Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd target Ruben Amorim outfoxed Arteta with amazing tactical display… but lost to Erik ten Hag twice

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED managerial target Ruben Amorim already has experience of getting the better of some of the Premier League’s top managers.The Sporting Lisbon boss appears to be in pole position to replace Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot-seat, after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday.Ruben Amorim put on a tactical masterclass to knock Arsenal out of the Europa League in 2023Credit: AlamyMikel Arteta’s side were unable to get the better of SportingCredit: AFPAmorim may have never managed in the Premier League, but his tactics have already come up trumps against some of the division’s best managers.Most notably, his Sporting side saw off Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Europa League last 16 in 2023.Sporting knocked the Gunners out of Europe with some intelligent tactics that pushed Arteta’s side to the limit and ultimately knocked them out on penalties.Amorim’s side managed a draw in both fixtures, a 2-2 game at home and a 1-1 effort at the Emirates.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd although they didn’t win in regulation time, it was Amorim’s tactics that impressed the most.Sporting played with a back three when in possession to throw numbers forward and allow Marcus Edwards time to shine.Before dropping into a back five when the Gunners attacked, stunting the efforts of Arsenal’s forward line by keeping their shape and stepping up towards the half-way line.And there was a familiar face pulling the strings and orchestrating the rotations in the middle of the park for Sporting in the second leg too – Man Utd’s summer arrival Manuel Ugarte.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim’s Sporting played a high line with five at the back when out of possessionCredit: UEFASporting opted for a back three when they had the ballCredit: UEFANew Man Utd man Manuel Ugarte helped pull the strings in the second legCredit: GettyUgarte, alongside Pedro Goncalves, continuously rotated in and out of position to drag Arsenal’s players out of place and create pockets to play into.However, Ugarte was sent off for two yellow card offences later in the game.Man Utd want Ruben AmorimBut it’s not just Arteta that Amorim has experience against with the 39-year-old taking on a number of other Premier League bosses.The gaffer found himself facing Oliver Glasner’s Eintracht Frankfurt side in the Champions League back in 2022 – winning one game 3-0 and losing the other 2-1.Glasner is now the Crystal Palace manager.While Amorim’s tactics against Pep Guardiola have also had mixed returns, earning a 0-0 draw with Man City in the Champions League round of 16 and also losing 5-0 in the other leg.Perhaps the most concerning thing about Amorim’s record against Premier League managers is his efforts when he took on Erik ten Hag.Going head to head with Ten Hag’s Ajax side in 2021 saw Amorim’s Sporting concede NINE GOALS in two games.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Portuguese side lost 5-1 and 4-2 to Ajax, against a team that featured now-Man Utd stars such as Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui.Amorim has also faced Tottenham during his time as Sporting manager, winning 2-0 and drawing 1-1 to a Spurs side managed by Antonio Conte.Erik ten Hag beat Amorim’s side twice as Ajax bossCredit: PAAmorim couldn’t beat Pep Guardiola’s Man CityCredit: AFPAmorim record vs Premier League managersHere’s a look at Amorim’s record against Premier League managers and clubs…MIKEL ARTETA – ARSENALSporting 2-2 ArsenalArsenal 1-1 Sporting (4-6 penalties)ERIK TEN HAG – AJAXSporting 1-5 AjaxAjax 4-2 SportingOLIVER GLASNER – EINTRACHT FRANKFURTE. Frankfurt 0-3 SportingSporting 1-2 E. FrankfurtPEP GUARDIOLA – MAN CITYSporting 0-5 Man CityMan City 0-0 SportingTOTTENHAM (managed by Antonio Conte)Sporting 2-0 TottenhamTottenham 1-1 Sporting’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.” More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ultimate differential option Matheus Cunha should cash in during Wolves’ favourable run of fixtures

