More stories

  • in

    Troy Deeney makes return to football after more than a year as he joins forces with Chloe Kelly and Ian Wright

    TROY DEENEY has returned to football after agreeing to join Baller League UK.The SunSport columnist retired from the professional game following a spell with Forest Green Rovers in 2024.Troy Deeney has joined Baller League UKCredit: GettyDeeney will join up with Ian Wright’s Wembley RangersCredit: PAHe has since provided his expertise as a pundit but is now set to lace up his boots once again.Deeney, 36, is a late call up to the Baller League, which got underway on March 24.The striker joins forces with Wembley Rangers – managed by Ian Wright and Chloe Kelly.They are in need of some added firepower after picking up just one win from their opening four matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans are excited by the move and many expect the Watford legend to tear things up at the Copper Box.One fan reacted saying: “MADDDDD!!šŸ”„”Another added: “Who’s got a ticket for me? I have to witness the Deeney return arc.”A third wrote: “This is a cheat code šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd another commented: “Is this fair?”Night 5 of Baller League gets underway today with John Terry’s 26ers side still in search of their first win.’He’s lost it there’ – Huge brawl breaks out during Baller League after shocking challenge from former Man Utd star More

  • in

    ā€˜Something is missing’ – Former Chelsea star Demba Ba reveals what Cole Palmer needs to end slump

    FORMER Chelsea striker Demba Ba has joined the ongoing debate surrounding the form of star Cole Palmer, insisting the forward is flying solo.The 22-year-old had a record-breaking first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists.Cole Palmer hasn’t scored in his last 16 games for ChelseaCredit: RexDemba Ba scored the goal that damaged Liverpool back in 2014Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdCole Palmer during a Premier League game this seasonCredit: RexHowever, this season he has only managed 14 goals and has not scored in his last 16 appearances.Ba, whoĀ scored one of the most iconic Chelsea goals against Liverpool, has outlined how Palmer could weather his current slump, using the example of the greatest rivalry in world football.Ba exclusively told The Sun: “Competition is good for everyone. “It worked for me, and I think [Lionel] Messi wouldn’t have been the player he is today without the competition from Cristiano [Ronaldo], and vice versa. So, I will never shy away from saying competition is healthy.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS”Someone like Cole Palmer doesn’t have much experience in football, or even in life. Football is life, and there will be tough days.Ā “But if you have an experienced figure to lean on, you can get through the storm. “Palmer is in a rough patch, and although he is managing with his personality and continuing to perform, something is missing. “He could benefit immensely from having someone who has been in that situation before to guide him.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET Ā£50 BONUSBa – who scored seven goals in 33 goals for the Blues – also defended underperforming striker Christopher Nkunku, who was left out of Chelsea’s win against Fulham over the weekend for technical reasons.The French forward has struggled with form, and injuries have prevented him from finding consistency.Despite making a big impact at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, he has spent much of his time on the sidelines, with just seven league starts and three goals to his name so far this campaign.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleChelsea are desperately chasing a spot in the Champions League, Ba understands that Nkunku is trying to establish himself but believes the forward could benefit from showing more personality.Ba added: ” I wouldn’t say Chelsea is lacking strikers. If you look at a player like Nkunku, he’s trying to make a name for himself in the Premier League. “However, the issue is experience and personality. They need someone who has the personality to handle the pressure, someone who can endure pain but also command the respect of the younger players in the team.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

  • in

    England stars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway set for top honours at 2025 Women’s Football Awards

