The former striker, now a TalkSPORT presenter, has given the latest update on his health

TalkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil has spoken candidly about the life-saving surgery he underwent, disclosing that he received a liver transplant. The 66-year-old has now returned to the breakfast programme briefly this week, where he disclosed that his heart stopped beating while he was on the operating table.

Brazil had been away from his regular role hosting the show on talkSPORT for several months due to continuing health concerns. The severity of the situation remained unclear until last month.

Speaking on the breakfast programme, the former Ipswich Town, Tottenham and Manchester United forward said: “The problem is that at night I can’t sleep. I don’t want to go too much into it, but I’ve still got a problem with fluids.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

“On the Wednesday morning I worked on talkSPORT, I’d been having ongoing trials, so many specialists, I decided I needed a transplant. I didn’t want to do it but my kids and Jill [wife] said you’ve got to do it, you have to do it, you are doing it.

“Amazingly on the Wednesday I was doing radio, I’d gone through loads of appointments, loads of serious questions and questions that you wouldn’t talk to anyone but your family about. Anyway, they decided, “we’ll have a go at this or else you’re in trouble.

“On the Wednesday, I finished at quarter to 10, I got a shout at 10, you’ve got to phone Addenbrooke’s Hospital, I did at 10, they said “they’ve got something for you, get here right now.

“I jumped in a cab, went down to Cambridge, and at 2.30 that afternoon I was on the slab. Bang, they opened me up and performed [surgery] for something like eight hours. They transplanted my liver. I had a tiny liver by all accounts and they transplanted it. My heart did stop for a bit, it came back on its own.

“I’ll be very frank, I’m very, very lucky. Doctor Gibbs was magnificent. He explained as they were wheeling me into the theatre the dangers and what could happen and that I might not come out of this. But he said, “you’re strong, you’ll be alright.” I swear I thought my days were numbered, honestly.

“But anyway, this guy has been a legend. I had more than four weeks [in total]. I had a week in intensive care then they moved me to the ward. The staff, there’s one nurse to 13 beds, that’s how bad it is, I was having tests, I was in a cupboard, there was nowhere to put me. The aisles were full of beds and machines. They stuck me near a printer and all that and said ‘deal with that for 20 minutes’.

“I’ve got the staff at Addenbrooke to thank. I had another four weeks in there, got myself out. I feel really good but I can’t sleep and I have a problem with fluid. The fluid keeps coming back. They’re not worried but saying, “look, it’s early days, it’s five-and-a-half weeks since we opened you up. We’ll get to the bottom of it.

“I’m taking loads of meds and appointments at Ipswich and Cambridge Hospitals. I’ve just got to be a good boy, rest up, and go and see these people. Hopefully I’ll get back to 100 per cent. From where I was before, the last five or six years, I never realised how bad I was. I feel totally different now. I’m incredibly lucky.”

He added: “I’m still here! Gradually, every day, improving.

“I’m looking forward to getting back. It’s going to be a few more weeks, hopefully two or three and then I’m getting back. There’s going to be loads of sport on, which is really getting me going.

“It’s been a funny few months, it really has, but there’s a lot of rubbish going on at the moment [elsewhere], there’s heartbreak and Kenny [Dalglish], Kevin Keegan, John Barnes (all confirmed that they have or have had cancer), every day you read something different.”

It’s our age I’m afraid. I cocked it and thank God, luckily, the guys at Addenbrooke’s Hospital saved my life.

“I’m on the mend I’m still not there, getting there guys. Gabby [Agbonlahor] is still talking tosh so I can still do this.

“Gabby (Agbonlahor), lovely to see you mate, and Ally [McCoist], I’m excited to get back to you with Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts.

“So much sport has been going on and it’s really kept me going to be honest. It’s been magic and there’s still loads to come with the World Cup, so bingo! I’m alive and kicking, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Taking to social media last month, Brazil said: “As you can see, I’m beginning to improve rapidly, which is great news. I was nearly gone, I don’t mind telling you. But listen, it’s a miracle now what’s happened with the NHS, I can’t thank the people at Cambridge enough, they’ve saved my life basically.

