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    Newest Premier League ground opens doors for first time as stunning images show venue lit up at night and fans flood in

    EVERTON’S new stadium opened its doors ahead of its scheduled grand unveiling for a few lucky fans.The Toffees are set to leave their historic Goodison Park ground – England’s first major football stadium – after 132 years.Everton’s new stadium opened its doors ahead of its scheduled grand unveilingCredit: GettyEverton invited 10,000 fans in a lucky ballot to attend an Under-18s friendlyCredit: EPABramley-Moore Dock lit up at night ahead of the scheduled openingEverton are officially moving to Bramley-Moore Dock in the summerCredit: GettyEager fans queue to get in for the first timeCredit: EPAAnd the Merseysiders are moving in to their brand new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium in the summer.But club chiefs decided to give a few supporters a sneak peek ahead of next season.About 10,000 fans were successful in a ballot for an Under-18s friendly against Wigan.The fortunate Everton faithful took a seat at the 52,888-capacity ground, which will be the seventh biggest stadium in the Premier League.Read More on FootballAnd they watched the incredible venue shine bright as it was fully lit up at night.But it was a Liverpool fan who stole Everton’s thunder with the first ever goal at their new stadium.Wigan U18 ace Harrison Rimmer took just 11 minutes to notch his historic strike before trolling the home crowd by raising six fingers.That was of course a reference to the combined total of European Cups and Champions League crowns lifted by his beloved Reds.Most read in FootballIt’s a time-honoured gesture made by brave players who support Liverpool after scoring at either of the club’s two fiercest rivals, Everton and Manchester United.The stadium’s four-year project came at an estimated cost of more than £750million.David Moyes says ‘boiling hot Goodison Park deserved drama’ in final Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton Bramley-Moore Dock has been selected to host matches at Euro 2028.It is hoped the project will contribute an estimated £1.3billion to the local economy.Everton’s last ever home game at Goodison Park takes place on May 18.The Toffees will host Southampton in what promises to be an emotional farewell.The final Merseyside derby will live long in the memory after James Tarkowski grabbed a stunning last-minute equaliser for the hosts and four people were sent off in wild scenes AFTER the final whistle. The Merseysiders appear to be securing their place in the Premier League ahead of next season after David Moyes’ return at the helm.Everton are 14th in the table with 13 points separating them from the relegation zone.Tarkowski fires home to spark wild scenes in the final derby at GoodisonCredit: Getty More

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    F1 stars’ dizzying 2025 salaries revealed with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton earning nearly DOUBLE nearest rival

    MAX VERSTAPPEN and Lewis Hamilton top the list of Formula One’s highest earners – as they prepare for another Championship battle. Seven-time world champion Hamilton is preparing to make his Ferrari debut after a shock switch from Mercedes.Max Verstappen remains F1’s top dog – both on the track and earningsCredit: GettyLewis Hamilton has made the switch to Ferrari for the upcoming seasonCredit: SplashIt leaves George Russell as Mercedes’ top driver – and he has the salary to prove itCredit: GettyHamilton will be behind the wheel for the first time at the season opener in Melbourne on March 16.The 40-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Italian giants.And it sees him earning a staggering £48million ($60m) as he targets an eighth world crown.Reigning champion Verstappen will pocket the most cash in 2025 – just as he did last year. READ MORE ON F1The Dutchman is given £52m-a-year ($65m) by Red Bull, with his current deal running for a further three seasons.In sharp contrast, Verstappen’s new teammate Liam Lawson, 23, will pocket just £800,000 ($1m)Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc bags £27m ($34m), over £20m less than new team-mate Hamilton.While George Russell, now the top dog at Mercedes, will earn a cool £12m ($15m).Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLando Norris had a season to remember in 2024 with four wins and a second-placed overall finish. His lucrative deal with McLaren runs until next year – and he currently bags £16m ($20m) in annual salary.Lewis Hamilton visits Ferrari HQ as he arrives at Maranello for his first official day with the Scuderia At the other end of the spectrum, both Jack Doohan of Alpine and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar will take home £700,000 ($850k) this year.And Lance Stroll’s open contract with Aston Martin sees the 26-year-old earn £2.3m ($3m) each season.Verstappen’s dominance of the sport in recent years has seen him win four consecutive titles. He won nine races last year – the least of any of the last four seasons. Verstappen admitted: “Last year has been challenging at times.”Of course, we had a lot of good moments, of course, also some tough moments.”I hope that we can be, let’s say, a little bit more stable and a little bit more all-round throughout the season.”Ex-F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone recently gave his opinion on whether Hamilton could challenge Verstappen in his Ferrari.And the 94-year-old pulled no punches with his response.Ecclestone told The Telegraph: “Hamilton won’t last [two years].F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon”Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing.”I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”Verstappen and Hamilton will join the rest of the F1 drivers for a special event on February 18. For the first time in the sport’s history, all ten teams are coming together to unveil their new liveries.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2025 F1 1 season begins with a double-header, starting with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.Just a week later, Shanghai will host the Chinese Grand Prix on March 23. More

