Ballon d’Or

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    Nuno Mendes ‘cancelled out’ Lamine Yamal and won more trophies than Dembele – so why’s he not a Ballon d’Or contender?

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    HE is a Champions League, treble-winning superstar who by his own admission recently “cancelled out” one of the most talented players around in Lamine Yamal.Yet Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes does not appear to be in the conversation when it comes to Ballon d’Or nominations ahead of September’s crowning. Why?Nuno Mendes pocketed Lamine Yamal during his Man of the Match performance in Portugal’s Nations League win over SpainMendes also guided Paris Saint-Germain to the treble, which included the Champions League titleFans have called for Mendes to be in the Ballon d’Or conversationThe 22-year-old full-back lit up Portugal’s Nations League final triumph over Spain on Sunday night, earning a Man of the Match award.He scored a beautiful equaliser to make it 1-1 in the first half – a low driven effort any striker, including his 40-year-old teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, would have been proud of.He then stepped up to rifle in an impressive spot-kick in the shoot-out, having given 17-year-old winger Yamal – a Ballon d’Or favourite – a night to forget in Munich, a real schooling in the arts of defending and positional domination.It was also his deflected cross – after turning Yamal inside out – that looped up for Ronaldo to level the game at 2-2. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMendes said post-match: “It was a clash [with Yamal] like many others I have had during the season.“I have faced up to many great players, very technically skilled players who can make a difference, but today I cancelled out Lamine and [did] not let him do what he does best.”This helped the team and I am happy I helped the team to win this trophy. It’s all about being consistent.“I have played many good games and it’s about the work I do individually and with the coaches at PSG and Portugal.Most read in Football“The Ballon d’Or? I play with Ousmane [Dembele] and he had a wonderful season, Lamine also had a wonderful season. But Ousmane will be in the Club World Cup and Lamine won’t, so I’m very happy for Ousmane.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“I wish him the best for the Ballon d’Or and I and his teammates will help him get there.“I play my football; there are players who are closer to that prize. I don’t focus much on it.”New footage shows Cristiano Ronaldo’s wild reaction to Portugal Nations League win as Man Utd star is ‘used as shield’ Mendes said he ‘cancelled out’ Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal on Sunday nightMendes’ PSG team-mate Ousmane Dembele is among the favourites for the Ballon d’OrHe can add modesty to his growing list of attributes, but why should Mendes be counting himself out of the most coveted individual award in football?It is the peak of snobbery in the sport that the grandest of prizes – one that Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated over the years – focuses on attackers and goal-getters.It will likely carry on this year too. Barcelona’s Yamal, PSG’s Dembele and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah are the favourites.As Jamie Carragher once famously said: “No one wants to grow up and be a Gary Neville”, but is that changing?Full-backs are now sexy, admired, idolised and coveted. Surely the day is coming where someone in that position will win the Ballon d’Or for the very first time.Trent Alexander-Arnold has rewritten the full-back rule book in recent years with his passing ability and goal involvements, and has openly admitted to be eyeing the Ballon d’Or now as he prepares to don the shirt of Real Madrid next season.Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged as another young full-back prodigy after scoring on his England debut back in March, someone who originally came through the Hale End academy as a midfielder.But Mendes appears to be on another planet right now. Against Spain, he had more successful dribbles, touches, tackles, final-third passes and successful duels in the opposition box than any other Portugal player.He tasted Champions League glory against Inter Milan on May 31, having already pocketed a Ligue 1 and cup double, and could yet lift more silverware at the Club World Cup in the States next month.Current top 10 favourites for Ballon d’OrLatest odds from talkSPORT BetOusmane Dembele 1/2Lamine Yamal 7/4Nuno Mendes 10/1 Mohamed Salah 12/1Raphinha 16/1Kylian Mbappe 25/1Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 25/1Desire Doue 50/1Gianluigi Donnarumma 50/1Lautaro Martinez 66/1The Ballon d’Or is often about goals, with Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr, Robert Lewandowski and Sadio Mane coming close to winning it in recent editions.Yet it is also about big titles, and very few players can rival Mendes in that regard, but because he is a defender, the limelight will likely – and perhaps wrongly – be on others.Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is the last defender to feature in the Ballon d’Or top three back in 2019, and you have to go back to 2006 for a defender to win it outright – Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro after leading his nation to a World Cup win.Read More on The SunTime is on Mendes’ side to replicate that and Manchester City holding midfielder Rodri’s recent win will encourage him.Play a starring role in Portugal winning the World Cup across the pond next summer and full-backs may finally get their moment in the sun.Yamal endured an ‘off night’ during the Nations League final in Germany More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or rival accused of ‘hate watch fail’ during Nations League final as Portugal beat Spain

