Philippa Kaur

More stories

  • 225 Shares14 Views

    in Soccer

    When is the Europa League final 2025? Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream and teams for huge showpiece

    THIS year’s Europa League final has been confirmed – and it will feature two English teams!Manchester United held their nerve in a tricky second-leg semi-final test before eventually picking off Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao.Mason Mount was incredible for United in the semi-finalCredit: GettyWhile Tottenham made light work of Bodo/Glimt in their final four encounter – most impressively beating the Norwegian side on their own turf.And with the teams for 2025 final now confirmed, fans are itching to find out when the match is taking place.When is the Europa League final 2025?The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Saturday, May 21.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.Estadio de San Mames stadium – the home of Athletic Bilbao will host the thrilling final.What TV channel will the Europa League final 2025 be on and can it be live streamed?The 2025 Europa League final will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.Last year, the Europa League final was available to live stream for FREE via the discovery+ app/website.It remains to be seen if the broadcaster will provide a free stream for the match this year.SunSport’s live blog will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of the Europa League final.Read more on Europa LeagueWill the Europa League final 2025 be on YouTube?Last year, the Europa League final wasn’t shown on YouTube, which was a shock to many fans as it had been aired on the platform from 2016 to 2023.The match was previously available to watch on BT Sport’s official YouTube channel.However, that was not the case in 2024 due to BT Sport merging with discovery+ and Eurosport under the TNT Sports brand.And instead of broadcasting the final for free on YouTube, the broadcaster opted to provide a free stream on their app, discovery+Most read in Europa LeagueIt’s unclear whether or not TNT Sports will broadcast the final across their YouTube channels or stick with making the huge match free to watch on discovery+, or simply not make it free to watch at all. More

  • 263 Shares25 Views

    in Soccer

    Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg): Spurs keep Postecoglou trophy hopes alive with convincing win to set up Man Utd final