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    Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth

    WAYNE ROONEY has started a new job in Dubai after leaving Plymouth Argyle in December.The Manchester United star has jetted off for the February half-term break and is soaking up the sun alongside fellow former pros.Wayne Rooney has landed a coaching role with Football EscapesCredit: Instagram / footballescapesHe has been tutoring young children in DubaiCredit: Football EscapesRooney is looking to get back into management after leaving Plymouth ArgyleCredit: Football EscapesHe has taken up a coaching role with Football Escapes tutoring young children at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.Football Escapes offer a family holiday package at the hotel, with kids getting the chance to train under the tutelage of former players including Rooney, Michael Owen and Mark Noble.Rooney ran a group through their paces on day one wearing a Football Escapes shirt, as happy parents watched on and filmed videos.Packages cost between £7,500 to £8,650 to stay at the five-star hotel for five days.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe hotel features multiple pitches as well as a gym and five swimming pools, including one 25m pool.There is also a waterpark on site and a private beach attached, along with a spa that contains 10 luxurious treatment rooms.Rooney is taking part as a coach with Football Escapes for the first time after leaving Plymouth on New Year’s Day.He wants to return to management but revealed it would “have to be the right club”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.While he is yet to secure a new full-time job, he returned to punditry work on TV last week with Prime Video.Rooney was part of the coverage for Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid as he made his debut appearance for the broadcaster.Inside Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s incredible £1k a night Disneyland trip with the kids – and a special birthday surpriseTraining sessions take place at the five-star Jumeirah Beach HotelCredit: https://footballescapes.com/courses/JBH170225/ More

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    Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son, 6, recreates Barcelona icon’s goal against Getafe for Inter Miami

    THE six-year-old son of Lionel Messi emulated the legend himself with an incredible solo goal for Inter Miami.Ciro Messi left spectators stunned when he picked up the ball from his own half before dribbling past three players and poking his shot into the bottom-right corner of the target.Lionel Messi’s son, Ciro, scored an incredible goal for Inter Miami’s academyMessi Jr dribbled past several players before scoringHe then ran around the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the bottom cornerIt was very similar to the goal Messi scored against Getafe in 2007Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe youngster scored the wonder goal while playing for Inter Miami’s academy.And it went viral on social media earlier this week.One person commented: “Yeah that’s Messi’s son alright. You don’t teach that shoulder drop dribble easily.”Another wrote: “I have seen enough. He’s the chosen one. Send him to La Masia.”Read More in FootballA third said: “This kid got talent omg.”While a fourth added: “Look at the way he finished it wow, this kid moves just like his pops.”Ciro’s goal was very similar to his dad’s outstanding solo effort against Getafe in 2007.After receiving the ball inside his own half, Messi ran through half the Getafe team before dribbling around goalkeeper Luis Garcia and passing into the bottom corner.Most read in FootballMessi was just 19-years-old when he scored the stunning goal.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 appearances for Barcelona during his 17-year spell in the first team.Lionel Messi called out for boxing match as Logan Paul fumes ‘this ain’t justice’ in bid to settle ongoing dispute He was forced to leave on a free transfer in 2021 and spent two years with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to the United States.The Argentina captain is now the star man at Inter Miami.His two other sons, Mateo and Thiago, also play for the club’s academy.Messi plays for Inter Miami, while his three sons play for the club’s academyCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Is this Alan or Garth Crooks?’ – Shearer picks bonkers Prem team of the week with two at the back and Merino as striker