      by

      DREAM TEAM managers who played the game last season will remember a spell when Matheus Cunha (£4.1m) was a hugely effective differential option.The Wolves forward’s viability peaked in early February when he bagged a hat-trick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.While he’s yet to replicate a performance of that extreme nature this term, it’s high time his efforts were analysed and praised.Currently overlooked by 99.3% of Dream Team bossesCredit: Dream TeamCunha is statistically the third most in-form forward in the game at the time of writing having plundered 27 points from his last three appearances.Most recently, he capped a fine all-round display against Brighton with a 93rd-minute equaliser for a 12-point return – his best haul of the campaign to date.The 25-year-old has scored four goals this season and can count himself desperately unlucky not to have registered an assist as only three forwards – Mohamed Salah (£7.4m), Cody Gakpo (£4m), Marcus Rashford (£4m) – have created more big chances for their team-mates.Additionally, Cunha is eighth in his position for tackles and first for bonus points – he ranks highly for successful dribbles, accurate crosses, fouls won and interceptions!A class actCredit: GettyGary O’Neil’s side have endured a tough start to the season having already faced Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City in the league.Even accounting for their tricky fixtures, there’s no disguising the fact Wolves’ meagre tally of two points is bitterly disappointing.However, the Molineux faithful will be hopeful of an upturn in results as the schedule now switches in their favour.Most read in FootballWolves are due to face Crystal Palace, Southampton, Fulham, Bournemouth, Everton, West Ham, Ipswich and Leicester in a relatively friendly run that will take them to Christmas.Cunha’s ability to accumulate Dream Team points through various avenues combined with a string of favourable match-ups could yield plentiful returns.Wolves desperately need a winCredit: AlamyThe downside to this strategy is the comparatively low number of games available to the Brazil international.Cunha’s fixtures may be favourable but without European or Carabao Cup commitments, he will play a maximum of eight times from the start of Gameweek 10 until Christmas.Whereas Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham will be in action at least 11 times in the same time frame – Chelsea are due to play 12 games as it stands.That being said, Cunha outperformed several high-profile players with busier schedules during his most fruitful spell last season and is capable of the same again in the coming weeks if everything clicks.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 NOWIn many ways, he’s the ultimate differential option right now as he currently features in just 0.7% of teams.He has the highest points total (67) of all players with an ownership below 1%.READ MORE SUN STORIESPlus, his average of 6.7 points-per-game is superior to that of Kai Havertz (£5m), Ollie Watkins (£5.7m), Alexander Isak (£4.7m) and several other popular strikers.Selecting Cunha comes with risk but he should be high up the shortlist for gaffers who want to go against the grain.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mats Hummels, 35, goes public with Victoria’s Secret model, 25, at Ballon d’Or after split from former ‘Wag of the Year’

      by

      MATS HUMMELS went public with his stunning new girlfriend at last night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.The Germany defender was dressed to impress in a black tuxedo and was pictured arriving with gorgeous model Nicola Cavanis.Mats Hummels hit the red carpet with his new girlfriend Nicola CavanisCredit: GettyIt was the first time they had been seen in publicCredit: GettyNicola is a model who has worked for Victoria’s SecretCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAShe is ten years younger than HummelsCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAHummels, 35, and the beauty ten years his junior were seen holding hands as they hit the red carpet.Nicola stunned in a figure-hugging pale dress and was all smiles with her new man.It was the first time they had been seen together in public after several reports in the German press that they were dating.Nicola, who started her career as a model as a teenager, shot to fame in her homeland after starring in a Nivea advert in 2021.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe has since represented brands like Victoria’s Secret, Puma, MCM, New Yorker and Tchibo.Nicola also has a huge following on social media, boasting 1.9 million on Instagram, 500,000 on TikTok.Despite being born in Bavaria, she does not support Hummels’ former club Bayern Munich, and is instead a fan of Augsburg.Hummels is with Nicola following his split from wife Cathy Fischer in 2022.Most read in FootballNicola Cavanis is a social media star with millions of followersCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAThe beauty supports AugsburgCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAHummels with his ex Cathy FischerCredit: Bongarts – GettyThey were married for seven years and they have a son named Ludwig, 6.The 36-year-old used to pose for Playboy and was named Germany’s Wag of the Year in 2013 when Hummels was at Borussia Dortmund. Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’She also once admitted to being open to kissing anyone, saying: “I love to snog when I’m drunk. The sex is irrelevant, I don’t care.”I also kiss women in such situations. Then I just want to snog.”Asked about how many people she has slept with, she added: “I can count them with one hand. “I don’t open my castle to anyone. To me, this is a very private matter.”Hummels, who now plays for Roma, came 29th in the Ballon d’Or last night.Meet Mats Hummels’ stunning Wag Nicola CavanisMats Hummels is now dating glamorous model Nicola Cavanis despite the pair having a ten-year age gap.They went public on the red carpet at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.Despite the defender coming 29th, fans said he got the “real trophy”.She has millions of followers online and she regularly posts stunning professional photos on her social media, along with images from her day-to-day life.Nicola, who works for “Munich Models Germany”, also revealed her contract states she cannot get a haircut without telling her company. She is also banned from getting any tattoos.Nicola added: “I have to coordinate with them whether I can go to the hairdresser.”I can’t just go on vacation, I have to cancel so that they can plan the appointments.”I’m also not allowed to just get tattoos.” More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero Emmanuel Adebayor offered brand new career as a politician after retirement from football