    TOTTENHAM proved they are no Arctic flunkies to put Ange Postecoglou 90 minutes from delivering on his second-season trophy boast.After a dark and dismal league campaign where they have been dreadfully off-key, Spurs snapped out of it in a place where the sun hardly ever goes down at this time of year.Tottenham ran out 5-1 aggregate winners over Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League semi-final tieCredit: REUTERSDominic Solanke broke the deadlock in the second leg to fire Spurs into a 4-1 aggregate leadCredit: REUTERSPedro Porro doubled Spurs’ advantage on the nightCredit: REUTERSThey successfully avoided slipping up on Bodo/Glimt’s plastic pitch that has caused numerous European big names to suffer stage fright this season.A masterclass in time-wasting and the most un-AngeBall display ever eased the tension, before Dominic Solanke struck just after the hour.If that had not killed off Glimt’s glimmer of hope, Pedro Porro’s fluke cross-shot dropping in at the far post shortly afterwards surely did.Now, Spurs are through to their first major European final since finishing Champions League runners-up to Liverpool in Madrid in 2019.READ MORE ON SPURSJust like that showpiece six years ago, it will be back to Spain to face English opposition again, only this time Manchester United in Bilbao.Given they have already beaten the Red Devils THREE times this term, it gives Postecoglou a terrific chance to make good on his bold September claim that he “always wins things in his second season”.That possible feat may still not be enough to save his job, after a woeful Prem campaign where NINETEEN league defeats have plummeted Spurs to 16th.But it would qualify the club for the Champions League, end its barren silverware run of 17 years and hand Postecoglou his crowd-pleasing moment that will be remembered forever.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSpurs’ Europa League run has offered fans some respite from their woeful league formCredit: GETTYAnd after the season he has had, there would be a certain romance in that.Coldplay’s Yellow was one of the hosts’ tunes of choice in the build-up for obvious reasons, given their kit colour.Ange Postecoglou says he will be around ‘for a little bit longer’ after Tottenham victory over Eintracht Frankfurt The stadium energy, which Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen said his side would feed off, grew as kick-off approached, to the sound of the Beastie Boys’ ‘Sabotage’ and ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC.The bouncing army of blond-clad fans, packed into this tiny ground with League Two vibes, belted out songs of praise for their team as hoses drenched the synthetic surface.It was a tactic designed to get the ball zipping along quicker than on grass which had caught out the likes of Porto, Olympiakos and Lazio already this term.Postecoglou himself had had his own grim experience up north in Norway when losing to Bodo in the Europa Conference League with Celtic three years ago.But here, because of late driving rain, the extra water seemed to have the opposite effect and slow the ball down.Had his Spurs team frozen this time, Postecoglou would have returned to England well and truly out in the cold with regards his job prospects.But his team looked switched on from the off, taking a similarly low-risk approach to how they handled the away leg in Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.For that game, they needed to win away from home soil, but here they knew they could even lose by a goal and they would still get through.That was thanks to a convincing 3-1 lead last week from the home leg where the only downsides were Bodo’s late lifeline strike and a season-ending injury to James Maddison.Postecoglou’s men looked to slow the game down at every opportunity, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario constantly reinforcing the tactic and eventually being booked for it.It limited the hosts to a few opportunities, and in truth, Spurs looked comfortable.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is on course to maintain his record of winning a trophy within his first two seasons at a clubCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKBarring Ole Blomberg firing into the side-netting and a Kasper Hogh header over, the hosts rarely looked like scoring in the first half.Porro came within a whisker of a crucial opener from a central free-kick just outside the D, but was denied by Nikita Halkin’s acrobatic save.Knutsen’s side had to step it up after the break and went close with a few dangerous crosses – but it was nowhere near enough.And when Solanke finished off Cristian Romero’s knock-down from sub Mathys Tel’s corner, it looked game over.It certainly was when Porro’s cross somehow went in off the post six minutes later.For all of Postecoglou’s poor results this season, his record against Manchester United reads: Played five, won four, drawn one.Self-doubting Spurs fans have already noted that fact and claimed it would be very Tottenham to then come unstuck against Ruben Amorim’s side in Bilbao.It certainly would do nothing to shake off their unwanted Spursy tag.But the fact is, taking on the worst United side in living memory offers an unbelievable chance to seal European glory for the first time since they clinched this competition in 1984.Read More on The SunWho would have thought that after everything they have been through this term, they could still end it singing, “We are the Champions.”Postecoglou, to be fair. He did call it. More

  • 313 Shares15 Views

    in Soccer

    Man Utd 4 Athletic Bilbao 1 (7-1 agg): Red Devils set up blockbuster final vs Spurs as Mason Mount blows Spaniards away after nervy start