    FANS have been left baffled by Alan Shearer’s bonkers Premier League team of the week.The Newcastle United legend picked his eleven most impressive players from match week 25.Alan Shearer has left fans baffled with his team of the week picksCredit: GettyFans have compared the team to the previous picks made by Garth CrooksCredit: PA:Empics SportDjed Spence was one of two defenders to be pickedCredit: GettyShearer opted to choose Mikel Merino as a strikerCredit: AlamyShearer, 54, opted to pick a unique formation with just two defenders, Brighton’s Adam Webster and Tottenham’s Djed Spence.They were positioned behind two central midfielders in Bournemouth goalscorer Ryan Christie and Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez.The record Prem goalscorer then selected six attacking players, including Seagulls duo Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Everton’s Carlos Alcaraz.They were positioned behind another trio made up of Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri and City ace Omar Marmoush.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFans were left baffled by the attacking look of the team.Many compared it to the teams that Garth Crooks would famously pick when he would do the job for the BBC.The retired footballer became a cult figure for regularly picking players out of position in order to fit them into a team.One posted: “Garth’s legacy lives on.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second wrote: “Is this really Alan or Garth Crooks?”A third commented: “Bring back Garth.”‘Lineker never misses a chance’ – Fans in stitches as BBC show host trolling Alan Shearer in throwback clip from 2007Alex Palmer was in the team after impressing for Ipswich TownCredit: ReutersBrighton goalscorers Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh both made the teamCredit: GettyA fourth said: “Wow, this is very interesting, just two defenders.”Another added: “I don’t understand this formation.”The recent match week saw Manchester United lose to Spurs and both title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal win.Brighton also hammered Chelsea at home with Mitoma scoring a goal that left Jamie Carragher stunned.A supercomputer has provided its prediction for the final Premier League table following the results.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Inside Gary Neville’s Manchester HQ with framed Kop banner brutally insulting his appearance hanging on the wall

    GARY NEVILLE keeps an iconic Liverpool banner on the wall of his impressive Manchester HQ that helps to keep him humble.The Manchester United legend is approaching 50-years-old and is as busy as ever, combining his work as a pundit with his ownership of Salford and his management of his property empire.Gary Neville keeps an insulting banner on his wallNeville’s Manchester HQ also features a Rocky Balboa posterCredit: dmg media LicensingNeville still has time for date nights with his wife on Thursdays in Manchester city centre, not far from where they live and close to his HQ.The former defender owns six buildings in Manchester and his HQ is adorned with inspirational decorations.One is a framed poster with a with a silhouette of Rocky Balboa at the top of those Philadelphia steps.While another is more personal – Liverpool’s famous banner mocking Neville’s appearance, that was once displayed in the Kop.READ MORE ON MAN UTDNeville said of the banner: “There’s a Scouse lad who works on our podcast. Every time I played at Anfield they’d have a different banner for me. “One year they compared me to Dot Cotton off Eastenders. “We were talking about this one and the lad said he thought he knew who had it, so he went and got it. I like looking at it every day – it keeps me humble.”Neville is a frequent face on Sky Sports and hosts the popular Stick to Football podcast, but he revealed 90 per cent of his life is spent in his Manchester HQ.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis latest venture is a new 40-storey building in Manchester called St Michael’s, that will feature offices, apartments, a hotel and a rooftop restaurant.Neville said: “St Michael’s is going to be 40 storeys. As I said, I love the thrill of it all. The interior design, the selling part of it, the finding land, the planning.Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary Neville“I’d say 90 per cent of my life’s here. It’s not on television or with football. It’s literally in here, in meetings about all the businesses and the different things that we’re doing. It’s amazing.”Neville began his career as a hotelier and property mogul during his playing career, and would look over architectural plans on trips back from Europe.But he had to keep his secondary career under wraps as Sir Alex Ferguson forbid any distractions for his players.Neville explained: “(Things were done) under the radar. Purely because I knew that it would be deemed a distraction.“For me, my football was everything. But distraction was absolutely illegal at United.“You could not be distracted by anything. At the same time, I knew that my football career would one day come to an end, and I knew I had to plan for that.“I was going up on site every afternoon after training. I don’t know what other lads did.“But I would go on site, spend time in the design team meetings, sit on the construction meetings and make sure I was in cost meetings, bank meetings, sales meetings. I loved every aspect of it.“I used to bring the architects’ drawings with me in the bag for the plane on European trips. I wouldn’t read them before the game but you can’t sleep after, you’re wired.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’d make sure no one was sitting next to me and then get them out and start looking at the drawings, the designs and all the things I needed to do.“For 10, 12 years, I had this almost double life. If you asked me what I know most about other than football, it would be property.”He has a hectic schedule but still makes time for date nights with his wifeCredit: RexNeville’s latest venture is the 40-story St Michaels building in ManchesterCredit: St. MichaelsHe also owns Hotel Football next to Old TraffordCredit: PANeville and his Class of 92 pals own and run Salford CityCredit: Getty More

