Philippa Kaur

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    Aaron Boupendza dead aged 28: Aubameyang leads tributes as ex-team-mate dies after falling off 11th floor balcony

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG led tributes after football star Aaron Boupendza passed away aged 28.The 35-cap forward, a former teammate of ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Aubameyang, reportedly died after falling off the 11th floor of a building in China.Gabon star Aaron Boupendza has died at the age of 28 in ChinaCredit: GettyBoupendza reportedly fell from the 11th floor of a buildingCredit: AlamyPierre-Emerick Aubameyang led tributes to his former Gabon teammateCredit: GettyBoupendza had been playing in the Far East after joining Zhejiang FC in January.The striker had previously starred for numerous clubs including French side Bordeaux and Turkish outfit Hatayspor.And before moving to China, Boupendza spent time in America with Cincinnati before heading to Romania with Rapid Bucuresti.The striker had scored four goals and bagged a further six assists in six matches for his most recent side, Zhejiang.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFanatik reports that an investigation has been opened following the tragic news of Boupendza’s death.He allegedly missed his club’s most recent training session “without any reason.”And Zhejiang chiefs were unable to contact him after reaching out.Aubameyang confirmed the news on Instagram as he paid tribute by saying: “I don’t have the words. Rest in peace my brother.”Most read in FootballFormer club Hatyaspor also paid tribute X.They said: “We have learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Aaron Boupendza, who wore our Hatayspor jersey in the 2020/21 season and became the top scorer. “We extend our condolences and patience to his family and loved ones, to the Zhejiang FC team, and to our community. Rest in peace, king.”The Gabonese Football Federation added: “The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China where he was playing for Zhejiang FC.”Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”Fans were quick to pay tribute to Boupendza on social media.One said: “Way too young to die.”Another declared: “Rest in peace dear Aaron.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “Horrible news.”Another added: “May he rest in peace.” More

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    Forgotten Premier League star-turned-rocker, 39, ditches guitar to make comeback… and SCORES on debut for new team

    A FORMER Premier League star has made an incredible return to the pitch, almost 10 years after swapping the stadium for the stage in an unlikely career switch.Ex-Southampton and Italy striker Dani Osvaldo returned to football after pursuing a music career with his band for the last nine years. Dani Osvaldo has returned to football after retiring to pursue a career in musicCredit: Instagram @huracan.seniorOsvaldo was once Southampton’s record signingCredit: Action Images – ReutersOsvaldo, 39, was once Southampton’s record signing after his £15million move in 2013.While his career saw him play for the likes of Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan, Porto and Boca Juniors.But after struggling to settle on the south coast and finding himself setting off on a number of unsuccessful loans and free transfers, Osvlado retired from the game at 30 to focus on his band Barrio Viejo.It was reported at the time that Osvaldo turned down a £1.25m-per-year contract with Chievo to move into music. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBack then he told of feeling “liberated” by a move away from football, and claimed there were too many rules in the sport compared to life away from it. “There are so many many rules in football. So so many rules. And I’m not good with the rules. I like to be free,” he said.”I am proud of my career and I owe everything to football. But in football you have to live a life that’s not real.”However, almost a decade on from that decision and Osvaldo has returned to football for the first time since a brief six-month spell at Argentine top division side Banfield in 2020.Most read in FootballOsvaldo focused his attention on his band after stepping away from footballCredit: Instagram daniosvaldobvThe 14-time Italy international, who was born in Argentina, has now gone back to his childhood club Huracan to play for their senior over 35s squad in his first match for almost five years.And it certainly didn’t look like he had been gone for so long, as he scored in a 3-2 win over former club Banfield. Ex-Southampton star Dani Osvaldo performs with band Barrio Viejo in Barcelona Osvaldo’s professional career was riddled with headline-making moments for the wrong reasons.The star punched Roma teammate Erik Lamela in the face after the ex-Spurs man didn’t pass to him in a defeat against Udinese in 2011.While during his time in the Premier League he was slapped with a three-match ban and fined £40,000 for violent conduct during a win over Newcastle.As well as being given a two-week suspension by the Saints just a matter of weeks later for a training ground bust up that saw him headbutt teammate Jose Fonte.Away from football Osvaldo has battled with alcohol and drugs, reaching out for help in an emotional video last year.On his Instagram, he said: “It’s hard for me to make this video because I’ve never done anything like this before.”But I think the time has come because I’m quite desperate and I’m not doing well. “I don’t know if it’s a cry for help or if I just feel the need to talk about it because I’ve been dealing with a lot of depression for a long time.Read More on The Sun”This depression made me fall into some addictions – alcohol and drugs. And the truth is that I’m at a point where my life is slipping out of my hands.”I’m undergoing psychiatric treatment and taking medication. I have a very specific illness. Lack of self-esteem, depression. I often fall back into my addictions.”Osvaldo’s career was riddled with controversial momentsCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Who is Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick’s wife Gabriely Miranda?

