James Nalton

Editor and owner of The Botafogo Star. Author of Brazilian football column Sambafoot Sunday, and freelance football writer for various publications. Follow on Twitter

Mar 232014
 
The 1958 World Cup and the Birth of a Brazilian Blueprint

The 1958 World Cup was an important moment in the history of Brazilian football for many reasons. It was the first World Cup appearance of one of their greatest players – Garrincha. It was also Pelé’s first tournament, and a competition in which Didi was able to display his unflinching class on a world stage, winning the Golden Ball in the process. It was a tournament of balance for the Brazilians. A healthy mixture of […]

Mar 012014
 
The Blue Moon & Stars Align for Fernandinho of Manchester City

It’s difficult to believe that it’s over two years since Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho played for Brazil. It’s not that he wasn’t impressive for his previous club Shakhtar Donetsk, after all, Manchester City wouldn’t have paid the massive £35m fee for a mediocre player. For a long time the Ukraine, and similarly Russia, has been the back-burner of the Brazilian talent cooker. Shakhtar have a rich history of successful Brazilian players, and having joined the […]

Feb 072014
 
Wallyson Stars As Botafogo Qualify for Copa Libertadores Group Stage

Oh Wally Wally, Wally Wally Wally Wally Wallyson. Botafogo qualified for the Copa Libertadores for the first time since 1996, as they beat Deportivo Quito by an aggregate score of 4-1 in the group qualifying phase. They went into the second leg at the Maracanã needing to overturn a 1-0 first leg defeat in Quito, after failing to live up to expectations in the first game. A defeat in the second leg was unthinkable. Botafogo’s problems […]

Feb 052014
 
Botafogo 4, Deportivo Quito 0 (Agg 4-1) - Copa Libertadores

Sporadic live updates from the game between Botafogo and Deportivo Quito in the Copa Libertadores primeira fase. The game is being played at the famous Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The winners will go into the second phase, and will join a group featuring Chile’s Unión Española, San Lorenzo of Argentina, and Independiente of Ecuador. The first leg in Quito finished Deportivo Quito 1, Botafogo 0. Away goals will be used after 90 minutes […]

Jan 142014
 
Botafogo's Clarence Seedorf Retires to Take Up Milan Manager Role

Football legend Clarence Seedorf has officially retired from playing football, after accepting an offer to manage AC Milan. He announced the news at a press conference held in Botafogo’s Engenhão. “I’m here to announce that I will stop playing football after 22 years.” said the 37-year-old. “This experience [at Botafogo] for one and a half years made ​​me grow up a lot and will help me in my next step, which will be as Milan coach.” […]

Jan 112014
 
Gremio's Leandro Signs Permanent Deal with Palmeiras

Palmeiras confirmed that they have completed the signing of exciting young Brazilian forward Leandro, who arrives from Grêmio for around £4.1m on a permanent deal. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Verdão, contributing greatly to their Série B championship winning campaign with a return of 13 goals in the league. He also scored 6 goals for his side in the preceding Paulista state championship. His form for Palmeiras last season earned him two Brazil […]

Jan 042014
 
Brazilian Wonderkid Boschilia Stars on Copa São Paulo Opening Day

The 2014 version of the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, also handily known as the Copinha, kicked off last night with a total of six matches. The highlight of the opening day of this prestigious youth competition, was the match between São Paulo and Japanese visitors Kashiwa Reysol. The tournament has a history of inviting foreign teams to participate, with mixed success, and this year it’s the turn of the Japanese club whose senior side faced […]

Dec 202013
 
Leandro Damião Joins Doyen Sports, But Will Play for Santos

Leandro Damião has joined former Botafogo coach Oswaldo de Oliveira at Santos, in an £11m move from Internacional. The deal will see Doyen Sports Investments take 70% of 24-year-old striker’s financial rights, with Santos taking the remaining 30%. Damião is to be presented to the Santos fans as a marquee signing, possibly to ease the hurt suffered by the club after the departure of Neymar. However, should the striker live up to this billing and make a […]

Dec 032013
 
Samba de Ouro 2013 Nominees - Top Brazilian Players in Europe

The nominees have been announced for the 2013 Samba Gold award which attempts to determine the best, or most popular, Brazilian footballer plying his trade in the European leagues. The award is run by the Brazilian football website Sambafoot, and is now in it’s 6th year. Previous winners include Kaká at Milan in 2008, Luis Fabiano at Sevilla (2009), Maicon at Inter in 2010, and Thiago Silva, who has won the last two awards whilst […]

Nov 302013
 
CBF Announces Brasileirão 2013 Awards & Best Players

The CBF have announced the 2013 Brazilian Série A team of the season, as well as the awards for Craque do Campeonato (best player / MVP), Revelação (newcomer / revelation / breakthrough), and manager of the season. The best XI includes four players from champions Cruzeiro, as well as three from the surprise package of the 2013 season, Atlético Paranaense. 2013 Brasileiro Série A Team of the Season Goalkeeper: Fábio (Cruzeiro) Right Back: Marcos Rocha (Altético Mineiro) Defenders: […]