Ballon d’Or

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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

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      Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait

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      BUKAYO SAKA has been told to end England’s long wait for a Ballon d’Or winner.Since the award’s inaugural presentation in 1956, only four Englishmen have got their hands on the legendary golden ball.Bukayo Saka has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent playersCredit: GettyEnglishman Jude Bellingham came close to winning the Ballon d’Or this yearCredit: PAStanley Matthews claimed the very first one 68 years ago, followed by Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966, a Kevin Keegan double in 1978 and 1979 and Michael Owen in 2001.Others have come close over the years with top three finishes – Bobby Moore in 1970, Gary Lineker in 1986, Alan Shearer in 1996, David Beckham in 1999, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005.Arsenal’s Saka, 23, has made the Ballon d’Or top 30 in the last two years, finishing 24th in 2023 and 21st in 2024 – having established himself as a Three Lions regular and Premier League star.And Gunners midfielder Jorginho – who finished third in the 2021 Ballon d’Or with Chelsea – said: “[Saka] is unbelievable… world class. I said to him: ‘I want to see you win the Ballon d’Or’.read more arsenal“I said that because I believe in him. I hope he believes in himself as well.”In third place this year, Jude Bellingham became the first Englishman to nick a Ballon d’Or podium place for 15 years after a stunning debut season at Real Madrid with 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, winning La Liga and the Champions League.To make the next step, Saka needs a similar return and trophy haul.But Saka’s consistency is now setting him apart from the rest this season with five goals and 10 assists in the Prem in 12 outings – seeing him top the assist charts of Europe’s top five leagues above the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJorginho has also been impressed with the variety in left-footed Saka’s game. He added: “Before he was going the left foot, going the left foot. Now he’s going the right foot.“The thing he needs more of now is his hunger to get in the box when he’s on the weak side. I want to see headers from him.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemENGLISH BALLON D’OR WINNERSONLY four Englishmen have lifted the famous Ballon d’Or since its inception in 1956:1956 – Stanley Matthews (Blackpool) Age: 411966 – Sir Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) Age: 291978 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 271979 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 282001 – Michael Owen (Liverpool) Age: 22“It’s the little things that he’s missing because sometimes the ball’s on the other side and I can see it coming. I am like: ‘Get in [the box]. And he’s not there. I’m like, no, man.”Jorginho admits he keeps Saka grounded by teasing him in training with a Brazil-based nickname ‘pesudo’ – which translates as ‘big foot’.It is used on the rare occasion Saka fluffs a finish or makes a mistake.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars.Jorginho – speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast – said: “He’s going mad, but it’s a joke because he’s completely the opposite, isn’t he?“He’s just an unbelievable player who is becoming like a machine for us and I hope he becomes like for England as well, you know, because his talent and his hunger and his quality is just so high.“And on top of that, the person he is, he just deserves like the world for him, like everything. I’m there cheering for him, honestly.”***Listen to the full Rio Meets Jorginho interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify*** More

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      Rodri breaks silence on Real Madrid snub after Man City ace beat Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri is not bothered by Real Madrid’s claim that their star player Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of him.Real boycotted the prestigious ceremony in France last month after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t be winning the esteemed award, claiming the decision was a sign of “disrespect” to the club.Manchester City star Rodri isn’t bothered about Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snubCredit: RexReal boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t winCredit: RexRodri was ultimately named the best male player of the year- with the Brazil international finishing as runner-up – after winning the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain.Vinicius has not yet congratulated the star midfielder and has instead vowed to put in 10 times the effort to win it himself next year.However, the Spain international insists Real and the forward’s reaction do not offend him.Rodri told Cadena Cope: “All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t.Read More on Football“I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it. “The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”Rodri is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury.The Spaniard suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage in his right knee in September during Man City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is confident he will be back this term and teased he could actually play in this summer’s controversial Club World Cup despite criticising it a few months earlier.Rodri said when asked whether he will be back this season: “Yes, yes. Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”Plus, seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup finishes on July 13. I want to have that mental challenge.” More

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      Ballon d’Or judge RESIGNS after admitting he didn’t vote for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr due to ‘technical error’