    GABRIELY MIRANDA is the wife of Real Madrid star Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa.The teenage star has rocketed to fame in recent years, with Endrick also going from strength to strength. Gabriely Miranda is a famous online influencerCredit: InstagramGabriely Miiranda Gabriely is footballer Endrick’s wifeCredit: Instagram/EndrickGabriely’s exciting careerGabriely is an influencer who has amassed one million followers on Instagram. She regularly shares updates about her life, her friends, and partners with brands to promote their products. The star is a devout Christian and often opens up about her faith in her posts. When Endrick scored two goals on 17 January 2025, she tweeted: “Thank you, God.”Read More on Real MadridMeeting the footballerEndrick is one of the biggest football stars in the worldCredit: PA MediaGabriely has previously opened up about how she met Endrick in a shopping centre. She said: “When I first saw Endrick, I didn’t know he was a player. “He was sitting alone in a mall, I looked at him and thought ‘what a wonderful man!'”As a supporter of Brazilian football club Cuiaba, she said that Endrick would have to take her on a date if her team won that night. Most read in FootballSince Cuiaba went on to win that night, the pair began dating. In 2024, it was revealed that they had tied the knot when he was just 18 and she was 23 years old. Endrick Felipe shows his goal scoring skills playing for Palmeiras Reportedly, their relationship contract contains a clause stating that Endrick must say “I love you” to Gabriely in all situations. Endrick has been open about wanting a child with Gabriely. He said: “As I told my father and mother, I want to be a young father, I want to see my child grow, have a bond, but Gabriely is the one who has to say yes or no, right?”Endrick’s rise to fameEndrick is one of the biggest stars in football, having spent almost a year at Real Madrid. He agreed to join the club all the way back in 2022, as part of a deal worth €60 million.The star had joined Palmeiras at the age of 11, where he scored 165 goals in 169 games. Endrick has previously shared that he is laser-focused on football and rarely drinks or goes out partying. However, he has credited his wife with much of his success. Endrick said: “Thanks to my wife, to everyone who is with me every day. I’m very happy about the goals.”Read More on The SunHe also added: “I dedicate them to [Antonio] Rudiger. “For me, it’s good to score goals because I want to help my team, help everyone.” More

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    ‘We’re slaves eating the master’s leftovers’ – Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory where loyal fans reject owners

