The nights are closing in, darkness is falling all around and spooky season is underway once again with the world of football being dragged into the netherworld of Halloween.

As usual, many soccer stars have celebrated in style, and the social media landscape was suddenly awash with images of players and their families going all-out for the occasion.

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With fixtures piling up, a couple of clubs went early with their celebrations this year as several Real Madrid players had a Halloween party two days before Oct. 31.

Fresh from vanquishing Barcelona in the Clásico, a number of Los Blancos‘ Brazilian contingent gathered for a fright-fest while donning an array of spooky costumes for the occasion.

Vinícius Júnior‘s girlfriend, Virginia Fonseca, dressed up as Cruella de Vil, but her partner obviously didn’t get the memo about the “101 Dalmatians” theme, as he decided to go as a manic clown instead.

Endrick and his wife, Gabriely Miranda, rocked matching his-and-hers Chucky doll costumes for the party that they chose to accessorize with an arsenal of blood-soaked weaponry.

Éder Militão, wife Taina and his family went as the Addams Family and even took the time to produce a short video tribute to the iconic TV show, complete with theme tune and finger clicking.

The theme of Rodrygo‘s costume wasn’t immediately clear, but it consisted of a leopard-print suit and blood-splattered T-shirt.

NAPOLI

Serie A champions Napoli also chose to celebrate on Wednesday, the day after they won 1-0 at Lecce while wearing their new limited-edition Halloween kit complete with glow-in-the-dark badge!

The Partonopei kept the ghoulish theme running by gathering in Naples on Wednesday evening. Scott McTominay and partner Cam Reading looked the part, with the midfielder sporting some very convincing half-flesh/half-skull face paint (though given his new nickname in Naples, dressing up as The Terminator might have been more appropriate).

McTominay also took some time to point out Rasmus Højlund‘s lack of effort.

The 22-year-old striker, who is on loan from Man United, turned up in a sweater vest, chinos, and black loafers with white socks, with McTominay enjoying his choice of sock color in particular.

The Addams Family were once again represented, with Leonardo Spinazzola playing Gomez this time, alongside teammate Matteo Politano, who filled in as Pugsley.

Elsewhere, Alex Meret turned up as Hagrid and Mathías Olivera as Captain Jack Sparrow among a variety of other costumes inspired by Harry Potter, Batman and “Breaking Bad.”

Xabi Alonso has said there will be “no punishment” for Vinícius Júnior after the star stormed off during Real Madrid’s Clásico win over Barcelona, praising the player’s “valuable, positive” apology and saying “the matter is now closed.”

Vinícius reacted angrily to being substituted in the 72nd minute of the 2-1 LaLiga victory at the Bernabéu, visibly questioning Alonso’s decision before heading straight down the tunnel.

On Wednesday, the Brazil international posted an apology on social media which named fans, teammates, the club and president Florentino Pérez, but omitted Alonso.

“On Wednesday, after two days’ rest, we had a meeting with everyone,” Alonso said in a news conference on Friday.

“Vini did well, he was impeccable. He spoke from the heart, with sincerity. I was very satisfied and for me, from that moment the matter is closed.”

ESPN has reported that the relationship between Alonso and Vinícius has been damaged — with the Clásico row the latest episode — after the coach left the player out of his starting eleven three times so far this season, having previously planned to drop him for Madrid’s Club World Cup semifinal.

Alonso denied that he was surprised or disappointed that Vinícius’ apology didn’t mention him by name.

“For me, it was a very valuable, positive statement,” Alonso said. “Vini showed his honesty, he spoke from the heart, what this club means to him. For me what’s most important is what he said to his teammates, the fans and the club. I’m very satisfied and since Wednesday, the subject is closed and we’re thinking about what’s next.”

Madrid had previously said that disciplinary matters would remain internal, but Alonso said Vinícius would face no sanction for what happened, and was available to play Valencia on Saturday.

“I was satisfied, and since Wednesday it’s closed,” Alonso said. “We’ve trained well, Vini is fine. We’re all in the same boat, rowing in the same direction… We have a game tomorrow, which is the most important thing. No punishment.”

Talks over a new contract for Vinícius — with his current deal up in 2027 — are currently on hold, but Alonso insisted that isn’t a distraction.

“He looks very focused,” Alonso said. “The other day [against Barça] he played a very good game, and against Juventus too, and against Getafe, and we hope for the same tomorrow.”

Alonso’s managerial style is a sharp contrast with predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, who was known for a more relaxed attitude.

“It’s important to be authentic, having a sincere, direct relationship,” Alonso said, when asked how he managed situations like this.

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“Knowing your role, and always thinking about what’s best for the team … It’s about having a good relationship, with respect, but knowing that not everyone is the same. That’s where you need to have emotional intelligence.”

One blow for Madrid after the Clásico win was an injury for captain Dani Carvajal, who had only just returned after a long absence.

“On Monday morning it was a surprise to get the call from the doctor,” Alonso said. “We’ll miss him for sure. He’s very important in the day to day. It could be seven, eight weeks, but I’m not a doctor.”