    KEIRA WALSH and Georgia Stanway will be honoured at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards.The two Lionesses will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the sport.Georgia Stanway is set to receive an award at the Women’s Football AwardsCredit: GettyShe will be joined by Chelsea star Keira WalshCredit: GettyThe awards will be granted to the duo not for their contributions in England but internationally as well.Walsh, 28, and Stanway will be handed the awards at a star-studded ceremony on May 1 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane.The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter Gabby Logan as well as former Lioness Eni Aluko and retired Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.Carragher helped launch the Women’s Football Awards in 2023 and is excited to present the awards.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have had outstanding careers so far, marked by incredible success on the pitch.”This year’s awards will rightly celebrate their footballing achievements.”But we’ll also be recognising the brilliant work they do off the field.”Especially their exceptional commitment to improving access to grassroots football for women and girls.Ā Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET Ā£50 BONUS”I’m really looking forward to honouring Keira and Georgia, alongside Gabby Logan and Eni Aluko, at the ceremony next week.”Walsh is viewed as a trailblazer in women’s football for her playing career and also for helping develop grassroots girls’ football.Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music AwardsJamie Carragher has spoken about the awardsCredit: Abigail ShiiShe played an important role in the founding of the Rochdale Girls Development Centre two years ago.The Chelsea star has also funded kits and equipment for a female talent programme that supported 35 girls.She won a BWSL title in 2016 as well as three Women’s FA Cups, and lifted the Continental League Cup four times at Manchester City.The midfielder joined Barcelona in 2022 before returning to England in January by signing for the Blues.Stanway, 26, has enjoyed success on the pitch with spells at Manchester City and Bayern Munich.She has also scored a vital goal in the Lionesses’ run to winning the Uefa Women’s Euros 2022. More

  • in

    ā€˜He wanted me to go on’ – Son of Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell trying to follow his footsteps and reach Premier League

    TYRESE CAMPBELL grew up idolising his legendary football dad Kevin Campbell.And now he wants to follow his father into the Premier League by winning promotion with Sheffield United.Tyrese Campbell wants to follow in his fathers footstepsCredit: GettyDad, Kevin Campbell, tragically died last June after illness and complication following a heart and kidney failureCredit: PATyrese told SunSport he is working hard ‘to be the player he knows I can be’Credit: suppliedTyrese wants to win promotion to the Premier League with Sheffield United like his dad did with Nottingham ForestCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFormer Arsenal, Everton, West Brom and Cardiff star Kevin Campbell tragically died last June aged 54 after illness and complications following a heart and kidney failure.And although the loss of his role-model was difficult Campbell has thrown himself at the very thing his dad gave him… football.The striker has been in good form for the Blades — scoring 10 and adding an assist in his 19 starts since signing in the summer from Stoke. His brilliant form in March in particular — scoring four goals in five games — won him the SkyBet Championship player of the month award.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told SunSport: ā€œMy brothers and I are very much his sons. We’re strong minded and strong willed.ā€œFor me I had a day away from football when my dad passed and it was back to work. I didn’t have a club at the time and was training with a personal trainer and a few other lads.ā€œAs sad as it was, life does go on and he’d have liked me to do that. He wanted me to go on, work hard and play football and be the player he knows I can be.ā€œFor me football helped me take my mind off stuff and softened the blow. I had a great support network around me and I have to give them a lot of credit.ā€Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCampbell was born in 1999 so caught the tail-end of his dad’s glittering career with his earliest memories watching him turn out for Everton at Goodison Park.Kevin Campbell had all his major success with Arsenal before Tyrese was born — winning the title in 1991, the FA Cup and League Cup in 1993 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.Ian Wright fights back tears as Arsenal legend reveals tragic death of brother days after Kevin Campbell’s passingIn total he played 213 games for the Gunners, scoring 59 goals. He won promotion with Nottingham Forest to the Prem in 1998 and, after a short spell playing in Turkey for Trabzonspor, went on to play 160 times for Everton, scoring 48 goals. He then had two seasons with West Brom in the Prem before winding down his career in the Championship with Cardiff.Campbell said: ā€œAs soon as I could walk, I was kicking a ball. From then on there was no doubt in my mind I was going to be a footballer. It was when not if.ā€œI never even contemplated doing anything else. When you grow up and see your dad play football that is all you want to do. You want to be like your dad, don’t you?ā€œHe was the reason I picked football. I’m grateful for that because I’m certain I’d not be able to do anything else!ā€œMy earlier memories were at Goodison, watching him from the box, although I’d mainly be playing football in the corridor!ā€œI’ve some good memories of him playing for Everton and going into the changing room afterwards, going on the pitch with him. There are memories I’ll cherish forever.ā€Campbell says his dad’s biggest asset was his personality — his ability to make people happy and to engage.The Sheffield United ace even laughed that his own loudness as a person comes from his father.He said: “Dad’s personality was just great. He as loud and bubbly. If you were in a room with him, everyone was included.Tyrese recalled memories of when his dad was at EvertonCredit: suppliedTyrese said he chose to be a footballer because of his dadCredit: suppliedCampbell won four trophies with ArsenalCredit: Getty”Whether you were a little shy or nervous he was always getting everyone up and dancing. He got the party going. You couldn’t miss him. You’d always see or hear him. I’ve taken that trait from him!”Although Campbell has dedicated himself to football these past 10 months, the one thing he misses is not having his dad around to talk to.And during the Blades’ recent three-game losing run which has seen the team slip outside the two automatic promotion spots his dad would have been giving his son the pearls of wisdom he garnered during his great career.Campbell said: ā€œWhen times were tough in football he was normally the first person I’d speak to. He’d give me the harsh truth and tell me if he thought I was good enough. He’d tell me how it was.ā€œSometimes I didn’t like what he was saying but then you’d think, ā€˜Oh actually he was probably right.ā€™ā€œSo the two things I miss most is his advice and him.ā€The Blades travel to Turf Moor today to take on Burnley in a huge win-or-bust game in the race for the two automatic spots. Chris Wilder’s men sit five points behind the Clarets and Leeds with three games left.United lost three games on the spin — their first real dip in form all season — before bouncing back to beat Cardiff 2-0 on Good Friday.And Campbell said: ā€œWe cannot be too disheartened. We’ve had a great season and everything is still to play for.ā€œAs a kid I wanted the Premier League, watched my dad play at that level and I’ve come off the bench four times for Stoke seven years ago before they got relegated.Read More on The Sunā€œIt’s always been my goal to be an established Premier League player. I want to get there with Stoke.ā€œAnd I will see my dad again one day — and I just want to make him proud of me.ā€Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