“But, I’m on the mend, you bet, I’m missing radio. I will be back.

He added: “It won’t be long now, a few weeks, Brazil is back, Thank you for all the messages, I really appreciate it and I’m a lucky boy.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Fans will be able to buy water in the stadium and Fifa has promised not to charge above their usual venue prices.

The U-turn follows warnings by scientists that Fifa’s heat safety measures for the tournament are “inadequate”, with temperatures at 14 of the 16 host venues set to exceed dangerous levels.

“Fifa works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint,” Fifa’s statement said.

“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the Fifa World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

The change in policy comes amid complaints that fans are being hit by “extortionate” ticket prices and inflated train fares.

Fans were also prevented from taking bottles into stadiums at the last World Cup in Qatar.

The Free Lions England fans’ group called the move a “strange, late change”.

In a statement posted on X, it added: “In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by Fifa that this would be the case and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle.

“Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab. For how hot the stadiums will be, many in open air, just let fans bring a bottle if they want to.

“We hope the water fountains in stadiums will still be free, hopefully you aren’t charged in the queue!”

New Vikings General Manager Nolan Teasley was asked at his introductory press conference Wednesday about his impressions of Vikings quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy and his plans for managing the critical QB position.

In a diplomatic answer typical of his general tone, Teasley said, “In terms of managing it, we’re going to rely on the coaching staff. I think the goal from the offseason was to build a deep and competitive quarterback room, and I think that was executed.”

Jeff Diamond Sizes Up Minnesota’s New Power Structure

Nothing more on whether he believes Murray or McCarthy can become a franchise QB capable of winning a Super Bowl in Minnesota while playing at the level expected of top 10 picks, which both of them were (with Murray the No. 1 overall pick in 2019).

Despite the general feeling expressed by national and local media that Murray will be the opening-day and season-long starter barring injury, Teasley wisely isn’t tipping his hand publicly about how he expects the QB competition to play out. And O’Connell will continue to say it’s an “open competition” until he names a starter midway through training camp.

As a 14-year Seattle front office veteran in the scouting/personnel departments and the Seahawks’ assistant GM in recent years, Teasley knows how injuries and possible subpar play can quickly change the dynamic of who is running the offense.

He saw Murray twice a year when the Seahawks played the Cardinals in the NFC West and is well aware of Murray’s positive NFL history as the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowler (2020 and 2021), with an impressive 67.1% career completion rate and a solid 92.2 passer rating.

He also sees Murray’s 38-49-1 career record as the Arizona starter, which includes only one playoff game (a wild-card loss to the Rams in the 2021 season). And there’s Murray’s injury history: 12 games missed last season with a foot injury, and a torn ACL in 2022 that cost him the last six games that season and the first nine games in 2023. His smaller stature and willingness to run with his great quickness and speed are factors in his lack of durability, but he also did not have as good a supporting cast on offense with the Cardinals as he will with the Vikings (starting with O’Connell and Justin Jefferson). 

Teasley also scouted McCarthy before the 2024 draft and watched his performance in his 10 starts last season. While the national media regularly proclaims McCarthy as a lousy quarterback in 2025, the reality — which Teasley understands — is J.J. has only 10 career starts with a 6-4 record, and while his overall passer rating was a dismal 72.6 with a lackluster 57.6 % completion rate, he won his last four starts with his passer rating and completion percentage much improved at 100.4 and 64%.

But McCarthy also left the last two games with a hand injury and has a significant injury history for a young player, with a knee injury that knocked him out for his entire rookie season and a sprained ankle and a concussion costing him seven games last year.

Teasley saw the rise of Russell Wilson to a Super Bowl and Pro Bowl QB in Seattle and then his trade by GM John Schneider to Denver when Wilson’s skills began to decline, followed by Geno Smith taking over for several seasons and then getting traded to the Raiders as Sam Darnold supplanted him in a Super Bowl season.

So Teasley knows it’s often a fluid situation with the No. 1 QB role. Teasley made it clear that Kevin O’Connell will decide who starts at all positions, but Teasley will certainly take on equal weight with O’Connell as the drivers on if Murray is signed in 2027 to a lucrative deal or if McCarthy is ready to ascend to the top spot next year as he enters his fourth season or if the Vikings seek a new QB from a reputedly excellent 2027 QB draft class.       