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      FRANCK RIBERY felt the wrath of Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo fans at the Nations League final after his recent comments about the Ballon d’Or.The Frenchman hit out at Ronaldo after the 40-year-old had claimed the Ballon d’Or winner should be someone to have won the Champions League.Franck Ribery was trolled by Portugal fans following his latest spat against Cristiano RonaldoCredit: TwitterRibery was accused of a ‘failed hate watch’Credit: TwitterHe was jeered by fans as he watched Ronaldo and Co win the Nations LeagueCredit: TwitterCristiano Ronaldo scored as Portugal lifted the Nations League for the second timeCredit: GettyThe Al-Nassr ace said at a press conference on Saturday: “The individual awards have lost some consensus, I can’t say anything about who should win.”In my opinion, those who stand out and win the Champions League should win.”But there is no consensus. I don’t believe much in individual awards because I know what goes on behind the scenes.”Lamine [Yamal] could win, like [Ousmane] Dembele or Vitinha, other emerging players… but individual awards are irrelevant.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing those comments, Ribery took to social media and posted a thinly-veiled dig at the Portuguese.He said on an Instagram story: “So you NEED to win the Champions League to win the Ballon d’Or?”He accompanied the message with a trio of laughing emojis.The dig came in reference to the 2013 Ballon d’Or rankings. Most read in FootballRibery ranked third that year behind Ronaldo – who scored 66 goals in 56 games – and Lionel Messi despite winning five trophies, including the Champions League, with Bayern Munich.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe 42-year-old called the decision “unfair” in 2022 as he declared he should have won the gong in 2013.However, Ribery’s online row spilled over into real life as he was greeted by jeers from trolling Ronaldo and Portugal fans during an appearance at the Uefa Nations League final on Sunday.ITV commentator stunned by Cristiano Ronaldo banner at Nations League final Ribery was in attendance at the Allianz Arena for the final as Portugal lifted the trophy for a second time by beating Spain on penalties.Ronaldo also scored his nation’s equaliser to make it 2-2 in regulation time, which had also come after his winner in the semi-finals against Germany.The winning crowd made their feelings towards Ribery known as a video went viral showing the former winger in a heated exchange with some fans.He was eventually forced to retreat inside his hospitality box.Fans also ripped into Ribery online as they accused him of having a “live hate watch fail”.One user said: “A failed live hate watch must really hurt lol.”A second said: “Failed hate watch x100.”Another said: “Ribery failed hate watch.”Read More on The SunA fourth added: “I know a failed hate watch when I see one.”The latest edition of the Ballon d’Or is set to have a surprise new winner, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal among the favourites. More

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      Michael Owen reveals he didn’t know what Ballon d’Or was when he won it and had to ask manager about it

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      MICHAEL OWEN has admitted he had no idea what the Ballon d’Or was – even after winning it. The former Liverpool striker won the prestigious gong in 2001, beating Real Madrid icon Raul into second place.Michael Owen has claimed he had no idea what the Ballon d’Or wasCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe former Liverpool striker won the annual gong in 2001Credit: GettyOwen played 297 times for the Reds over an eight-year stint, scoring 158 goals. He later moved to Real Madrid and Manchester United, as well as earning 89 caps for England. The 45-year-old’s electric pace and lethal finishing made him one of the world’s most feared strikers.Owen bagged 24 goals in 46 Premier League games in 2001, catching the eye of the Ballon d’Or panel.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe award is handed out annually to Europe’s best player. But after beating greats including David Beckham, Luis Figo and Thierry Henry to the award, Owen had absolutely no clue what it was. Owen told talkSPORT: “When Gerard Houllier phoned me and said ‘You’ve won the Ballon d’Or’, I’m like ‘What’s that gaffer’?”I didn’t know what the award was. I never did because I never even knew what it was.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Back in those days it was never in our press.” Owen was just the fourth English player to win the Ballon d’Or, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.People don’t know this’ – Michael Owen breaks silence on ‘well done he’s 13’ meme 27 years on from humiliating teenagerBut it wasn’t until he became a Galactico with Madrid in 2004 that he truly understood its significance. Owen continued: “When I played for Real Madrid, it’s like an MBE, it follows you.”Whenever they mention your name it’s Ballon d’Or winner.”Abroad it is so big and it’s only just cottoned on here for the last five or ten years.”It’s so much bigger in other countries, in foreign countries.”It quickly sunk in how big it was.” More