    JUST when Athletic Bilbao looked like they might climb the mountain – up steps Mason Mount.The England ace climbed off the bench just after the hour when the impossible comeback looked on for the visitors.Mason Mount reminded fans of his ability with two quality goalsCredit: PAThe midfielder cupped his ear after scoring the equaliserCredit: GettyMount swivelled before curling the ball into the bottom cornerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCasemiro’s header put Man Utd in front on the nightCredit: ReutersRasmus Hojlund copied Mo Salah’s celebration after scoringCredit: EPAMount scored a spectacular effort from close to the halfway lineCredit: GettyHe levelled with a classy goal within 10 minutes – and in stoppage time he scored a stunner with the Bilbao keeper stranded.In between Casemiro – again – and even Rasmus Hojlund got on the scoresheet as United won comfortably in the end.They never do it the easy way here though – and for a while the home fans were sweating.A total of 133 teams have won the away leg of a tie in this competition by three or more goals and all of them have gone through.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe only exception was when Olympiacos turned around such a deficit last year – but the return leg of their tie against Maccabi Tel Aviv was played on a neutral ground.Despite losing eight of 17 home matches in the Prem this season, United had been beaten in just one of their last 30 Europa League ties at Old Trafford.So it looked a tall order for Ernesto Valverde’s side, who arrived without four of their most high profile players.Brothers Nico and Inaki Williams both missed out with injury along with top scorer Oihan Sancet.Most read in Europa LeagueMeanwhile defensive lynchpin Dani Vivian was suspended following his controversial sending off in the first leg.An early goal would have been ideal for United to settle any nerves but there were plenty both on and off the pitch as there was little sign of a goal.’He’ll be fuming with that,’ says Wayne Rooney after mistaking Cristiano Ronaldo for former Man Utd team-mateAlex Berenguer had an early sight of goal for Bilbao but curled his effort over the bar.While skipper Bruno Fernandes played Alejandro Garnacho through on goal but Julen Agirrezabala raced off his line to stop him.It had been a disjointed start from the home side – such a contrast to their performance in the San Mames a week ago.Berenguer – who caught the eye in the first leg before he was sacrificed in the reshuffle following the red card – curled another effort wide.Patrick Dorgu went down under a tackle by Andoni Gorosabei but the German referee waved away the appeals and the VAR agreed after a brief check.Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford…The first leg hinged on a penalty and red card which was given after a lengthy review but there was never any danger of this one being given.With a three goal lead still intact, there was no panic about the way United were playing – however out of nowhere the visitors took the lead on the half hour.Harry Maguire missed header and then passed it to Alvaro Djalo whose shot was blocked – but it dropped nicely to Mikel Jaureguizar.The 21-year-old midfielder still had plenty to do but curled a 20-yard shot into the top corner, giving Andre Onana no chance.It was only his third senior goal – maybe he should try luck more often if that’s what he can do.As for Maguire, he has been the unlikely hero of United’s Europa League run from an attacking point of view – maybe it has gone to his head.It gave the outstanding visiting support fresh hope – a final in their own stadium was the dream and it was flickering again.Even so, United should have extinguished that before the break.Dorgu stroked a delightful pass through the middle which Garnacho ran onto and raced clear – before lifting his shot over the keeper but the wrong side of the post.Ruben Amorim’s job at the break was to keep his players calm. He had warned in the build-up that this team had a tendency to ‘lose their minds’.And in the opening stages of the second half it looked like they had done with Athletic in complete control.All that was missing was a killer pass as the home side struggled to get out of their own half.Amorim made a triple sub just after the hour in a bid to change the course of the game – and one of them, Amad Diallo immediatley showed a bit more intent.But there was another scare as Unai Gomez sent a header right across the face of goal and wide of the far post.However it was another of Amorim’s changes who finally settled it as Mount swivelled in the box before curling home.It was their first shot on target of the night – and they hardly deserved to be level – but the Stretford End didn’t care.Minutes later Casemiro looped a header home from a Fernandes free-kick to put the result beyond doubt.Hojlund even got in the knack as he tapped in Diallo had got to the byline and squared for him.Read More on The SunAnd in stoppage time, with Agireezabala stranded, Mount showed great composure to chip in from about 45 yards into an empty net.What a night it turned out to be. More

  • 225 Shares20 Views

    in Soccer

    Chelsea 1 Djurgarden 0 (5-1 agg): Forgotten man Dewsbury-Hall scores as youthful Blues ease into Conference League final