In my years as a team exec with the Vikings and Titans, I was fortunate that there were only a handful of seasons when we didn’t have an obvious starting QB — from Fran Tarkenton and then Tommy Kramer at the Vikings early in my career to Steve McNair in my final years with the Titans (and both Tarkenton and McNair earning league MVPs at one time).

As the team works through OTAs and next week’s minicamp, we can expect Murray and McCarthy to continue sharing first-team reps, with Murray likely taking the first rep. 

As Teasley and O’Connell know well, it’s fine to think Murray is the likely September 13 starter against the Packers, but they aren’t presuming he’ll start all 17 regular-season games plus any possible playoffs. I believe — and I’ll bet Teasley and O’Connell agree — given both Murray and McCarthy’s injury histories, it’s more likely each of them will be counted on as the starter for a playoff-worthy team at various points in the upcoming season.

Around the NFL: Observations in a wild week of blockbuster trades

1. Myles Garrett to the Rams — yikes! The Rams have to be considered the Super Bowl favorite after trading for last season’s Defensive Player of the Year and sack leader (with an NFL-record 23 sacks). It was an expensive proposition for L.A. to send the Browns young Pro Bowl edge/DE Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-rounder, and a 2029 third-rounder for the 30-year-old Garrett.

I think it’s a win-win for both teams, depending on whether Garrett can continue to play at an elite level for three more years and how well Verse plays, along with the quality of players the Browns get out of the three draft picks (that will likely be at the end of the rounds, with the Rams expected to be a final four team each year).

2. A.J. Brown to the Patriots: It was obvious Brown had worn out his welcome after four 1,000-plus-yard receiving seasons in Philly. The Eagles will miss his production unless first-round rookie Makai Lemon develops quickly. But it was well done by Eagles GM Howie Roseman to get a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder when it was obvious Brown was going to be traded.

The defending AFC champion Patriots are acquiring a No. 1 receiver for QB Drake Maye in the soon-to-turn-29-year-old Brown, who reunites with Pats coach Mike Vrabel (Brown’s head coach in his early years in Tennessee). If Brown is focused and plays well, I give New England a slight edge in the deal.

Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond

Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a new contract to keep a player whose contract was set to expire this summer

Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal that will see Tom Heaton remain at the club for another season. United will be busy preparing for the start of next season, which will see them build their squad for their return to the Champions League.

Heaton was signed by United in the summer of 2021, and while he has only made three appearances for the club he has been a key figure in the dressing room with his experience.

The goalkeeper’s contract at United was set to expire this summer, it seemed a genuine possibility that the 40-year-old would be leaving Old Trafford when the deal comes to an end.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

However, The Sun have reported that Heaton is expected to sign a new contract to remain at United, with the deal said to last for another 12 months.

Heaton signed a one-year extension to remain a United player last summer, too, and it seems that the shot-stopper could be doing the same again this time around.

One player who will be leaving United this summer is Casemiro, whose deal at Old Trafford is also set to come to an end, but is not expected to sign an extension.

The Brazilian has previously emphasised the importance that Heaton has in the squad, and why his presence is so valuable.

“He [Heaton] is very important. Very important for us,” Casemiro said on Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.

Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!

“He pushes the training, he pushes in the game, of course, he doesn’t play, but he pushes every time. For me, everyone needs this guy; he helps the room so much.”

United are expected to have a busy summer transfer window with plans already in place to add new players to their squad.

A deal has already been agreed to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with a £38.8million package that includes a £35million initial fee plus £3.8million in add-ons.

United are also continuing to be linked with signing another midfielder this summer, with West Ham star Mateus Fernandes a target.

It remains to be seen what other business United will look to conduct this summer, with Michael Carrick preparing for his first season as the club’s permanent manager.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Galeries Tower Highrisers’ top overall pick Lams Lamina during the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Top overall pick Lams Lamina is eager to bring her championship experience to help Galeries Tower in its bid for success in the new Premier Volleyball League season.