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      Furious Vinicius Jr loses it at Barcelona fan waving beach ball at him in brutal message over Ballon d’Or snub

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      VINICIUS JR was incensed after Barcelona fans poked fun at his Ballon d’Or snub during Sunday’s El Clasico.Barcelona all-but sealed the LaLiga title with a 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in a tense El Clasico at the weekend.Vinicius Jr was teased with a beach ball during the El ClasicoCredit: RedditThe winger furiously shouted at the fanCredit: RedditHis anger continued as he sat down on the benchCredit: RedditVinicius failed to score as Barcelona overturned a two-goal deficit to put themselves seven points clear of Madrid.And the home support were certainly enjoying themselves, relishing the victory by poking fun at their rivals.That included one fan holding up a beach ball to Vinicius as he left the pitch, prompting the Brazilian winger to let out his anger and berate the cheeky fan.The bizarre prop was a nod to chants that have been aimed at Vinicus calling him “Vinicius Beach Ball” since his Ballon d’Or snub last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVinicius and all of Real Madrid’s invitees snubbed the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October after catching wind that Man City star Rodri was set to win the top prize over the Madrid star.It seems he still hasn’t got over missing out on football’s top individual gong as he nibbled at the teasing from the Barca fan in the stands.It’s not the first time that Vinicius has been riled up by the Ballon d’Or teasing either.The 24-year-old snapped back at Rayo Vallecano supporters who were chanting the jibe at him back in December.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile walking off the pitch following a 3-3 draw, Vinicius shouted at the Vallecano support: “You’re going down to Segunda” – teasing that Vallecano would be relegated this season.Vincius was wide of the mark that day, with Vallecano now 8th in La Liga, close to securing European football next term, Man City cheekily welcome Vinicius Jr before fans unveil brutal ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ tifo amid Ballon d’Or dramaWhile Man City fans also teased Vinicius when Madrid visited the Etihad in the Champions league this season.The City support unveiled a giant tifo of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy alongside the words: “Stop crying your heart out”.Man City displayed a banner showing Rodri with the Ballon d’Or during their clash with Real MadridCredit: Reuters More

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      Taking cocaine at Chelsea was the worst decision I made during career – I could have won the Ballon d’Or easily