    THE pubs stayed open later to celebrate VE Day and Chelsea fans poured out of Stamford Bridge to toast their stroll into the Conference League final.Unfortunately, young Reggie Walsh was unable to join them.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is mobbed after his 38th-minute openerCredit: GettyThe midfielder lashed home the only goalCredit: AlamyAt 16 years and 200 days old, the midfielder wouldn’t have got served without a fake ID.But then the Year 11 schoolboy was giddy enough simply from becoming Chelsea’s youngest starter for almost 60 years last night. He didn’t need a pint to get light-headed.Walsh was a surprise name on the start list for a European semi final given he only made his debut for the club’s Under 18s this football season.It is also exam season and most boys of Walsh’s age will be busy revising or fretting about sitting in a silent hall being put to the test in a different way for their GCSEs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChelsea’s newest talent to emerge from the academy was more worried about a misplaced pass or finding the going a bit tough on his big night.Luckily, his more experienced team-mates took care of business with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall rifling home a shot seven minutes before half time to rub salt into the wounds of the abject Swedes.Chelsea are now on their way to Wroclaw – a picturesque part of Poland – and will bid to make history by becoming the first team to win all of their current trophies on offer: Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and Conference League.The Butcher’s Hook boozer opposite the ground where Chelsea was founded 120 years ago was allowed to stay open until 1AM to commemorate a different kind of victory in Europe in 1945.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWalsh is unlikely to play in the final on May 28 but is considered an intelligent and composed character on the ball, He has already represented England at U-16, U-16 and U-17 level.It’s credit to Chelsea that you don’t have to be a power lifter to at least get your chance – Billy Gilmour being the prime example of that.Chelsea star Cole Palmer explains how 100 versions of himself would beat one gorillaWalsh came off the bench in last week’s first leg in Sweden to become the youngest player to turn out for the first team since Ian ‘Chico’ Hamilton in 1967.With this tie already over as boss Enzo Maresca’s team enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 lead going into this return game and the opposition if you can call them that are truly dreadful, it was time to chill and take Chelsea’s renowned youth policy to a new baby-faced level.Maresca has employed the youngest squad in the Premier League this campaign at just 23 and a half years old.That’s positively grey-haired in comparison to rookie Walsh who will have only just received his National Insurance card last October.The evening had a weird feel to it. One game away from a final in a competition Chelsea have never won yet the bench was far stronger than the starting XI.Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars…In addition to a cast member from Grange Hill on the left hand side of midfield in Walsh, 19-year-old Josh Acheampong was called up to a hugely reshuffed line up.It’s not that Maresca disrespects the tournament, more that the level of competition Chelsea have faced in this third-tier competition has been League One at best, non-League at worst.It’s arguable that for all the noise and bluster of the Swedish hordes who took over Stamford Bridge on every side, their team is one of the worst despite getting to the last four.Reggie Walsh made his full debut and here was fouled by Daniel StenssonCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSo much so that Marc Cucurella was the only player to kick off last night’s game having also started against new Premier League champions Liverpool at the weekend.What a contrast a few days can make in football.Maresca was clearly convinced that the tie was in the bag and had his mind on more pressing matters.That is the task of Champions League qualification for next season so that they can wave goodbye to tinpot European competition like this.A trip to fourth placed Newcastle on Sunday beckons and with both teams pegged level on points, it’s a far testier occasion than last night’s routine progression – albeit into a final.Chelsea’s big guns were kept in reserve on the bench to keep legs fresh.Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, new Player of the Year Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson all watching and waiting for a little run out if need be.Read More on The SunAt half time Maresca brought on forward Shumaira Mheuka – who was Chelsea’s youngest starter having played in Copenhagen in the round of 16.Still only 17, he held the record for barely two months until Walsh nabbed it from him. Chelsea are boys in blue in every sense. More

  • 238 Shares20 Views

    in Soccer

    Wrexham stars jet to Las Vegas AGAIN as they continue promotion tradition bankrolled by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

    WREXHAM players have jetted off to Las Vegas for the third year running after once again winning promotion.The Red Dragons secured second place in League One by thrashing Charlton 3-0 at the Racecourse.James McClean is excited to return to Las Vegas with his team-matesThe Wrexham squad are heading to Sin City for the third year in a rowWrexham finished second in League One to secure promotionOwners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded the trip in previous yearsCredit: PAWrexham’s visit to Vegas is now a promotion traditionThey ended up on 92 points to reach the Championship – a record third consecutive promotion.Now the squad has flown out to Las Vegas, continuing their tradition of visiting Sin City after bagging promotion.Hollywood’s A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have funded the excursion in recent years and look set to do so again.Several stars shared snaps from the plane and they appeared in a party mood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Premier League ace James McClean posed for a photo alongside Paul Mullin, with Sam Smith, Andy Cannon and George Evans also featuring.McClean captioned the post: “Vegas again, ole ole ole.”(Be s***e to be in the play offs right now).”George Dobson, Ollie Palmer and League One team of the year member Ryan Barnett also posed for pics.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Viva Las Vegas”, read another caption as the Wrexham heroes prepare for another promotion party.Reynolds, 48, is reportedly splashing out £500,000 to send the squad to Vegas.Wrexham stars get raunchy dance lesson from Channing Tatum in brilliant Super Bowl advertLast year the owners put on a “monster” all expenses paid trip that saw the players stay at a fancy hotel overlooking the strip.The squad also chilled out poolside with bikini-clad girls, dined at the exclusive Hakkasan restaurant and partied in Sin City for FOUR days straight.They were even invited into world-famous DJ Steve Aoki’s booth to celebrate with some music on one evening.The players stayed at a luxury hotelThey enjoyed pool parties as they soaked up the sunCredit: Instagram / @ryanbarnett38Stars hung out with bikini-clad womenCredit: The Mega Agency More