  • in

    Victor Lindelof left Man Utd clash suddenly after son, 3, was rushed to hospital with serious head injury

    VICTOR LINDELOF had to leave midway through Manchester United’s best game of the season – after his son was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury.The Swedish defender had been due to come on as an interval sub during the Red Devils’ Europa League clash with Lyon last Thursday.Victor Lindelof had to leave Man Utd’s clash with Lyon at half-time due to an injury to his sonCredit: GettyThe news was revealed by Maja Lindelof on social mediaHowever he was instead withdrawn, with Luke Shaw taking the 30-year-old’s place.United finally won the quarter-final 7-6 on aggregate after a miracle comeback in extra time, with Harry Maguire scoring a 121st-minute decider.Afterwards boss Ruben Amorim said Lindelof and fellow defender Noussair Mazraoui had pulled out of the tie for personal reasons.The Swede’s wife Maja has now revealed he had to race to his son Francis’ hospital bedside after the three-year-old suffered a grisly domestic accident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMaja wrote: “An hour before the [Lyon] game started, our babysitter called and said they were in an ambulance on the way to hospital.”My youngest son Francis had split his entire head open.Ā  He had been chasing his big brother Ted Louie at home, and fallen into our glass staircase.”His forehead was in two parts.Ā  He was in hospital both Thursday and Friday.”He had to have plastic surgery to put his forehead back together.Ā  He was put under anaesthetic.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”It is the first time I have experienced something like this happening with one of my children.”It was incredibly unpleasant, and not something I want to experience again.”The operation went well, and Francis is back on track.Ā  He is a Viking, and back to normal.”Everyone was so worried, but he continues his life as if nothing has happened.”The doctors say he will have a big scar on his forehead.Ā  But never mind – I’m just happy that it went so well.”Lindelof returned to the United side on Sunday as captain against Wolves.He was taken off straight after Pablo Sarabia’s goal as the visitors won 1-0 at Old Trafford. More

  • in

    Man Utd considering transfer for ā€˜Argentine Phil Foden’, 17, who has Ā£38million release clause but face huge competition