      by

      Emmanuel Adebayor has been invited to swap penalty boxes for ballot boxes – by becoming a politician.The striker spent 11 years in the Premier League with Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Crystal Palace.Emmanuel Adebayor has been urged to become a politicianCredit: AFPAdebayor hung up his boots last year after a career that saw him star for teams such as Manchester City and ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – GettyTogo international Adebayor retired last year after a spell with home-country club Semassi.The 40-year-old took part in his testimonial game in capital city Lome at the weekend.Yawo Date, the president of Togolese opposition party Comite d’Action Pour Le Renouveau, has now urged Adebayor to join them.Known as CAR, the party’s name means Renewal Action Committee.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDate declared: “It’s a good thing that our brother Adebayor has celebrated his testimonial game.”But now he has finished with sport he needs to get involved in politics.”And the ideal party for him to campaign with is the CAR. I invite him to join us.”With him on board we can continue the political struggle for freedom in Togo.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”In Adebayor we see an example of perseverance and success.”He embodies the kind of ambition and dynamism that Togo’s young people want from their political leaders.”Ballon d’Or winner who was president of his country reveals surprise Premier League team he supportsAdebayor has also played for Real Madrid, Metz, Turkish sides Istanbul Basaksehir and Kayserispor, plus Paraguayan outfit Olimpia.Arsenal signed him from Monaco in 2006, and he made 142 Gunners appearances – scoring 62 goals – before joining City in 2009. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ballon d’Or chief explains to Real Madrid why Vinicius Jr didn’t win as star misses out on whopping bonus from club

      by

      BALLON D’OR chief Vincent Garcia has explained why Vinicius Jr missed out on the award.The Real Madrid star finished as the runner-up to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the running.Vinicius Jr missed out on winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyManchester City star Rodri claimed the prize on Monday eveningCredit: APLos Blancos were left fuming with the Brazilian’s snub and released a blunt 52-word statement in response.The LaLiga giants claimed that the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” the club.The club also refused to attend the event in Paris due to their anger over the result.However, Garcia has now explained one reason why Vinicius Jr may have missed out on the top price.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe believes the success of Real’s Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal may have cost the Brazilian.His argument is that the votes that the 2nd and 4th placed stars would have received votes instead of Vinicius Jr.He said: “Obviously, Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took away some points from him.”This also sums up Real Madrid’s season, which took between three and four players, and the judges shared their decisions with them, which benefited Rodri.”Most read in FootballThe split of votes for Real players allowed for more room for Rodri to be named the winner.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGarcia added: “We were very clear with them [Real Madrid] and with all the other clubs.”This year, the winner and the prizewinner were not going to be notified.Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are booed mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine”I thought that everyone had accepted but at the last minute, I don’t know why, they wanted to change the rule.”When Real Madrid made its decision, I’m not sure that there wasn’t some disappointment.”As a result of Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Jr missed out on a cash reward from Real.The winger would have been handed a bonus of £833,000 from his club if he had won the award.Vinicius Jr would have also been the first Brazilian to lay his hands on the individual trophy since 2007, when Kaka won it.He has spoken out since the snub and claimed that he will be a winner in the future.He wrote on X: “‘I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to Real’s boycott of the event it left one award uncollected.Last season’s Champions League winners were not able to collect their Club of the Year award.All winners of the Ballon d’Or this century2024: Rodri, Man City and Spain2023: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Argentina2022: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France2021: Lionel Messi, PSG and Argentina2020: Not Awarded2019: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2018: Luka Modric, Real Madrid and Croatia2017: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2015: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2014: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2012: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2011: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2010: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2009: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd and Portugal2007: Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil2006: Fabio Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy2005: Ronaldinho, Barcelona and Brazil2004: Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan and Ukraine2003: Pavel Nedved, Juventus and Czechia2002: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Madrid and Brazil2001: Michael Owen, Liverpool and England2000: Luis Figo, Real Madrid and Portugal More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Hollywood icon trolls Real Madrid with subtle gesture as she poses with Barcelona stars at Ballon d’Or ceremony