Lamina expressed gratitude after being selected first overall by Galeries in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel.

Entrusted with helping the three-year-old franchise move forward, Lamina is determined to make an immediate impact on a team that reached the second phase of the Play-In in the All-Filipino Conference but has yet to break through to the semifinals.

LIST: Who each team picked in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft

“I’m very excited. First of all, Galeries is in a rebuilding phase, and as a rookie, I’m entering a new system and environment. I accept the challenge, and I’ll do everything I can to help the team. I’ll give my best and put in 100 percent effort,” said Lamina in Filipino.

“I’m entering a new system and a new culture with Galeries. There’s still so much for me to learn as a rookie in the PVL,” she added.

The two-time UAAP Best Setter will be bringing the winning tradition she built with National University from high school to college. In her five seasons, she was part of the Lady Bulldogs’ five straight finals appearances and won three titles.

Lams Lamina is the first overall pick by Galeries Tower in 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.–PVL PHOTO

“I’ll bring my attitude, the way I play, my fighting spirit, my discipline as a person and as a player, and most especially my competitive mindset,” Lamina said.

“I know it won’t be easy for us. But as a rookie, I’m willing to put in the work together with my teammates. We don’t know what the future holds, so for now, we’ll focus on the present and keep working.”

Lamina will be working with Galeries setters Julia Coronel, a third overall pick in the 2024 draft, and Maji Mangulabnan in running the offense for Jean Asis, Roselle Baliton, Erika Deloria, Gayle Pascual, and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas.

“I think it will be a healthy competition with my older teammates. As a rookie, I just want to show what I can contribute to the team. At the same time, I hope I can share whatever I’ve learned and continue learning from them as well,” she said.

Lamina is set to make her professional debut in the PVL on Tour and is looking forward to playing in different provinces while testing herself against the league’s top setters.

“I’m excited because it gives me a chance to showcase my talent in different places. I’ll also get to meet new people and experience different environments, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Lamina said.

“I’m always ready. But it all starts with how I prepare and manage myself. The PVL is a different level because you’re going up against veterans. I feel like I’ll learn a lot, and I’m really ready to embrace that challenge,” she added.

The retro shirt harks back ‘to the glory days’ of the England football squad

With just over a week left until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, If you’re an England supporter you may be thinking about the best way to support the team ahead of its first match against Croatia. One easy way to honour England FC’s history and its iconic World Cup performances is with a retro football shirt.

Better yet, you could save as much as £27 on a brand new shirt by taking advantage of a double deal. While Sports Direct usually sells the Score Draw England Third Shirt 1988/89 on its site for £49.99, it is currently discounted to £35.

Despite this, England fans could save even more due to a cashback deal from TopCashback. The brand is allowing shoppers who are new to signing up, whether they’re new Sports Direct customers or not, to grab the shirt for just £23.24.

READ MORE: England fans can save 26% on 2026 World Cup shirt in Sports Direct deal after pricing ‘backlash’

READ MORE: ‘Exceptional’ 220 thread-count bedding reduced from £50 to £27 ‘gets softer the more you wash it’

Meanwhile, customers who are already signed up to TopCashback can still grab the shirt for less than its original price at £38.24 once cashback has been calculated. The shirt features the iconic classic England FC crest on the front, which is paired by a geometric design in a light blue colour.

Sports Direct claims the shirt “captures the essence of the game and embodies the spirit of a true sports enthusiast” by harking back to the glory days of England FC. Made with ‘high-quality’ polyester, the shirt is both durable and breathable, allowing you to wear it for a full day while remaining comfy.

If you consider yourself a serious football shirt collector, you could instead opt for the 2004-06 England Away Shirt Beckham, which is available at Classic Football Shirts for £69.99. This shirt features the iconic red shirt worn by England during his tenure as the captain of England’s Golden Generation’, coming complete with authentic branding and club crest.

Advertisement

Otherwise, if you want to support a more local team, you could opt for the 2023-24 Manchester City Puma Away Shirt, which is available at Vintage Football Shirts for £40. This Manchester City shirt features the widely popular away colourway from the 2024/24 Premier League season and comes with authentic sponsorship branding.