    OUTSIDERS looking in would think that RC Strasbourg and their fans are living the dream.The Ligue 1 side are enjoying a season to remember – one of their best campaigns ever with some of the most promising young players on the planet strutting their stuff.On the pitch Strasbourg are having a season to remember, but fans aren’t happyCredit: AFPMany are vocal in their hatred of their club’s new ownershipStrasbourg Ultras are furious with the direction of the club under Boehly, Eghbali and CoCredit: GettyGraffiti reading ‘BlueCo Out’ can be spotted all over the cityBut not everything is as it seems. There’s trouble brewing, bubbling just under the surface, and ready to erupt.As a Chelsea fan, when I went to visit the city of our sister club, I discovered that the incredible on-pitch performances are only Polyfilla in the cracks of the club’s identity.Strasbourg Ultras fervently believe their beloved club is at risk of crumbling into nothingness at the hands of BlueCo, the consortium that also owns Chelsea.But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the beginning…With one French Ligue 1 title to their name – after winning the 1978-79 crown – Alsace’s biggest football club was shockingly declared bankrupt in 2011.But, since then, their story has been one of footballing authenticity, a true tale of the ‘dare to dream’ mentality that captures everyone who falls in love with their team from a young age.They rose back through the ranks from the amateur fifth tier and back into France’s top division with ex-France international and West Ham midfielder Marc Keller as president.It is the kind of footballing romance story that personified a city of people who took immense pride in their local team.However, as in many a romance tale, a shock betrayal came from the leading man in the summer of 2023.Keller sold the club to Behdad Eghbali, Todd Boehly and Co – leading to almost two years of confusion, disarray, lack of communication with supporters, and monumental change from those now in charge of the club.Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeStrasbourg could finish second in Ligue 1 this season, but signs of protests remain plastered across the stadiumCredit: AFPStrasbourg is a beautiful city full of passionate fans – but many fear they are merely becoming Chelsea’s ‘B team’Supporters fervently believe their beloved club is at risk of crumbling into nothingness at the hands of BlueCoAs I strolled through the quaint and beautiful city of Strasbourg, I took a moment to sit on a wall and marvel at the river opposite me, when I was struck by what I saw on a lamppost.Stickers covered it, reading one particular message loud and clear: “BLUECO OUT”.Walking to the stadium on my first day, I noticed that these stickers occupied almost every lamppost, street sign, dustbin and bridge, alongside other variations such as ‘Non a la multipropiete’ which translated reads ‘Not a timeshare’.I reached out to Alexandre, a spokesperson for the club’s supporters federation, to find out how the fans really feel.He said: “I’m not worried about losing our identity, we’ve already lost it. It’s like you are eating the master’s leftovers, but you are a slave.”Some people might say, ‘OK, well that’s better than what we were used to’ but some others would say, ‘I’d rather be free, broke but free’.””The beauty of European football is that you have teams from different countries competing against each other based on merit, not because you are part of an ownership.”Chelsea use us as a feeder club, as a ‘B Team’ and to us that is very, very wrong.” More

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    ‘What did you say Wayne?’ – Rooney forced to defend himself to Gabby Logan live on Amazon Prime Video

    WAYNE ROONEY was forced to defend himself on live TV after being caught whispering behind Gabby Logan’s back.The presenter hilariously asked Wazza to speak up after the Manchester United legend was caught gloating about his outfit.Wayne Rooney was forced to defend himself after being caught whispering behind Gabby Logan’s backRooney and Logan were joined by Daniel Sturridge, Clarence Seedorf and Ashley Young for Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Champions LeagueCredit: X @primevideosportParis Saint-Germain survived a brave second-half comeback from Aston Villa to edge through to the semi-finalsCredit: RexRooney and Logan were joined by Daniel Sturridge, Clarence Seedorf and Ashley Young for Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Champions League on Tuesday night.The panel were covering Aston Villa’s 5-4 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park.But the first topic of conversation before kick-off was the unpredictable evening spring weather.Logan was talking about the sunshine and the great atmosphere around the Premier League stadium – which rarely hosts such momentous European nights. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut while the new Match of the Day presenter was speaking to the camera, Rooney turned to the three lads and appeared to mutter a few jokes.Sturridge, Seedorf and his former team-mate Young all burst out in laughter, before Logan curiously turned back towards them.Logan quizzed: “What did you say Wayne?”Rooney, wearing a lighter jacket than his fellow pundits, replied: “I just said ‘I knew I was dressed right for the occasion’.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLogan joked: “We were giving Wayne a bit of stick because he seemed to be dressed for a different climate. But it turns out he got it right.”With the score 3-1 going into the second leg, Villa’s chances were slim.Heartwarming moment Matty Cash’s reporter sister tells him she loves him after Aston Villa’s PSG defeatBut Unai Emery’s side put up a valiant effort after coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 on the night.Unfortunately, it was not enough as they bravely crashed out 5-4 on aggregate to the Kings of France.Just like last week, left-back Matty Cash was interviewed by his sister Hannah after the match, who is a reporter for CBS Sports.Meanwhile, Rooney took up his new mid-week punditry role within weeks of being sacked by Championship club Plymouth Argyle. He has since been linked with a shock return to the dugout with Blackburn, as pressure mounts on current boss Valerien Ismael.Wayne Rooney is a candidate for the Blackburn job More