      by

      A HOLLYWOOD icon trolled Real Madrid with a cheeky subtle gesture as she posed for photos with Barcelona stars at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.A host of Barca stars headed to Paris for the annual gala evening at the Theatre du Chatelet.Natalie Portman took a cheeky dig at Real Madrid alongside Barcelona starsCredit: X @FCBarcelonaThe actress dazzled on the red carpet at the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyAnd trio Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi even posed on the red carpet with an Oscar-winning superstar.The footballers were all smiles alongside Natalie Portman, who even dropped a savage dig at Barca’s arch-rivals.Portman, 43, could not resist the fun and held up four fingers to the cameras.That appeared to be a thinly-veiled reference to the weekend when Barca smashed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu. READ MORE ON BALLON D’OROlmo, Yamal and Cubarsi burst into laughter when they realised what Portman had done.And fans on social media could not get enough of it either, after Barcelona posted the video on their X account and it racked up 5million views by Tuesday lunchtime. One said: “Lmao no way she pointed out four reminding of El Clasico score.”Another wrote: “She’s pointing 4 😂😂😂”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third added: “She reigns supreme, cementing her place among the football greats with this remarkable achievement.”A fourth quipped: “W Portman.”Didier Drogba’s wife Alla suffers ‘yellow card offence’ as Ballon d’Or fans spot awkward red carpet momentAnd a final user simply commented: “Queen.”Portman is a huge football fan and even formed her own women’s team – Angel City FC – in 2022.However, she was in Paris last night to present the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the world’s best female footballer.She handed over the prestigious gong to Aitana Bonmati as the Barcelona and Spain star defended her title ahead of club team-mates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.In fact, seven of the top 30 female footballers to make the list play for Barcelona – while Lucy Bronze left in the summer for Chelsea. And there was plenty more success for Barcelona, too, as the ladies’ team were named Women’s Club of the Year. Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and UkraineYamal and Olmo were the only men’s Barca star on the men’s Ballon d’Or top 30 list as they finished eighth and 13th. However, 17-year-old Yamal did collect the Kopa Trophy for the best young player as Cubarsi came fifth. To top it off for Barcelona, their rivals Real Madrid’s fancied trio of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal all missed out on the Ballon d’Or behind Rodri.And that triggered a boycott from the furious Los Blancos.They told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”Emi Martinez made it back-to-back Yashin Trophy successes – despite being BOOED on the red carpet – while Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Coach of the Year as Emma Hayes took the women’s gong. Portman presented the Ballon d’Or Feminin to Barcelona star Aitana BonmatiCredit: AFPBarca were crowned Women’s Club of the YearCredit: GettyDani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were all smiles in ParisCredit: Reuters17-year-old Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young playerCredit: AFP More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ballon d’Or winner who was president of his country reveals surprise Premier League team he supports

