Baller League

MALI international Bakary Sako joins Gary Linekar, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards’s Deportrio for the huge Baller League tournament. SunSport brings you the lowdown on the former Crystal Palace and Wolves winger.Bakary Sako scored five times for Crystal Palace during his time at Selhurst ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationWho is Bakary Sako?Making 21 appearances for Mali, Sako is an established star for his country.The tricky winger, who heavily featured for St-Etienne and Wolves at the beginning of his career in troubling periods for both clubs. Coming through the ranks of La Chateauroux of the Chamionnat National, Sako earned a transfer to St-Etienne where he featured 113 times in Ligue 1.24 goal contributions in that period caught the eyes of Wolves, who picked him up for €3.80m after three years at Les Verts.READ MORE IN BALLER LEAGUEImpressively netting 24 times, combined with 20 assists in 78 games, in what was a very turbulent time for Wolves, he joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer, where he scored on his debut in a win over Aston Villa.Fleeting opportunities at West Brom and Pafos, he returned to St-Etienne, where he once started, ahead of transfers to APO Levadiakos and FC 93 Bobigny, who both sit in the lower tiers of Greek and French football respectively. With a dazzling 1.2million followers on Instagram, Sako looks to take centre stage in the new Baller League tournament beginning on March 24.What are the Baller League rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.The league starts in March 2025, with the final four playoff in May to crown the winner.Most read in FootballBaller League squads in FULL26ers – J’ardell Stirling, Bilal Sayoud, Sak Hassan, Kojo Apenteng, Marcel Lewis, Jordon Ibe, Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin Dass, Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack Crook.Deportrio – Bakary Sako, Adam Dawson, Francis Gerald Mapolo, Zach Fagan, Marvin Sordell, Charlie Kuehn, Tommy Scott, Raphael Gas, Alex Dyer, Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo Serri.FC Rules the World – Michael Ndiweni, Josh Harrop, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Kevin Gonzalez, Oliver Bosworth, Karim Kamhouri, Erghis Pepy, Onuchi Oki, Yusuf Shentu, Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus Chalet.M7 FC – Jesse Waller-Lassen, Femi Akinwande, Stefan Ilic, Jean Belehouan, Toby Bull, Sam Fitzgerald, Arjun Young, Ramez Gonzalo, Arin Zaha, Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion Nditi.MVPs United – Lorenzo Spinelli, Ashton Peltier, Jake Chambers Shaw, Ross Derham, Josh Misoki, James Canton, Alfie Matthew, Declan McCarthy, Jay Beckford, Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban Salgado.N5 FC – Owen Locke, Adrian Mariappa, Brian Ly, Charlie Wakefield, Dayo Adekayo, Chris Arba, Imran Kahani, Michael Class, James Alabi, Troy Molunda, Freddie Berrati, Callum Charlton.Santan FC – Michael Hill, Richard Kesey, Dominic Voss, Erick Kenco, Ranell McKenzie Lowes, Jamell Abou-Bakare, Rico Okinari, David Upu, Abdullah Gervardi, Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka Valentine.SDS FC – Bruno Andrade, Bayley Brown, Ody Alfa, Cole Da Silva, David Marques Castanho, Calvin Dickson, Big John, Camillo Astreppo, Finley Chadwick, Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler Edmundson.Trebol FC – Montel McKenzie, Vani Da Silva, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Modi, Ethan Oke, Reggie, Emi, Ryan Gorwell, Jordan Brown, Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan Bowen.VZN FC – Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair, Remy Mitchell, Montel McKenzie, Florian Kastrati, Michael Olive-Wigan, Barrell Mensah, Ethan McClear, Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka Barusic.READ MORE SUN STORIESWembley Rangers – Domingos Pires, Check Fayum, Ben Long, Stuart Cook, Oliver Cannon, Juan Pablo, Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen Kofi, Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid Eshari.Yanited – Kadell Daniel, Michael Hector, Mohammed Mahyoub, Remy Clerima, Percy Kiangebeni, Medy Elito, Max Pitman, Harry Cain, Henry O’Shea, Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel Mensah. More