No reviews are currently available at Sports Direct for the Score Draw England Third Shirt 1988/89, however, some England fans may find that the elastic collar is a bit too unorthodox for them, especially when compared to more modern shirts. Furthermore, the polyester material might be uncomfortable for some shoppers who prefer to go for a cotton blend, allowing for extra breathability in many cases.

Meanwhile, Sports Direct itself has received a wave of positive reviews via Trustpilot, with one customer writing: “Great service and good product only ordered on Saturday afternoon and they arrived Monday morning, can’t beat that for service, makes a welcome change.”

Advertisement

Another added: “Everything arrived quicker than expected. Good quality clothes, well packed.”

A third said: “Quick and fast all the way knew what was going on all the way through, thumbs up.” While a fourth added: “Easily ordered my replacement trainers.I know the style and fit from previous buys. Quick delivery. All good.”

However, one other customer noted: “The shopping was easy. The delivery was speedy. However the package was completely mangled ! Thankfully the shoes inside have withstood the bashing. I’d have to think twice before using this site again.”

While another said: “Always a great time shopping with them. Great prices and great customer service. The only downside is that you always have to pay for transport and if you choose the cheapest option, it can take long to have it delivered.”

How to get the England Third Shirt 1988/89 for £23.24 via TopCashback

free via this linkSports Direct

Just because the Minnesota Vikings appear to be on track for a Kyler Murray season at QB1 does not mean that J.J. McCarthy will be on the trade block.

That’s the message from The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis this week, as McCarthy trade rumors have swirled in recent days after some thought McCarthy sounded disgruntled at Vikings organized team activities. Minnesota controls McCarthy’s contract through the end of 2027 — and 2028 if it exercises his fifth-year option.

Vikings Should Keep the Two QBs in the Picture

McCarthy Trade Theories Dialed Back

Plugged into the Vikings more than most, Lewis said this week, “My conversations with people internally have not been about trade. They have not been about those comments. They have been about wanting to maximize every single day in the field and making sure that happens. The chips will fall how the chips will fall.”

And truth be told, the comments make a lot more sense than Minnesota being in a big hurry to trade the quarterback they once viewed as their franchise guy.

How They Started in the First Place

The moment Murray signed in Minnesota three months ago, a McCarthy trade rumor mill grew legs, at least little ones. Because NFL media and fans lack patience for a quarterback’s development, they interpreted Murray’s signing as a cue that McCarthy could be on the way out.

Instead, the Vikings’ brass has said every step of the way that it still believes in McCarthy and is willing to be patient with his maturation.

The wildcard is McCarthy’s mindset. If he expressed discontent — telling the Vikings he wanted to be traded — their hands could be tied. Last week, McCarthy spoke to reporters and compared Murray’s arrival and his role on the team as “two guys in high school” on the other side of the room. Those comments only intensified the trade fodder, and here we are.

Just Keep the Murray + McCarthy Setup

In 2025, the Vikings faced a critical decision regarding their quarterback. They had several options: Sam Darnold, who had just led them to a 14-3 season before a late-season collapse; Daniel Jones, a potential challenger for the starting role; or the tempting veteran, Aaron Rodgers. Alternatively, they could have opted for a more gradual approach with McCarthy, allowing him a gentle transition into his first year as a starter.

The Vikings bypassed all these possibilities. They committed solely to McCarthy, hoping for the best. The gamble proved unsuccessful. Minnesota missed the playoffs, McCarthy failed to establish himself as the long-term solution, and by February 2026, the team was still without a solid answer at quarterback.

That’s when Murray’s arrival became a game-changer. He provides the Vikings with something they lacked last year: a genuine backup plan. While McCarthy can still earn the starting job, so can Murray. Minnesota no longer has to stake its entire season on the development of a single young quarterback.

With both players, the likelihood of securing a stable QB1 appears quite higher than it did during last year’s all-in bet on McCarthy.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted last week from OTAs, “Murray made all of the best throws of the practice, demonstrating his downfield touch and accuracy. Nothing McCarthy did was objectionable, and one of his few incompletions — a pass to the flat that cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. nearly intercepted — occurred when two receivers drifted far too close to each other.”