    MANCHESTER UNITED could make a Ā£38million swoop for the player dubbed ā€œthe Argentine Phil Fodenā€.River Plate teenager Franco Mastantuono is being closely monitored by the Old Trafford side as they look for a summer re-boot.Franco Mastantuono of River Plate is being targeted in a Ā£38million swoop by Man UtdCredit: RexHe has been dubbed the ‘Argentine Phil Foden’Credit: GettyBut United may have to get in quick as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also on the trail of the 17-year-old starlet.Mastantuono, the latest off the astonishing River Plate production line, became the youngest scorer in the club’s history when he netted in an Argentine Cup win over Excursionistas in February 2024 at just 16 years and five months, beating the record held by Javier Saviola.He has added five more goals since, capped by a stunning individual strike in last week’s win over Gimnasia as he picked the ball up on the right and exploded inside, leaving three defenders for dead before finding the bottom corner with his favoured left foot.That style of play, starting on the right, has seen the comparisons to Foden.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLike the Manchester City ace, he can play in a variety of rules across the middle of the park but prefers to switch inside onto his stronger foot.And United are understood to be considering meeting the Ā£38m release clause in his contract to land a player who is set to have a global stage this summer when he features for the Buenos Aires outfit in Fifa’s new expanded Club World Cup.Mastantuono aims to make the same impact as previous River Plate academy graduates Ariel Ortega, Radamel Falcao, Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandes.A stunning 51 academy players have progressed to the top tier over the past two decades, with River now viewed as the seeding ground of Argentina’s return to global supremacy.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMastantuono, who has already featured for the under-17 and under-21 sides, is expected to make his full debut next term and be in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.And while River want to hold on to their latest prized asset, a serious bid by United would almost certainly see a deal being done.Man Utd fans celebrate outside Old Trafford after leaving Lyon game early Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

  • in

    Ex-Chelsea star, 37, is unrecognisable as he ditches iconic hair leaving fans stunned at his new look

    FORMER Chelsea star David Luiz looks unrecognisable after getting rid of his iconic hair.The defender had two spells at Stamford Bridge and now plays for Fortaleza in his native Brazil.David Luiz looks unrecognisable after cutting his famous locksDavid Luiz signed for Brazilian side Fortaleza in JanuaryCredit: EPADavid Luiz used to boast flowing curly locksCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has since trimmed his classic curly-hair look which drew comparisons to Simpsons character Sideshow Bob in the past.So fans have been left stunned after a photo of Luiz from a recent match against Palmeiras went viral.The centre-back looked unrecognisable with his short, unkept hair, which some fans scarcely believe is real.One reacted saying: “Man is getting old.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Is this real??”A third wrote: “David Luiz lost the battle.”And another commented: “End of an era.”Luiz, 37, previously joked he would only cut his hair when he wanted to become a manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM Ā£10 DEPOSITSAsked what style changes he would make if he became a coach, the ex-Brazil said: “I’d put a suit on and cut my hair.”I can’t be a coach with this hair, nobody’s going to respect me!”Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ā€˜easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final More

  • in

    Football star who notched up over 300 appearances for his club dies aged 89 as tributes pour in

    FOOTBALL star Mick McGrath has passed away aged 89.The defender was one of the last remaining survivors of Blackburn Rovers’ 1960 FA Cup final side.Football star Mick McGrath has passed away aged 89Credit: FacebookThe stalwart made more than 300 appearances for Blackburn RoversCredit: GettyMcGrath later made the East Lancs town his homeCredit: GettyThe Irishman also featured in the 1957/58 Division Two promotion-winning team.McGrath arrived from the Home Farm club in Dublin.The stalwart made more than 300 appearances for the club and secured 22 caps for the Republic of Ireland.He told the Telegraph: “Coming from Ireland as a young lad playing for someone like Blackburn Rovers was a great thing in itself and to get in the first team, well it was a feeling hard to describe.”He played 50 times for Bradford after leaving Rovers at the end of the 1965-66 season.The footballer finished his career as player-manager at Bangor City.McGrath later made the East Lancs town his home.He worked for Thwaites Brewery for over 20 years before retiring.Most read in FootballA Rovers spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Mick McGrath, at the age of 89.”Everyone at Blackburn Rovers offers our thoughts and sincere condolences to Mick’s family and friends at this sad time.” More