THE Baller League begins at the end of March with 11 thrilling weeks of action.Some huge names will be playing in the tournament, including former Manchester United youngster Josh Harrop!Josh Harrop played for numerous clubs in the EFLCredit: GettyWho is Josh Harrop?Born in Stockport in 1995, Harrop was raised in the ranks of Manchester United academy and featured for the first team on the last day of the 2016-17 Premier League season.Jose Mourinho debuted the then-21-year-old where Harrop scored in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, playing alongside Wayne Rooney and Paul Pogba, winning the man of the match award.Rejecting a 3-year deal offered by the club for more playing time, he signed for Preston North End on a four-year deal.Following a promising first campaign, Harrop sustained a cruciate ligament injury against West Bromwich Albion, which sidelined him for the next 11 months.Read more FootballBrief spells at Ipswich and Fleetwood on loan with limited appearances battling further injuries, saw his transfer to Northampton Town on a short-term contract where he earned just 2 appearances.A short term contract at Cheltenham in the summer left Harrop without a deal in the summer. Without a club currently, he is maintaining fitness at his local club Altrincham.What is Baller League?Baller League is a weekly indoor football tournament – consisting of legendary footballers and YouTube stars managing the teams.Most read in FootballTwelve teams will play in six-a-side matches, with the top four teams of the league advancing to the final play-off in May to be crowned the champion.The entertaining format will be similar to Gerard Pique’s Kings League from Spain and the German version of the Baller League.Matches will be live streamed on Monday nights, starting March 24th, broadcast on Sky Sports Football.What are the Baller League squads?26ers – J’ardell Stirling, Bilal Sayoud, Sak Hassan, Kojo Apenteng, Marcel Lewis, Jordon Ibe, Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin Dass, Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack Crook.Deportrio – Bakary Sako, Adam Dawson, Francis Gerald Mapolo, Zach Fagan, Marvin Sordell, Charlie Kuehn, Tommy Scott, Raphael Gas, Alex Dyer, Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo Serri.FC Rules the World – Michael Ndiweni, Josh Harrop, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Kevin Gonzalez, Oliver Bosworth, Karim Kamhouri, Erghis Pepy, Onuchi Oki, Yusuf Shentu, Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus Chalet.M7 FC – Jesse Waller-Lassen, Femi Akinwande, Stefan Ilic, Jean Belehouan, Toby Bull, Sam Fitzgerald, Arjun Young, Ramez Gonzalo, Arin Zaha, Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion Nditi.MVPs United – Lorenzo Spinelli, Ashton Peltier, Jake Chambers Shaw, Ross Derham, Josh Misoki, James Canton, Alfie Matthew, Declan McCarthy, Jay Beckford, Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban Salgado.N5 FC – Owen Locke, Adrian Mariappa, Brian Ly, Charlie Wakefield, Dayo Adekayo, Chris Arba, Imran Kahani, Michael Class, James Alabi, Troy Molunda, Freddie Berrati, Callum Charlton.Santan FC – Michael Hill, Richard Kesey, Dominic Voss, Erick Kenco, Ranell McKenzie Lowes, Jamell Abou-Bakare, Rico Okinari, David Upu, Abdullah Gervardi, Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka Valentine.SDS FC – Bruno Andrade, Bayley Brown, Ody Alfa, Cole Da Silva, David Marques Castanho, Calvin Dickson, Big John, Camillo Astreppo, Finley Chadwick, Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler Edmundson.Trebol FC – Montel McKenzie, Vani Da Silva, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Modi, Ethan Oke, Reggie, Emi, Ryan Gorwell, Jordan Brown, Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan Bowen.VZN FC – Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair, Remy Mitchell, Montel McKenzie, Florian Kastrati, Michael Olive-Wigan, Barrell Mensah, Ethan McClear, Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka Barusic.READ MORE SUN STORIESWembley Rangers – Domingos Pires, Check Fayum, Ben Long, Stuart Cook, Oliver Cannon, Juan Pablo, Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen Kofi, Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid Eshari.Yanited – Kadell Daniel, Michael Hector, Mohammed Mahyoub, Remy Clerima, Percy Kiangebeni, Medy Elito, Max Pitman, Harry Cain, Henry O’Shea, Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel Mensah. More

JAMAICAN international Hector was drafted to SDS FC just days after announcing a move to non-league Dagenham & Redbridge.The Baller League will head overseas to the UK and USA, following a successful introduction of the game in Germany. Michael Hector started his career at ReadingCredit: Richard Sellers/EMPICS SportMichael Hector featured in the Fulham side that was promoted to the Premier League in 2019/20Credit: GettyHector failed to make a huge impact at Chelsea after his move from ReadingCredit: GettyKSI will run the UK version of the Baller League, following on from his success in the Sidemen Charity Match at Wembley.Fellow Sidemen members Miniminter and TBJZL will be part of the management line-up.They will be joined by legends of the game in the dugout, such as Luis Figo, John Terry and Alan Shearer. The league will come live on Sky Sports every Monday from the Copper