Vlahović, Flamengo’s dream signing, causes uproar with Juventus fans in Club World Cup

Juventus’ elimination in the round of 16 of the 2025 Club World Cup, with a 1-0 loss to Real Madrid at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, took an unexpected turn off the pitch. Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović, named as a target by Flamengo’s technical director José Boto, infuriated Italian fans by liking a post from Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham celebrating the victory. The move, seen as disrespectful by many supporters, sparked a wave of criticism on social media and reignited debates about the player’s future amid tensions with the Turin club. The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 1, and highlighted the fragile relationship between Vlahović and Juventus, while Flamengo watches from afar, dreaming of signing the number 9.

The match itself was marked by moments of balance, with Juventus showing early strength but succumbing to Real Madrid’s young talent. The game also showcased the rise of Gonzalo García, who scored the decisive goal, and the Spanish side’s defensive solidity. Vlahović, who did not play in the elimination match, saw his social media action become the main talking point post-game. The controversy fuels speculation about a potential exit for the striker, whose contract with Juventus runs until 2026.

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News of the like spread quickly, prompting immediate reactions. Juventus fans expressed outrage, while in Brazil, Flamengo supporters closely followed the developments, as Vlahović is a desired name to bolster the team’s attack. The incident also raises questions about the player’s current form, as he faces criticism for inconsistent performances and now grapples with an image crisis.

• Key points of the controversy:
• Vlahović liked Bellingham’s post celebrating Real Madrid’s win.
• The action was viewed as disrespectful by Juventus fans.
• Flamengo remains interested in the player, though a deal is seen as challenging.

❗️Dusan Vlahovic sparks fan anger after Juventus’ Club World Cup elimination, as per @cmdotcom.

The Serbian striker immediately liked a social media post by Bellingham — the one celebrating Real Madrid’s qualification for the quarter-finals. pic.twitter.com/qt7GmvOR9Q

— Forza Juventus (@ForzaJuveEN) July 2, 2025

Details of the Club World Cup elimination

Juventus entered the Club World Cup with strong performances in the group stage, including thrashings against Al Ain (5-0) and Wydad Casablanca (4-1). Against Real Madrid, the Italian side started aggressively, creating clear chances early on. At six minutes, Kolo Muani missed a one-on-one with Courtois, opting for a chip that went over the bar. Four minutes later, the same player fired dangerously but off target. The Turin side showed intensity but failed to convert opportunities into goals.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, grew into the first half. At 29 minutes, Valverde set up Bellingham in the box, but the cross-shot was saved by Juventus goalkeeper Di Gregorio, who stood out with key stops. Before halftime, the Italian keeper denied a powerful strike from Valverde, keeping the score level. In the second half, Gonzalo García’s introduction changed the game. At eight minutes, the youngster met a pinpoint cross from Alexander-Arnold and headed past Di Gregorio, securing the Spanish victory.

Vlahović’s social media controversy

After the defeat, attention shifted to social media. Jude Bellingham posted a message celebrating Real Madrid’s advance to the quarterfinals, captioned: “Next step, quarterfinals. Great work from the lads.” Vlahović, who remained on the bench during the match, liked the post, which fans interpreted as a provocation. The backlash was swift, with comments ranging from disappointment to accusations of disloyalty.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, which covered the incident, noted that Vlahović’s relationship with Juventus was already strained. The striker, signed for 83.3 million euros from Fiorentina in 2021, has not met expectations and faces criticism for his inconsistency. In the 2024/2025 season, he scored 17 goals in 43 games, solid but below the projected potential. The social media incident worsened the situation, with fans calling for his departure.

Flamengo’s interest in the striker

Vlahović’s name gained traction in Brazil after José Boto, Flamengo’s technical director, expressed interest in the player in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on June 22. Boto stated that the striker would be the ideal addition to Flamengo’s attack, noting that the main hurdle was not financial but convincing the player to move to Brazil. The statement generated significant buzz among Flamengo fans, who began closely tracking the Serbian’s movements.