      by

      FORMER Ballon d’Or winner George Weah has revealed which Premier League team he supports.Weah, 58, was present at last night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony having won the award himself in 1995.George Weah has revealed the Premier League club he grew up supportingCredit: GettyWeah won the Ballon d’Or in 1995Credit: GettyThe retired striker had a glittering career that saw him win the league at both AC Milan and PSG.While he also ventured into the Premier League with spells at both Chelsea and Manchester City during the twilight of his playing days.But despite representing two Prem sides, and even winning the FA Cup with Chelsea, Weah supports a completely different side in England’s top flight.The 75-time Liberia international revealed that he’s actually a Tottenham Hotspur fan.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWeah told the crowd at the Ballon d’Or ceremony that he grew up supporting Spurs, and explained that Harry Kane is one of his favourite players these days thanks to his time in north London.He said: “That’s [Harry Kane] one of the players that I love. I’m a fan of Mr. Kane.”Well, he played for my team. I’m a very big fan, because I believe that he’s a very strong and very clever striker.”And I support Tottenham, since I was a kid. And I love him.”Most read in FootballWeah pointed out Harry Kane as one of his favourite Ballon d’Or nominees, explaining that he grew up as a Spurs fanCredit: DAZNHarry Kane smiled on as he heard Weah’s gushing assessment of himCredit: DAZNWeah admitted to his Spurs upbringing despite formerly representing rivals ChelseaCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWeah’s career never saw him make his way to Tottenham and represent his boyhood club, but it certainly was one that plenty of other players would be envious of.Although his life after nine domestic trophies might be even more impressive than his football career.I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who spent nine forgettable months in the Premier League – now I’m my country’s presidentUnbelievably, Weah went on to serve as the president of his home country of Liberia.The retired pro was the 25th president of the African nation and served in office from January 2018 until January of this year.Weah is also the father of Juventus and USA national team winger Timothy Weah.While he is also the uncle of New York Red Bulls full-back Kyle Duncan.Weah previously served as the president of LiberiaCredit: AFPHe is also the father of Juventus star Timothy WeahCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are BOOED mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans

      by

      EMI MARTINEZ and his wife were mercilessly BOOED as they arrived at the Ballon d’Or.But the Argentine, 32, had the last laugh as he was handed the Yashin Trophy again.Emiliano Martinez was booed on his way into the Ballon d’Or ceremonyCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe goalkeeper arrived with his wife in ParisCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe Argentine looked pretty sullen and serious during the walkCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe pantomime villain is hated by French fans following his antics in the 2022 World Cup final. Not only did he put in a superb performance and play his genius mind games in the penalty shootout, Martinez riled up the France supporters even more with his provocative celebration with the Golden Glove trophy.Martinez was crowned Yachin Trophy winner in 2023 following his World Cup exploits.And on his return to Paris on Monday night, he was given another hostile reception. READ MORE ON BALLON D’ORThe Aston Villa stopper, decked out in a black tuxedo, headed down the red carpet holding hands with his glamorous partner Mandinha, who opted for a flowing red number.However, the boos were clear to hear – and neither of them particularly seemed to see the funny side. Martinez did give a brief thumbs-up – but whether that was genuine or a sarcastic response to someone out of shot was uncertain. The couple then posed for photos before heading into the Theatre du Chatelet for the prestigious awards ceremony. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd once inside, Martinez was confirmed as the world’s best goalkeeper for the second year running after helping Villa into the Champions League and winning the Copa America with Argentina.He pipped the likes of Spain No1 Unai Simon, Real Madrid stopper Andriy Lunin and Gianluigi Donnarumma to become the first goalkeeper to defend the crown.Didier Drogba’s wife Alla suffers ‘yellow card offence’ as Ballon d’Or fans spot awkward red carpet momentWho are these famous footballers?In the overall Ballon d’Or award, Martinez finished 18th in the vote – ahead of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Antonio Rudiger, Cole Palmer and others.However, it was Rodri who collected the top men’s award after his exploits with Manchester City and helping Spain win Euro 2024. Rodri beat Real Madrid trio Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal plus Erling Haaland and home-favourite Kylian Mbappe in the vote.His compatriot Lamine Yamal came eighth but secured the Kopa Trophy for the best young player aged 21 or under.The 17-year-old starred for Spain at the Euros and became the third Spaniard in four years to collect the gong – following Pedri, Gavi and then Bellingham. In the Ballon d’Or Feminin for women’s football, it was more success for Spain as Aitana Bonmati collected her second trophy on the bounce. Emiliano and Mandinha posed for pictures on the red carpetCredit: GettyHe received the Yashin Trophy and was presented it by Argentine team-mate Lautaro MartinezCredit: AFPMartinez angered French fans with this celebration after the 2022 World Cup finalCredit: GettyBallon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More