Box Arena in Stratford. Read more FootballFormer Chelsea and Fulham defender Michael Hector is one of the standout names in the competition.He was drafted to SDS FC, managed by internet personality Sharky. Who is Michael Hector?Michael Hector is a centre-back, who started his career at Reading.Hector reportedly joined Chelsea for £4million back in 2015 from Reading.Most read in FootballHe was playing elite football as recently as 2019/20, playing a role in Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League, starting the Championship play-off final at Wembley.Dubbed “Virgil van Mike,” Hector has been on loan an astonishing 15 times throughout his career, playing for 19 teams in 16 years, arriving in the Baller League with heaps of experience. Hector played for Sheffield Wednesday, Fulham, Hull City and Charlton Athletic, who he left at the end of the 2023/24 season. In a shock move, Hector joined National League strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge on March 8, but was drafted to Baller League less than 48 hours later.The 32-year-old has represented Jamaica since 2015 where he has earned over 45 appearances and featured in several CONCACAF Gold Cups.Drafted onto Baller Leagues, ‘Yanited’ managed by social media sensation Angry Ginge, he joins PK Humble in a bid to win the competition.Experience in Germany, Scotland, England and international tournaments for Jamaica, make his involvement a safe option for Angry Ginge’s team.When is Baller League UK?Baller League is set to begin at the end of March 2025.The first night of matches – Matchday One – will take place on March 24.Matches then run for 11 consecutive Monday nights until May.However, before a ball is kicked there will be a massive draft night, where managers will assemble their squads LIVE.That takes place on Monday, March 10 at 6.30pm.Each night is made up of six 30-minute matches.What is Baller League UK?The Baller League began in Germany, created by entrepreneur Felix Starck and aided by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski. It is a six-a-side indoor football competition, with the first UK season taking place at the Copper Box Arena in London.Each half set to last 15 minutes. Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands. These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.What are the teams in Baller League UK?26ers – J’ardell Stirling, Bilal Sayoud, Sak Hassan, Kojo Apenteng, Marcel Lewis, Jordon Ibe, Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin Dass, Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack Crook.Deportrio – Bakary Sako, Adam Dawson, Francis Gerald Mapolo, Zach Fagan, Marvin Sordell, Charlie Kuehn, Tommy Scott, Raphael Gas, Alex Dyer, Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo Serri.FC Rules the World – Michael Ndiweni, Josh Harrop, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Kevin Gonzalez, Oliver Bosworth, Karim Kamhouri, Erghis Pepy, Onuchi Oki, Yusuf Shentu, Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus Chalet.M7 FC – Jesse Waller-Lassen, Femi Akinwande, Stefan Ilic, Jean Belehouan, Toby Bull, Sam Fitzgerald, Arjun Young, Ramez Gonzalo, Arin Zaha, Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion Nditi.MVPs United – Lorenzo Spinelli, Ashton Peltier, Jake Chambers Shaw, Ross Derham, Josh Misoki, James Canton, Alfie Matthew, Declan McCarthy, Jay Beckford, Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban Salgado.N5 FC – Owen Locke, Adrian Mariappa, Brian Ly, Charlie Wakefield, Dayo Adekayo, Chris Arba, Imran Kahani, Michael Class, James Alabi, Troy Molunda, Freddie Berrati, Callum Charlton.Santan FC – Michael Hill, Richard Kesey, Dominic Voss, Erick Kenco, Ranell McKenzie Lowes, Jamell Abou-Bakare, Rico Okinari, David Upu, Abdullah Gervardi, Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka Valentine.SDS FC – Bruno Andrade, Bayley Brown, Ody Alfa, Cole Da Silva, David Marques Castanho, Calvin Dickson, Big John, Camillo Astreppo, Finley Chadwick, Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler Edmundson.Trebol FC – Montel McKenzie, Vani Da Silva, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Modi, Ethan Oke, Reggie, Emi, Ryan Gorwell, Jordan Brown, Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan Bowen.VZN FC – Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair, Remy Mitchell, Montel McKenzie, Florian Kastrati, Michael Olive-Wigan, Barrell Mensah, Ethan McClear, Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka Barusic.Wembley Rangers – Domingos Pires, Check Fayum, Ben Long, Stuart Cook, Oliver Cannon, Juan Pablo, Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen Kofi, Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid Eshari.Yanited – Kadell Daniel, Michael Hector, Mohammed Mahyoub, Remy Clerima, Percy Kiangebeni, Medy Elito, Max Pitman, Harry Cain, Henry O’Shea, Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel Mensah.Where can I watch the Baller League?It has been confirmed that Sky Sports have signed a one-year deal to broadcast the tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESMatches can be purchased on NowTV.Every match will be broadcast on the channel an hosted by Chunkz and Olivia Buzaglo. 