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      ADRIAN MUTU believes that he could have won the Ballon d’Or, if not for taking cocaine.The former striker, 46, signed for Chelsea from Parma in a £16million deal in 2003.Adrian Mutu signed for Chelsea under Claudio Ranieri in 2003Credit: AFPThe Romanian had a decent first season at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyMutu was a regular in his first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 10 goals in all competitions under Claudio Ranieri.The Romanian hardly featured under Ranieri’s successor Jose Mourinho, however, with the pair clashing over his fitness.Things then went from bad to worse in October 2004, when Mutu was hit with a seven-month ban after testing positive for cocaine.The forward would never play for the Blues again, subsequently signing for Juventus in the next transfer window.READ MORE ON CHELSEAMutu believes that had he sought help during his Chelsea stint, his career in England could have been very different.Mutu told the Telegraph: “Taking cocaine during my time at Chelsea was the worst decision I could have made in my career. “I was alone and sad, but neither depression nor anything else justified my actions.”I should have asked for help, and I didn’t. However, you learn from everything in life, and the lesson made me a better person – much more mature and self aware. And I’m proud of that.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMutu went on to salvage his career in Italy, particularly at Fiorentina – where he scored 69 goals across a five-year stint.But the 77-cap former Romania star believes he could have been regarded among the very best.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineOn the Ballon d’Or, Mutu added: “I’ve reflected on that many times. I believe that for more than a season, I was amongst the best players in the world, so I could have won it easily.”But bad decisions prevented me from doing so. I try not to beat myself up about it.”Since hanging up his boots in 2016, Mutu has become a manager.The former Chelsea striker has already managed six clubs, as well as Romania’s Under-21s.His most recent spell was with Romanian side Petrolul Ploiesti, although he left after just four months.Mutu has admitted that he would be interested in coaching in England one day.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe controversial star said: “England is the birthplace of the best football. Many of the top coaches today manage Premier League clubs, and foreign managers have made the league more interesting and better.”Without a doubt, it would be a huge step in my career.”Mutu has worked as a manager since hanging up his bootsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I could have been tidier’ – Jamie Carragher addresses controversial Afcon comments and explains his ‘mistake’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has addressed his controversial comments after he claimed the African Cup of Nations was not a “major tournament”.The ex-Liverpool star triggered huge outcry after he suggested Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or claim would not be as strong because he did not play in one of the major international tournaments. Jamie Carragher has addressed the comments he made about AfconCredit: CBS SportsCarragher had suggested Afcon was not a ‘major tournament’ which would hurt Mohamed Salah’s Ballon D’Or chancesCredit: GettyCarragher admitted he could have used ‘tidier’ language when expressing his pointCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskSpeaking after the Reds’ 2-0 win over Manchester City in February, he said: “I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning.”I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament. Normally, the player who excels in that.”The likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Obi Mikel, Jay Jay Okocha and Ahmed Elmohamady had levelled brutal replies towards the former defender.Ferdinand said it was an “ignorant thought process”, while Obi Mikel told him in no uncertain terms to “f*** off”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Carragher has now addressed those claims while appearing on CBS Sports.Appearing alongside Micah Richards, who had called Carragher out live on Sky Sports when he made the original comment, Thierry Henry and presenter Kate Abdo (now Scott), he admitted he had used “clumsy” language, but stood by his overall point.He said: “I have got very strong opinions on the game, I love debate, and that will never change.”But what I would never want to be described as, as a pundit, is ignorant or disrespectful so that was never my aim. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”And whether that’s to a player, a club, a country, a continent, a continental tournament, whatever that may be. “What I would say is, where I got it wrong was, I was clumsy describing Afcon as not a major tournament. Jamie Carragher brutally shut down by Daniel Sturridge live on Sky Sports over controversial AFCON take “I was trying to explain the merits of Mo Salah winning the Ballon d’Or, and I feel that not just Afcon, I would say the Asia Games, the Gold Cup, not so much the Copa America.”But there are five major tournaments out there besides the World Cup that are for their continent and are a major tournament.”But some of them don’t resonate with the people who vote for the Ballon d’Or. “That for me was not an opinion, that was a fact in terms of looking who had won the Ballon d’Or in the last 40 or 50 years.What I would never want to be described as, as a pundit, is ignorant or disrespectful so that was never my aim.Jamie Carragher”Yes, I’ve been banging the drum for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid ’90s. “As I said, I should have been a lot tidier with my language around that, so yes, that’s something I’ll look at. “But as I said, you do look at the Euros, where it’s at right now, and other competitions, and some of them resonate with the Ballon d’Or voters, who sometimes are journalists, national coaches, national captains. “And one of the reasons might be, sometimes we forget, the Ballon d’Or was the European Footballer of the Year. 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”So maybe there is a bias towards the Euros or European football in the past. “It was definitely not my aim to offend anybody – I know I’ve done that a lot in the past in different guises about different players and teams.”But that was certainly not the case. yes, hopefully that’s now addressed it.”I’ve been banging the drum for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid ’90s.Jamie CarragherAfcon is a tournament played out every two years and is scheduled during European winter time.Only one African nation has ever reached the last four of the World Cup, with Morocco doing so in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe only African player to win the Ballon d’Or was former AC Milan and Liberia striker George Weah in 1995.Ex-Liverpool and Senegal star Sadio Mane is the only African to be voted into the top three in the 21st century – with Salah finishing fifth that year and in 2019. 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      I was nominated for Ballon d’Or at Real Madrid and played in the World Cup – but MIDDLESBROUGH was best bit of my career