  • 188 Shares28 Views

    in Soccer

    Everton ‘exploring deal to bring Richarlison back in sensational transfer’ after star flopped at Tottenham

    EVERTON are exploring a sensational deal to re-sign Richarlison from Tottenham, according to reports.The Brazilian striker left the Toffees in 2022 in a £60million deal to join Spurs.Richarlison could be on his way out of Tottenham this summerCredit: AlamyEverton are reportedly keen on re-signing the strikerCredit: GettyRicharlison, 27, has struggled to recapture the form he showed in Merseyside since moving to North London.The 48-cap international has only managed to score 20 times for Spurs in 86 appearances in all competitions.This season has been majorly disrupted by injury as he has missed over 30 matches.He could now be set for a sensational move back to Everton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Sports have claimed that the Toffees are interested in a deal that would see him return to the club.The report adds that manager David Moyes is a “long-term admirer” of the forward.It is also suggested that a striker is a priority for Everton this summer, ahead of their move to the Everton Stadium in Bramley-Moore Dock.Due to Richarlison’s injury woes, Sky have also claimed that Everton could be concerned.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis means that the club could look to a loan deal with an obligation to buy triggered when he plays a certain number of games.Richarlison initially moved to Goodison Park in 2018 in a potential £50m transfer from Watford.Tottenham in Europa League chaos as cheeky Bodo/Glimt fans set off fireworks outside hotel at 2.30amHe scored 53 goals in 152 matches for the club and played a key role in keeping them in the Premier League before his exit.Meanwhile, Everton are set for a busy summer transfer window with 15 players out of contract, including stars like Ashley Young, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure.Everton’s stars exodusHere are all the players that could leave Everton this summer upon the expiry of their deals…Dominic Calvert-LewinAbdoulaye DoucoureOrel Mangala (loan expiry)Michael Keane Idrissa GueyeJoao VirginiaJesper Lindstrom (loan expiry)Ashley Young Seamus ColemanAsmir BegovicJack Harrison (loan expiry)Carlos Alcaraz (loan expiry)Armando Broja (loan expiry) More

  • 213 Shares25 Views

    in Soccer

    Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against Chelsea

    CHELSEA’S Europa Conference League clash with Djurgarden descended into chaos even BEFORE the match as fans of the Swedish club scaled the barriers to join their fellow travelling supporters.Scores of Djurgarden fans made the trip from Sweden for the second leg of their semi-final tie at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea welcomed Djugardens IF to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final on ThursdayCredit: GettyDjurgarden fans turned up in their droves for the match at Stamford BridgeCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKScores of them had tickets in the away end but scaled the barrier to join their fellow supporters in the away endCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKA handful of Djurgarden fans ended up confronting the policeCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKSome desperate fans of the Swedish team had to make do with tickets in the home end.And scores of them stunningly leapt over the barriers between themselves and their fellow supporters after discovering the club seemingly hadn’t sold its entire allocation.Fans could be seen ignoring stewards’ warnings and scaling the barriers to sit in the away end.Footage of Djugarden fans storming the away end went viral.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea later released a statement, saying: “At the start of this evening’s #UECL match, Chelsea FC were aware some away fans gained access to areas of the stadium in violation of our ticketing policy.””The Chelsea supporters sitting in the immediate areas impacted were relocated, with additional security and police deployed.”One viewer said: “This is actually jokes.”Another said: “The fact they somehow managed to get home tickets for a European semi-final is very embarrassing.”Most read in FootballStewards couldn’t contain the Djurgarden fans who rushed the barrierCredit: GETTYAnd another said: ” I don’t think this is allowed. They should be sitting in their allocated seats in the away end.”One remarked: “Eject them.”Chelsea star Cole Palmer explains how 100 versions of himself would beat one gorillaDjurgarden travelled to Stamford Bridge with an absolute mountain to climb following a 4-1 defeat in the first leg last Thursday.And the tie was put beyond them in the 38th minute when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck to put the West Londoners into a 5-1 aggregate lead.The Blues will play Real Betis in the final on May 28 after an Antony-inspired victory over Fiorentina.Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

