digital platforms and real-time engagement.
The future of football is one where fans have immediate access to the players they adore. Whether through live streams, social media, or exclusive content, the connection between player and fan has never been more personal.
Brazil’s next golden generation, including Neymar, Vinicius Jr., and other emerging talents, is paving the way for the future of football. These players have the skills to carry Brazil’s footballing legacy and understand the importance of digital engagement. Their ability to connect with fans in real-time is revolutionising how football is consumed and experienced, much like the evolution of live dealer games, which offer players a dynamic, interactive experience.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Al Nassr is on August 19, against Al Ittihad, for the Saudi Super Cup. You can watch Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad, WSG Tirol vs Real Madrid, Mallorca vs Barcelona, Manchester United vs Arsenal, PSG vs Tottenham and Wolverhampton vs Manchester City, all matches provided from our soccer streaming sports game pages.
Al Nassr next game:
Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad kick-off time (19-08-2025):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+7: 20:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+4.30: 17:30
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) | UTC/GMT+2: 15:00
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+1: 14:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+0: 13:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 10:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 09:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 06:00
Sources: ronaldo7.net / reuters.com / medium.com