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      FOR most footballers, it doesn’t get much better than playing with the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos.But former Real Madrid star Geremi preferred passing to Jonathan Greening and Massimo Maccarone.Geremi starred for Middlesbrough during his loan spell.Credit: Getty Images – GettyGeremi fell out of favour at Real Madrid.Credit: AFPThe Cameroonian international won two Champions League titles during his time with the Galacticos.He was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or after his first season in Spain.But, ask Geremi, and he’ll say he preferred his loan spell at MIDDLESBROUGH.The right-back had just played at the 2002 World Cup when the arrival of new Madrid president Florentino Perez left him out of favour at the Bernabeu.Read more on footballThat’s when Middlesbrough made their move.Geremi explained “They (Madrid) said that they wouldn’t sell me but that I could go on loan.“It was one of my biggest decisions because when I went to Middlesbrough, I did something special.”Ahead of the tournament Geremi had impressed the then England assistant Steve McClaren, scoring in a friendly between Cameroon and the Three Lions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMcClaren was also Boro boss at the time and had spoken to Geremi after the game.Speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ ‘Gaffer of all Accas’, Geremi revealed: “He came to me at full time and said, ‘look, I need you for my team.’Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid Geremi played under Jose Mourinho and won back to back Premier Leagues with Chelsea.Credit: Getty“When I arrived, I spoke with McClaren and said, ‘I want to play further forward.’”That was the deal with McClaren, and he decided to put me on the wing.“That was one of the best seasons of my career. I scored a lot of goals, and this kind of feeling is special because when you score people, sing your name.”You won’t believe me, but honestly the most enjoyable club that I played for was Middlesbrough.GeremiGeremi played 34 times for Middlesbrough during his loan spell, scoring seven times and relished being the Boro’s main man in the Premier League.He added: “You won’t believe me, but honestly the most enjoyable club that I played for was Middlesbrough.“That was me, because I was either assisting goals, scoring or I was man of the match. It felt great!”Geremi’s spell at Middlesbrough attracted Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles in four years under Jose Mourinho. More

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      Man City cheekily welcome Vinicius Jr before fans unveil brutal ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ tifo amid Ballon d’Or drama

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      MANCHESTER CITY cheekily reminded Vinicius Jr of the Ballon d’Or saga with a brutal Oasis-inspired banner – but the Real Madrid man ended up having the last laugh.City star Rodri won the prestigious award given to the world’s best player ahead of him back in October.Man City fans taunted Vinicius Jr with a brutal tifoCity also posted a snap of Vinicius walking past a Rodri muralCredit: @ManCity
      Rodri won the prestigious award in OctoberCredit: EPAReal Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest at Vinicius’ snubCredit: GettyLos Blancos were left fuming over the snub and decided all members of the club would not attend the glamorous ceremony in protest.Ahead of Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 Champions League win over City, the hosts cleverly taunted Vinicius.The Premier League champions posted a snap of their opponents arriving at the Etihad, which included a picture of the Brazilian winger walking into the stadium.Eagle-eyed fans noticed he was cheekily pictured next to a display of Rodri kissing the iconic Ballon d’Or trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters found it hilarious, with one saying: “I saw what you did here.”Another added: “We all see it, right?”The taunting did not stop there as City fans welcomed Vinicius to the pitch ahead of kick-off with a brutal tifo.Those sat next to the away end behind the goal held up a banner of Rodri with the trophy along with the Oasis lyrics: “Stop crying your heart out.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCity supporters called it “superb” and “phenomenal” – with Rodri appearing to take a photo of it – but others were worried it was “all the motivation Real needs”.A defiant Vinicius, who was booed by City fans, tweeted at the time of the boycott: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobAnd he will be desperate to get one over the injured Rodri as he even reportedly had a Ballon d’Or party planned for 50 people to celebrate.Meanwhile, Nike had to scrap the specially designed boots they made and Real Madrid TV were forced to ditch the five hours of programming they had in place to to commemorate the success.The club were fiercely criticised for not showing up to the ceremony but boss Carlo Ancelotti doubled down ahead of tonight’s game, saying: “I don’t think it was the wrong decision.”We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d’Or. “It doesn’t mean we don’t respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before.”Pep Guardiola said there was “absolutely not” any resentment at Real over the incident.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Vinicius had the last laugh on the night, setting up Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp winner.Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said afterwards: “I don’t know if Vini saw the banner but looking at the game if he did see it it was a huge source of motivation for him. ” More