  • 250 Shares23 Views

    in Soccer

    Inside growing football careers of Cristiano Ronaldo & Wayne Rooney’s SONS – so will they renew dads’ rivalry on pitch?

    THEY are Rooney and Ronaldo 2.0 – a decent chip, flick or shot off the old block.Proving nature is as strong as nurture in football, both Kai Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo Junior have emerged as genuine young footballing talents.Kai Rooney scored the extra-time winner for Manchester United under-15s against Manchester City in a Premier League cup competitionCredit: ErotemeRonaldo Jnr has been called up for Portugal’s under-15 squadCredit: Instagram @cristianojr.xSo might the lads renew the old international rivalry that saw their dads face off in the famous Winkergate World Cup drama?Their sons have gone some way to prove they’ve got what it takes to reach the pinnacle of football.On Tuesday Ronaldo Jnr — in the youth team with his father’s Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr — was called up for Portugal’s under-15 squad.His chuffed dad posted on Instagram: “Proud of you, son!”READ MORE ON KAI ROONEYMeanwhile, Kai scored the extra-time winner for Manchester United under-15s against Manchester City in a Premier League cup competition last week.Dad Wayne wrote on social media: “Proud of @kairooney.10. Great comeback from his team last night and an extra-time winner always special. Keep working hard son.”Former England and Manchester United player Wayne Rooney with son KaiCredit: InstagramFootie superstar Ronaldo poses with his son Cristiano Ronaldo JuniorCredit: InstagramIt came after Kai recently scored a brilliant solo goal for United’s under-17s against Spain’s Real Sociedad — despite being only 15.Both of the footie star dads are clearly feeling that swell of emotion that affects parents across Britain as they trek to muddy, windswept pitches to cheer on their offspring.Most read in FootballSo will these clearly talented lads emerge from the giant shadows cast by their footie legend fathers?Fans who sang “there’s only one Cristiano Ronaldo” had to change their tune when the five-time Champions League winner named his first born after himself.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr follows in dad’s footsteps with incredible free-kick in training session with Chelsea starRonaldo Jnr, 14, is a mini-me lookalike of his old man, complete with rippling six pack.Born to an American woman in 2010, his former Real Madrid star dad has never confirmed who the mother is.At the time, he posted on X: “It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become father to a baby boy.“As agreed with the baby’s mother, who prefers to have her identity kept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship.”‘Worst feeling’Ronaldo Snr would later add: “Some points in life are private and people have to respect the privacy.“When Cristiano is going to grow up, I am always going to say the truth to him because he deserves it, because he is my son.”Soon Junior was embarking on a football career of his own as his father played at some of the biggest clubs in global football.And, like clever-dick dads across Britain, Ronaldo Snr can’t help but show his son how it’s done.On his YouTube channel last year he posted a video called Cris v Cris with both trying to curl a free kick around a wall and into the goal with the strapline, “Who did it better?”CR7, as dad is nicknamed, may perhaps be football’s greatest of all time, but on this occasion his son’s effort looked more classy.Despite turning 40 in February, Ronaldo Snr recently admitted he would like to play in a professional game alongside his son.“I would like it,” he said. “It’s not something that keeps me awake at night but we’ll see.”England were facing Portugal in the World Cup Quarter final when Rooney was sent offCredit: AFPRonaldo responded with a theatrical wink to the Portuguese benchCredit: BBCRegarding his boy’s footballing career, he said: “He will follow his path, his career. I will be a proud father — I will be proud of what he wants to do.