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    Dream Team managers in search of double Gameweek specialist should consider Bryan Mbeumo

    DREAM TEAM managers are spoiled for choice this week.Gameweek 24 is not done yet with Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa in action on Wednesday night but thoughts have already turned to double Gameweek 25, when all 20 Premier League clubs will have two fixtures to fulfil.Mbeumo will be unleashed upon Leicester and Everton in Gameweek 25Credit: Dream TeamThis opens up all manner of options as players previously limited to one point-scoring opportunity per Gameweek will have two chances to strut their stuff.One individual who is already attracting plenty of new admirers is Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m).Brentford’s talisman is currently the second-most popular recruit ahead of Friday’s 6:30pm deadline ahead of his double header against Leicester and Everton.The Toffees have improved immeasurably since David Moyes’ return having won four of their last five league games.While the Bees may have a fight on their hands when Everton visit West London, their Friday night trip to the King Power represents one of the most favourable fixtures on offer in the top flight this season.Leicester are seemingly destined for relegationCredit: PARuud van Nistelrooy’s side are languishing in 19th having lost nine of their last ten league games, conceding 25 goals in the process.Thomas Frank will expect his troops, who have scored more goals than the likes of Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Aston Villa this campaign, to capitalise on the Foxes’ vulnerable defence.And the stats suggest Mbeumo is the man most likely to take advantage.Most read in FootballThe Cameroon international has scored 14 goals and provided four assists in all competitions this term.Mohamed Salah (£8.3m), Erling Haaland (£8.1m), Chris Wood (£4.1m) and Alexander Isak (£6.3m) are the only players ahead of Mbeumo in the Premier League Golden Boot race.Crucially, those four rivals are all strikers whereas Brentford’s No19 is categorised as a midfielder in Dream Team.Mbeumo ranks third among Dream Team midfieldersCredit: RexMbeumo has racked up 228 points this season at an average of 7.9 per appearance – a rate only bettered by Cole Palmer (£5.9m) and Bukayo Saka (£6.6m) among assets in his position.While only Chelsea’s main man and Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) have amassed a higher points total at this stage – a phenomenal effort given Mbeumo’s schedule has not featured European fixtures.Even accounting for a potentially tricky meeting with a resurgent Everton, it would be reasonable to expect a juicy double-digit haul in Gameweek 25.Yoane Wissa (£3m), Mikkel Damsgaard (£3.8m) and Kevin Schade (£3.1m) are all viable options but Mbeumo’s record makes him the optimum selection for gaffers keen on a Brentford player at this juncture.Dream Team bosses should be aware that such a move would be a short-term ploy as Brentford do not have a fixture scheduled for Gameweek 26, when focus will switch to the FA Cup fifth round.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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    Footballer tragically dies at 26 after medical emergency just before stepping onto pitch as match abandoned

    A BRAZILIAN footballer has died moments before he was set to play a match.Tributes have poured in for Gabriel Popo after he passed away aged 26.Gabriel Popo has passed away aged 26Popo was about to play in a match for XV de Jau against Uniao Suzano, which was abandoned following the incident.The midfielder suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to hospital in Sao Paulo, but died.His club paid tribute in a statement which read: “Gabriel Popo: forever in our history and in our hearts. 🕊️💚💛”Nothing prepares us for goodbyes like this. Popo left us too soon, but his joy, his talent and his passion for football will remain alive in each one of us.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Popo, we will play, we will wear this jersey and we will come back stronger for you!”Brazilian clubs have paid tribute to Popo including Paulista FC and Rio Branco Sports Club.Fans have also honoured him with kind words with one saying: “Very sad. May God comfort everyone’s hearts.”Another said: “My condolences to the family, friends and the entire Quinzano nation. This is very sad 🙏🏻😔”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Forever in our hearts popó 🖤😭”And another commented: “Rest in peace popó🖤🕊️”‘I’ve never seen anything like this’ – Boss pushes Marcelo back to bench after Brazil legend REFUSES his pre-sub tactics More