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    Injury woes mount for Manchester City’s women’s side as club confirm ACL rupture for Australia forward Mary Fowler

    MANCHESTER CITY have suffered another injury blow with the club confirming Mary Fowler has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament. The Cityzens ace suffered a knee ligament tear on April 13 during her side’s 2-0 Women’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Man United. Manchester City ace Mary Fowler suffered a knee ligament tear in the first half of her team’s FA Cup last four clash with Man UnitedCredit: AlamyThe City forward went off injured in the 25th minute after rupturing her ligament whilst attempting to stretch for the ballCredit: PAVivianne Miedema is also among the Man City players currently sidelined with the forward out due to a hamstring issueCredit: GettyThe Australia forward is now one of eleven first-team regulars currently crocked before her side’s last four Women’s Super League games this season. Fowler is also the second Cityzens ace to be sidelined by an ACL injury within the past nine months with Japan and City defender Risa Shimizu rupturing her knee ligament last JulyThe WSL giants, who are fourth and seven points off Man United, are chasing a top three finish needed for Champions League qualification.They due to play Everton, Leicester, the Red Devils and Crystal Palace in their final four games this termRead More Football StoriesAnd their squad has been left thin after being decimated by injury blows over the course of this season. Vivianne Miedema and striker Khadija Shaw are both sidelined with hamstring concerns. Last week interim City boss Nick Cushing revealed Miedema is expected to be out for the rest of this term. Rebecca Knaak is also out of action with the defender damaging her hamstring whilst on Nations League duty with Germany in February. Most read in FootballAnd Laura Blindkilde Brown is currently crocked with the midfielder spotted on crutches at the Etihad on March 23 during City’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the league. Alex Greenwood is currently working her way back to fitness following a medial collateral knee rupture.The England defender sustained her injury during City’s defeat of St Polten in the Champions League However the City skipper and Hemp are back training on grass with Hemp continuing her recovery following an operation on her knee in December last year. Midfielder Jill Roord missed City’s FA Cup semis loss to United due to an unspecified injury. Interim boss Nick Cushing hopes says a review of Man City’s injury situation is neededCredit: AlamyMeanwhile goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita and winger Aoba Fujino are also currently sidelined.City’s injury woes meant Cushing had only six substitutes on the bench during his sides’s FA Cup semis duel with neighbours United. The interim Cityzens gaffer, who took charge of the team in March after the sacking of Gareth Taylor, is keen for a review of the situation and his side’s season as a whole.   More

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    Kompany’s ‘newly single’ Bayern assistant looking for love with ‘woman named Nathalie’ as he posts brilliant public plea

    VINCENT KOMPANY’S right-hand man revealed he is looking for love – but there is one crucial requirement.Rodyse Munienge is a close friend of the Bayern Munich manager and has followed him throughout his career.Rodyse Munienge is looking for loveCredit: GettyMunienge is Vincent Kompany’s right-hand manCredit: GettyHe now works as team coordinator at Bayern and is looking for love.However, it comes with a catch, as Munienge joked his partner would have to be called Nathalie, as he has the name tattooed.The Belgian tweeted: “Newly single man, 40 years old, looking for a woman named Nathalie. So I don’t have to redo my tattoo.”It is not clear if his ‘Nathalie’ tattoo was inspired by an ex-partner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMunienge is a colourful character and he has fulfilled a number of roles alongside Kompany.At Bayern he is always on the training ground and often operates a drone to film players’ positioning and running patterns.He has previously acted as a CHAUFFER for Kompany, with his first job being his personal assistant while the former defender played for Hamburg.Kompany’s father, Pierre, once said of the relationship: “He does everything possible for Vincent, and has done so for years.Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Rodyse is his bodyguard, his driver, his jack-of-all-trades.”Munienge was part of Kompany’s backroom staff at Anderlecht and Burnley and is known for his humorous posts.Harry Kane leaves fans stunned by his German and fans are convinced it is a major hint over transfer future At Christmas he wrote on Instagram: “Can you please stop asking Santa for the perfect man? I was almost kidnapped three times.” More

