Andrew Downie
@adowniebrazil
Scottish foreign correspondent and author. Biographer of Sócrates. Currently writing a biography of Pelé. Português and Español. #GGTTH São Paulo/Madrid/Edinburgh
Two of the greatest World Cup games in history were played on this day in 1970 and 1986. 21/06/1970 - Brazil 4-1 Italy 21/06/1986 - Brazil 1-1 France (3-4 on pens) Sócrates played in one, Pelé in the other. Read all about them in these books.
Preparing for copa in Copa. Painting the Brazilian flag on the street above a massive flag, surrounded by bars with flags. #Brasil
Here it is! The cover of Epic: the many lives of Pelé. My book, the first complete biography of the king, will be published on Nov. 5.
Six home-based players in the Brazil squad, including four from Flamengo.
The SFA gets it right. Not a common occurrence but 100% correct here.
Ó Cariocas! Christie Hynde (The Pretenders) ama Copacabana. Mas de qualquer outro lugar. Acredite ou não...
How's this for a lede? "A new footpath stretching around the entire coast of England is being officially inaugurated later."
The Economist is famous for hiring some of the smartest journalists around. So why are they giving a platform to hate merchants like Carlson? Is it just for clicks?
This is astonishing. One roast chicken costs $74 and the low price (?!!?!) is a reason they sell out. La Lune, in Montreal.
Substack becomes the latest platform to take betting's filthy lucre. Is every platform compromised?
Sometimes I ask myself, which sad person wrote to the NYT Corrections desk to solicit THAT correction. Today, in the middle carnaval of all days, is one of those times.
What a fantastic photo of Lucas Pinheiro, the first Brazilian ever to win a medal at the Winter Olympics. 📷Fabrice Coffrini/AFP
Why is the NYT even framing things this way? We know robots don't have souls. So why pretend? www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/u...
The National Catholic Reporter has a righteously fine opinion piece on the despicable JD Vance.
The cruelty and nastiness are not incidental. They're central to the whole project.
That was quite a Sunday in Brazil, two thrilling cup semi finals that went to penalties and two giants - Corinthians and Vasco - qualifying to meet in the final.
Always a great day when the Old Firm lose. Even better when its in a final. Congratulations to St. Mirren! 🤍🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤
Best books I read this year ALL FOURS Mad, captivating, and worthy of all the praise it got. Read it in two sittings.
Best books I read this year OLD SCHOOL If you like films such as Dead Poet's Society then you'll love this beautifully written novel about a teacher at a midcentury New England private school. Wolff is a top notch stylist. Not one word is out of place.
Best books I read this year EAST WEST STREET and THE RATLINE Excelling in one field is impressive. Excelling in two, like barrister/author Philippe Sands, doubly so. A huge feat of reporting went into both books. Can't wait to read the third in the trilogy when it comes out in paperback in 2026.