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      Mohamed Salah deserves Ballon d’Or – he ranks alongside two Man Utd icons with only Thierry Henry a better Prem import

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      THE meaning of Salah to Muslims is ‘prayer’. And when Mo cuts in from the wing to shoot then his opposition would do well to utter one — because, as often as not, his shot results in a Liverpool goal.He is the Premier League leaders’ most potent forward, this chap with the smart hair styling.Mohamed Salah has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 21 Liverpool appearances so far this seasonCredit: GettyThe winger could be in Ballon d’Or contention next yearCredit: GettyIt wasn’t always so. This season he abandoned his wild hair but, unlike Samson, kept his strength and continues to stun defences with the precision of his shooting.His goals have been a major part of Liverpool’s armoury for seven years now.Wednesday’s match at Newcastle was a perfect example of his deadly left-foot skills.He had set up Curtis Jones for their team’s sole goal in between two Newcastle strikes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOtherwise his contribution, by his standards, could have been described as modest.Then he struck twice, each time assisted by substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold, and also hit the bar.The late Newcastle equaliser for 3-3 cut two points from Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table but Salah had given their challengers notice with his 14th league goal this season that he was a major obstacle.Quite something, too, that he overtook Manchester City’s goal king, Erling Haaland.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThierry Henry is arguably the Premier League’s best-ever playerCredit: GettyNot an achievement expected of a little feller on the right wing, either. Egyptian magician, I’ll say.So how does he rank among our greatest football imports?Mo Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool win days after admitting he was ‘more out than in’ Unhesitatingly, I’d place Thierry Henry of France and Arsenal first, but Salah joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona as a contender for second.Why he has never been placed higher than fifth in the Ballon d’Or is a surprise.As an out-and-out winger in England only Man United’s Ryan Giggs rates near him.Since he moved here, joining Chelsea from Basel in 2014, he’s scored 170 Premier League goals with 77 assists.Salah headed to Roma from Stamford Bridge but Liverpool signed him in June 2017 in a £44.4million deal — then a club record.That was a lot at the time but, as his new club suspected, it turned out to be a bargain.At the start of this season, Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia were said to have offered £150m for him. By anyone’s standards that’s an enormous amount of money.Cristiano Ronaldo is another Prem greatCredit: PASalah also ranks alongside Eric CantonaCredit: PA:Empics SportJurgen Klopp regarded Salah as essential, of course, and so does his successor, Arne Slot.Who else could provide him with such riches from the right wing in a chase for the club’s first league title since 2019-20?It is a delicious prospect for at least half of the city. With Manchester City struggling to make an impact and Liverpool having a seven-point lead, Salah is Slot’s ace in the pack.The club is cautious about talking contracts for Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk — and no wonder when such importance has to be attached to team togetherness.At 32, Salah must realise that his next move could be his last chance to improve, or at least retain, his alleged £15m-a-year earnings.The father of two girls has made it clear he would prefer to remain at Anfield.A devout Muslim and supporter of women’s rights, he has found a new belonging among the congenial Scousers.He is very much his own man and a man of God. As a thank-you to his maker, after he hugs his team-mates, he lies prone in the sujud position after each of his goals.Not many of us would forgive a robber, as Salah did in Egypt. He gave him money and offered help to find him a job, rather than pressing charges for robbing his family.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat makes him special beyond any of his dozens of awards and trophies.He has deserved every one of them — and the next Ballon d’Or.Salah’s current Liverpool deal expires next summerCredit: Getty More