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    ‘It’s petrifying’ – Glam F1 hopeful Bianca Bustamente, 20, lifts lid on ‘scary’ fight to thrive in male-dominated sport

    MOTORSPORT’S most glamorous driver has opened up on the “scary” nature of her incredible dual career.Bianca Bustamante is hoping to become one of the biggest names in racing alongside Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.McLaren development driver Bianca Bustamante has three-million social media followers combinedCredit: Instagram @racerbiaBustamante has made history by becoming McLaren’s first female driverCredit: Instagram @racerbiaBustamante earned two podium finishes in the debut F1 Academy seasonCredit: GettyHer first podium coincided with Lando Norris’ maiden race win in DecemberCredit: GettyThe 20-year-old beauty will start a mixed sex race at the GB3 Championship at Silverstone next weekendCredit: McLarenBustamante splits her time between racing podiums for McLaren in an all-female category AND professional modelling.And the 20-year-old beauty will start a mixed sex race at the GB3 Championship at Silverstone next weekend.The race is a feeder event for young drivers hoping to progress to elite motorsport and even Formula One.Bustamante was the first woman to be accepted into the prestigious McLaren Driver Development Programme in 2024.READ MORE MOTORSPORTBut it hasn’t come easy for the Filipino driver, who is the poster girl of Netflix’s new docuseries F1 Academy alongside 14 other female drivers.The self-starter – who was on the cover of Vogue – has been able to fund her passion for F1 and buy her dream London flat through brand deals.As well as modelling for Storm Management, Bustamante has more than three million followers on Instagram.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSShe told Mail Sport: “It’s petrifying to be an open book for everyone on social media.Most read in Motorsport”I have used it as a platform to fund my career and to help me progress on the motorsport ladder.McLaren F1 racer Bianca Bustamante reveals how she gets in shape for her races – and why she almost quit”I grew up in front of three million people across all my social media platforms and I find it very scary sometimes.”It can be worrying to lose myself along the way. Lose my sights and morals and who I really am.”Bustamante was born and raised in the Philippines, a country with no recognisable history or heritage of motorsport. She was introduced to her first go-kart at age three by her racing-mad dad Raymund and it was love at first sight. On Monday, she was named by Forbes as one of the 30-under-30 record-breaking athletes for her achievements in F1.While F1 is predominantly a male-dominated sport, there have been a few female drivers who have entered Grand Prix races.The Filipino driver lifts heavy weights as part of a gruelling training regimeCredit: Instagram @racerbiaShe has starred in Vogue PhilippinesShe was named by Forbes as one of the 30-under-30 record-breaking athletes for her achievements in F1Credit: CBR MediaShe boasts three million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @racerbiaMaria Teresa de Filippis was the first, followed by Lella Lombardi, Divina Galica, Desire Wilson and Giovanna Amati.But De Filippis and Lombardi are the only women to have started an F1 race, with the latter the only one to score points in her 12 starts.I find it very scary sometimes.BustamanteThe MailBustamante told The Mail: “This new step up still feels so new to me.”I get in the car and I still feel like I know nothing. I feel like a rookie every single time, which I am I guess.”That step from junior driver to being professional now as we go into the GB3 season… people talk to me like I’m no longer a kid, I’m an adult.”Working with the new team is amazing. It’s my first time working with a British team.”I’ve got teammates that are like brothers to me now.”Lella Lombardi is the only female driver to score points in F1Credit: Getty Images – GettyA picture of Lando Norris and Bustamante grinning ear to ear at the Miami Grand Prix in May summarises the family feel at McLaren. She sealed her first-ever F1 Academy podium on the same weekend that Norris secured his maiden race win,Read More on The SunBefore McLaren announced her signing, she became only the second ever driver to compete in the newly launched all-female F1 Academy series with Prema Racing.She made the podium, finishing third in her first race and seventh in the final championship standings. More