“If he plays, then ‘top’. If he doesn’t play, we tried. But it won’t be a problem either, in my opinion.”Known affectionately as Cristianinho — meaning little Cristiano — his son was in the youth team at Italy’s Juventus.Then, when his dad returned for a second spell at Manchester United in 2021, the youngster joined the Old Trafford youth academy.Playing alongside him in the under-12s was a skilful lad called Kai Wayne Rooney — born in November 2009.The pair made headlines when both scored against West Bromwich Albion’s youngsters in 2022.For United fans it recalled the Red Devils’ golden years when the names Rooney and Ronaldo were often on the score sheet.Their fathers landed a Champions League and three Premier League titles while both were at the club.But in 2006, in the midst of their fruitful partnership, Winkergate erupted. Rooney’s England were facing Ronaldo’s Portugal in the World Cup Quarter final in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.On 61 minutes — with the score at 0-0 — Rooney tangled with Ricardo Carvalho before stamping on the then-Chelsea defender.Ronaldo rushed in to remonstrate with referee Horacio Elizondo.Rooney shoved his clubmate away but the ref’s mind had been made up and a red card was flourished.Kai recently scored a brilliant solo goal for United’s under-17s against Real SociedadCredit: Instagram/kairooney.10Cristiano Ronaldo Junior has emerged as a genuine footballing talentCredit: InstagramRonaldo responded with a theatrical wink to the Portuguese bench.Rooney was left to stew in the dressing room as the ten-man England side were later knocked out on penalties.Now 39, the former Everton starlet called it the “worst feeling” he had experienced in football.The pair patched things up in the tunnel after the game and resumed their prolific United partnership.Then, with Ronaldo back at United, the relationship soured again.Rooney, sacked as Plymouth Argyle manager in December 2024, criticised his old team mate’s attitude after CR7 refused to come on as a substitute during a game.Ronaldo snapped back in a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan: “I don’t know why he criticises me so badly . . . probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level.‘He will be a star’“I’m not going to say I’m looking better than him. Which is true.”Then Ronaldo expressed surprise at Rooney’s comments after he revealed his old strike partner had visited him to pick up his children.CR7 added: “We’re here in my house, he picked up his kids here and he invited Cristiano (Junior) to go to his house to play football.“I really don’t understand people like that. Or if they want to be on a cover of the paper in the news or they want new jobs or whatever.”So could Ronaldo Jnr and Kai line up one day for a Winkergate rematch for Portugal and the Three Lions senior teams?Like Junior, the Rooneys’ eldest son certainly has precocious talent.United fans loved it last month when Kai scored against Real Sociedad. Latching on to a long ball with a deft first touch, he outpaced a defender yanking on his shirt before finishing with his left foot.One fan wrote on social media: “Plays exactly like his dad, with aggressiveness and power”.Kai’s mum Coleen, 39, has revealed that there are downsides to having a famous footballer dad.He told me he was just fuming as the goalkeeper was saying ‘Your dad’s s***’, and he got dead angry.Wayne RooneyShe said on I’m a Celebrity: “Kai told Wayne to stop coming to football games when he played grassroots tournaments and stuff because he used to get swarmed and he couldn’t even watch the game.”And the mum-of-four revealed opponents had barracked Kai over his footballing icon father.Speaking to the Stick to Football podcast, Coleen explained: “A few years ago, I remember Kai took a penalty at St George’s Park. He stepped up and just skied it.“Afterwards I asked him how he could take a penalty like that, and he told me he was just fuming as the goalkeeper was saying ‘Your dad’s sh*t’, and he got dead angry.“It doesn’t happen to him very often, but it did then, and you can see in some games where they give you a little push.“He’s strong-minded, though, and usually shrugs it off.”Last year Kai signed a sponsorship deal with Puma and later appeared on a poster for the footwear brand alongside Dua Lipa and Kyle Walker.Like Ronaldo Jnr, he will need drive and determination alongside undoubted talent to reach the top.Read More on The SunIn truth, both lads could achieve half as much as their dads and still carve out glorious careers.Just leave the winking and red mist to your fathers. More