Flamengo, also competing in the Club World Cup, was knocked out in the round of 16 by Bayern Munich in a 4-2 defeat. Despite the result, the Brazilian club showed strength, defeating Chelsea 3-1 in the group stage. The Rubro-Negro’s ambition in the transfer market is evident, with recent signings like Danilo, Alex Sandro, and Jorginho, all with experience at top European clubs. Vlahović, however, would be a significant leap, given his status in European football.

• Challenges to the transfer:
• Vlahović’s Juventus salary: approximately $1.8 million per month.
• Contract with Juventus until June 2026, with a market value of 35 million euros.
• The player’s reluctance to leave European football.
• Competition from clubs like Fenerbahçe, whose offer was rejected by the striker.

Fan and media reactions

Vlahović’s action sparked heated debate online. In Brazil, Flamengo fans were divided: some see the player as a game-changer, while others question his attitude after the Bellingham incident. In Italy, local media speculated about the striker’s future. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested Vlahović might see out his contract until 2026 and leave for free, increasing pressure on Juventus to negotiate a transfer in the upcoming window.

The controversy also resurfaced earlier criticisms of the player’s behavior. During the group stage, Vlahović clashed with teammate Yildiz on the pitch in a 5-2 loss to Manchester City, where he scored. These incidents reinforce perceptions of disconnect with Juventus’ squad and fanbase.

Vlahović’s Club World Cup performance

In the Club World Cup, Vlahović had limited involvement. He played in all three group-stage matches, scoring twice: once in the win over Wydad Casablanca and once in the defeat to Manchester City. Against Real Madrid, however, he stayed on the bench, frustrating fans hoping for a reaction. His subdued role in the tournament, combined with the off-field controversy, put him under scrutiny.

The 25-year-old striker is known for his physicality, aerial ability, and finishing. In the 2024/2025 season, he contributed to 22 goals (17 scored, five assists) in 43 games for Juventus. Despite solid numbers, his lack of consistency and off-field issues have raised doubts about his future in Turin.

What’s next for Juventus

The Club World Cup exit marked the end of Juventus’ 2025 international campaign. The team now shifts focus to the Italian Championship, aiming to recover from an inconsistent start. Vlahović’s situation will be a key topic in the coming weeks, with the board weighing whether to keep the player or seek a transfer to avoid losing him for free in 2026.

Juventus also faces other market challenges. Flamengo’s right-back Wesley, another target of the Italian club, was valued at a minimum of 30 million euros by José Boto. Vlahović’s potential departure could free up funds for new investments, but the priority will be stabilizing the squad after the Club World Cup disappointment.

Flamengo’s outlook

In Brazil, Flamengo continues to monitor Vlahović’s situation, though the transfer is seen as a logistical and financial challenge. The club has shown boldness in signing players like Jorginho, but Vlahović’s salary, exceeding $1.8 million monthly, poses a significant barrier. Additionally, the player has rejected offers from clubs like Fenerbahçe, signaling a preference to stay in Europe.

Flamengo’s fanbase, while excited about the prospect of a high-profile signing, remains cautious. The Bellingham post incident was seen by some as a red flag regarding commitment, potentially creating resistance among supporters. Still, Flamengo plans to strengthen its squad for the 2026 season, targeting players with experience and impact potential.

Vlahović’s career numbers

To understand the striker’s appeal, consider his career stats:

• Fiorentina (2018-2021): 98 games, 44 goals, 8 assists.
• Juventus (2021-2025): 143 games, 65 goals, 15 assists.
• Serbia national team: 33 games, 13 goals (as of July 2025).
• Market value: Estimated at 35 million euros, per Transfermarkt.

These figures highlight a player with the potential to be decisive but still seeking consistency on big stages. His Club World Cup stint, though featuring group-stage goals, ended with the controversy now dominating headlines.

Real Madrid’s strength in the tournament

Real Madrid, meanwhile, remains a strong contender for the Club World Cup title. The win over Juventus boosted the team’s confidence, with young talents like Gonzalo García and veterans like Bellingham and Valverde leading the charge. Their next opponent will be determined in the quarterfinals, and the Spanish side is favored to progress further.

The match against Juventus showcased Real Madrid’s ability to control games under pressure. The defense, anchored by Courtois, was resolute, while the attack found creative solutions, even without Mbappé, who is still recovering from injury. Juventus’ elimination was another step in the Spanish club’s pursuit of the trophy.