“And while McCarthy’s post-practice comments about their relationship delivered headlines, it was Murray who might have said the most notable four words of the afternoon: ‘My confidence is unshakeable.’”

As an Endgame, Which Teams Might Want McCarthy

Pretend momentarily that McCarthy does fuss and demand a trade. If that happened this summer, he might be looking at a shortlist like this of suitors:

• Arizona Cardinals
• Cleveland Browns
• Indianapolis Colts
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Miami Dolphins
• New York Jets
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ironically, the Cardinals — Murray’s former employer — might make the most sense if Arizona cannot resolve its current and befuddling holdout ordeal with Jacoby Brissett.

Sportsnaut‘s Andrew Buller-Russ noted on the Steelers as a McCarthy trade destination last week, “The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 42-year-old starting quarterback. Eventually, they need to plan for a future after Aaron Rodgers.”

“The Steelers do have a pair of developmental options in 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, plus third-round rookie Drew Allar. Between the two, there could be a future starter in there, but adding a former first-round pick with a winning pedigree can’t hurt either.”

On the whole, though, expect the Vikings to keep McCarthy. There is no real upside to trading him, especially since two of the last three Vikings seasons have been sullied by quarterback injuries. Minnesota needs the quarterback depth.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Capital1 selects Detdet Pepito with the second pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Bella Belen wasted no time welcoming childhood friend Detdet Pepito to Capital1, even joking that the prized rookie libero would have to find a different jersey number.

Moments after the Solar Spikers selected Pepito with the second overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft on Wednesday night at Novotel, Belen playfully reminded her new teammate that No. 4 already belongs to her.

LIST: Who each team picked in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft

“I’m not giving it up. I’m No. 4,” Belen said in Filipino with a laugh. “If she wants No. 4 too, she can wear 04 or 44. This is my number already. Det, bahala ka na sa buhay mo.”

The lighthearted exchange highlighted the excitement surrounding Capital1’s revamped roster as Belen teams up with former college rival Pepito for the first time since elementary school, aside from their stint in the national team pool during the pandemic.

Kidding aside, Belen knows exactly what the University of Santo Tomas captain brings to the table.

Capital1 selects Detdet Pepito with the second pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft.–PVL PHOTO

“I’m happy because I know what Detdet is capable of, and I know she can help our team a lot. The last time we were teammates was back in elementary school — well, aside from the national team during the post-pandemic period. It’s nice that we’ve been given another opportunity to play together again,” said Belen, who was recently crowned as Rookie of the Year.

When her name was called, Pepito immediately thought of her reunion with Belen and UST teammate Pia Abbu.

“While I was walking on the red carpet, I kept looking at Bella. It brought back a lot of memories because we’ve been teammates since elementary school. Now that I’m in the PVL, I get to be teammates with her again, along with Pia Abbu. I’m really happy and excited because I know I’ll learn a lot from them,” Pepito said.

“I’m super happy and grateful. During my final playing year at UST, this was one of the things I worked hard for and dedicated my performances toward. So it means a lot,” she added.

Detdet Pepito on joining Bella Belen and Capital1. #PVLDraft #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ

Follow our PVL draft updates here: https://t.co/hoTk3B9zKQ pic.twitter.com/X26QvLGwcc

Advertisement

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 3, 2026

Pepito will join Roma Mae Doromal and Rachel Jorvina in defending the floor for the Solar Spikers, who are now led by Belen and MVPs Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos.

The two-time UAAP Best Libero is putting a premium on teamwork as she looks to help Capital1 continue its rise in the PVL.

“I think the first step is to slowly build chemistry with my new teammates and adapt to the system they already have. Of course, we’ll dream big. Hopefully, a championship can eventually come our way as well,” said Pepito.

For Belen, it’s simply another manifestation coming true after jokingly recruiting players during the All-Star Game and even after Pepito’s final UAAP appearance.

Now, she finally gets to play alongside one of the teammates she had long wished for.