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HENRI LANSBURY will be another HUGE addition to the upcoming Baller League.Set to start on Monday, March 24, Baller League is a six-a-side competition coming from the Copper Box Arena, Stratford. Henri Lansbury came through the academy at ArsenalCredit: Graham Hughes The TimesHe was part of the Luton Town squad that was promoted to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyHenri Lansbury (right) is well known for his time at Nottingham ForestCredit: PA:Empics SportKSI is the president of the Baller League, following his successful sell out of Wembley during the Sidemen Charity Match.Henri Lansbury is just one of a field of talented players who will take to the Copper Box Arena. Ex-pros such as John Terry, Gary Lineker and Luis Figo will feature in the Baller League as managers.They will be joined by celebrities, such as Sidemen members Miniminter and TBJZL, alongside Maya Jama. Read more FootballSunSport has all you need to know on Henri Lansbury ahead of the Baller League.Who is Henri Lansbury?Henri Lansbury graduated from Arsenal’s academy after playing for the under-18 and under-21 sides. While at the Gunners, Lansbury spent time on loan with West Ham, Watford, Norwich and Scunthorpe.Arsene Wenger also handed him eight first team appearances while with Arsenal.Most read in FootballLansbury is best known for his time in the Midlands with Nottingham Forest, playing 150 times for Forest between 2012/13 and 2016/17. Aston Villa signed the former Gunner during the 2016/17 season, remaining at the club until 2020/21, unable to really make much of an impact during his time at Villa Park.After a brief spell with Bristol City in 20/21, he rounded off his senior career playing at Luton Town. Lansbury has been retired from professional football since August 2023.Who is playing in Baller LeagueJohn Terry: 26ers – J’ardell Stirling, Bilal Sayoud, Sak Hassan, Kojo Apenteng, Marcel Lewis, Jordon Ibe, Matt Chizzum, Emmanuel Rowe, Justin Dass, Spike Stegel, Vladislav Platinov, Jack Crook.Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Gary Lineker: Deportrio – Bakary Sako, Adam Dawson, Francis Gerald Mapolo, Zach Fagan, Marvin Sordell, Charlie Kuehn, Tommy Scott, Raphael Gas, Alex Dyer, Ruben Singale, Tristan Goodridge, Leo Serri.Clint 149: FC Rules the World – Michael Ndiweni, Josh Harrop, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, Kevin Gonzalez, Oliver Bosworth, Karim Kamhouri, Erghis Pepy, Onuchi Oki, Yusuf Shentu, Alamiji Oluma, Sandro Kamara, Festus Chalet.Miniminter: M7 FC – Jesse Waller-Lassen, Femi Akinwande, Stefan Ilic, Jean Belehouan, Toby Bull, Sam Fitzgerald, Arjun Young, Ramez Gonzalo, Arin Zaha, Lewis Garcia, Henry Wise, Zion Nditi.Alisha Lehmann and Maya Jama: MVPs United – Lorenzo Spinelli, Ashton Peltier, Jake Chambers Shaw, Ross Derham, Josh Misoki, James Canton, Alfie Matthew, Declan McCarthy, Jay Beckford, Joe Edwards, Dwayne Suel, Esteban Salgado.Jens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljunberg: N5 FC – Owen Locke, Adrian Mariappa, Brian Ly, Charlie Wakefield, Dayo Adekayo, Chris Arba, Imran Kahani, Michael Class, James Alabi, Troy Molunda, Freddie Berrati, Callum Charlton.Dave: Santan FC – Michael Hill, Richard Kesey, Dominic Voss, Erick Kenco, Ranell McKenzie Lowes, Jamell Abou-Bakare, Rico Okinari, David Upu, Abdullah Gervardi, Jack Wilson, David Solidemi, Luka Valentine.Sharky: SDS FC – Bruno Andrade, Bayley Brown, Ody Alfa, Cole Da Silva, David Marques Castanho, Calvin Dickson, Big John, Camillo Astreppo, Finley Chadwick, Michael Felibe, Hussein Mahdi, Tyler Edmundson.Luis Figo: Trebol FC – Montel McKenzie, Vani Da Silva, Ciaran Clark, Isaac Modi, Ethan Oke, Reggie, Emi, Ryan Gorwell, Jordan Brown, Shani Omed, Aaron Steven, Nathan Bowen.TBJZL: VZN FC – Henri Lansbury, Kurtice Herbert, Jerome Sinclair, Remy Mitchell, Montel McKenzie, Florian Kastrati, Michael Olive-Wigan, Barrell Mensah, Ethan McClear, Diego Dombaboni, Jami Kheresi, Luka Barusic.READ MORE SUN STORIESIan Wright and Chloe Kelly: Wembley Rangers – Domingos Pires, Check Fayum, Ben Long, Stuart Cook, Oliver Cannon, Juan Pablo, Ruben Junior, Luke Gambin, Kaylen Kofi, Braden Shaw, Joseph Diomande, Nabid Eshari.Angry Ginge: Yanited – Kadell Daniel, Michael Hector, Mohammed Mahyoub, Remy Clerima, Percy Kiangebeni, Medy Elito, Max Pitman, Harry Cain, Henry O’Shea, Daniel Thompson, Daniel Woods, Pharrel Mensah More