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      A BALLON D’OR judge has resigned after admitting he FORGOT to vote for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr.Vinicius, 24, was considered the favourite to win the esteemed award last month in Paris but missed out to Manchester City star Rodri.Ballon d’Or judge Juha Kanerva resigned after admitting he forgot to vote for Real Madrid star Vinicius JrCredit: X/KanervaJPVinicius was considered a favourite to win the Men’s Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyManchester City star Rodri won the Ballon d’OrCredit: RexThat led to a furious response from Real who boycotted the event and refused to send any representation in France claiming they were disrespected.According to The Mail, only three out of 99 journalists from different countries – with Syria abstaining – did not include the Brazil international in their top 10 picks for the Men’s Ballon d’Or.One of them was Juha Kanerva, who works for Finnish publication Ilta-Sanomat – the other two were Bruno Porzio of El Salvador and Sheefeni Nikodemus from Namibia, according to France Football.According to Marca, Kanerva picked Rodri as the winner followed by City star Erling Haaland and England international Jude Bellingham.Read More on FootballBut he admitted that he forgot to include Vinicius in his top 10 due to a “technical fault”.And now the journalist has announced that he will be stepping down from his position as a Ballon d’Or selector.Kanerva tweeted: “This was my technical fault, for which I take responsibility. “I am leaving my place as Ballon d’Or selector.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal released a furious statement before the awards explaining the collective boycott.The reigning Spanish and European champions stated: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to [Dani] Carvajal as the winner.Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”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.”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 More

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      Real Madrid impressed nobody by snubbing Ballon d’Or but they’ll feel decision to back Vinicius Jr made perfect sense

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      REAL MADRID cancelling their appearance at the Ballon d’Or awards night was silly, small-minded and unsporting.The Spanish club acted in support of Vinicius Jr, whose claim to be football star of the year was rejected in favour of Manchester City’s Rodri.Rodri won this year’s Ballon d’Or in a ceremony boycotted by Real MadridCredit: APReal Madrid acted in support of runner-up Vinicius Jr, who has suffered appalling racist abuseCredit: AlamyReal impressed no one. Yet, from the club’s point of view, acting in sympathy with Vinicius Jr made sense.He consistently suffers appalling racial abuse and missing out on such a major award would have been a further blow in public.This is what racism on the terraces can do. And you don’t have to be a sensitive soul to be depressed by a barrage of filth aimed at you.Even minor abuse on the pitch, as well as from the sidelines, is unsettling and must be firmly punished.READ MORE REAL MADRID NEWSAbusers of Vinicius Jr appear regularly in Spanish courts and so do other contaminators — including a Real fan in the El Clasico at the Bernabeu no less.Barcelona’s 17-year-old Lamine Yamal was on the end of vile language after scoring.English football suffers similar incidents but the number of them in Spain is even more shameful.LaLiga has reported 25 cases of racial abuse of Brazilian Vinicius Jr, 24, and recently three men were jailed for eight months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSuch has been the applause for his own conduct that, last season, he was presented with the Socrates Award for his fight against racism.Yet his efforts to stop this filth is like standing in front of a fast-moving car in a gamble to dodge it.Rodri claims the 2024 Ballon d’Or and is congratulated by his motherIn tears at one press conference, Vinicius Jr (above) said: “I just want to play football but it’s hard to move forward . . . I feel less and less like playing. It never crossed my mind to leave Spain as, if I do, I give the racists exactly what they want.“I will stay because, that way, the racists can continue to see my face more and more.“I’m a bold player, I play for Real and we win a lot of titles — and that doesn’t sit well with a lot of people.”But from fans of Osasuna, Mallorca, Real Valladolid, Barcelona, Atletico and at least five other clubs, the insults have continued.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 UkraineIn England, the Kick it Out campaign quickly made an impact on supporters but the problem is far from over.Racism is still an issue, while arrests are infrequent but still occur. This was illustrated by the horrific racist abuse faced by England players Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy.Much of this came on social media and, frankly, any player who bothers with it is asking for trouble.There is a good deal of legislation against racial abuse in and around football grounds.And I am happy to say it is not welcomed on the terraces either, with fans making it obvious what they think of culprits.But for Vinicius Jr, nothing much has improved. He scores a lot of goals and after he does so, often he dances. And why not?His samba moves have been used as a reason for racial insults — but that’s garbage.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn a further disgrace, his effigy was hung from a bridge near Madrid before a derby with Atletico and four men were later arrested.That is what hate can do: curdle humanity and bring tears.So thank goodness Vinicius Jr is still scoring goals. More

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      Vinicius Jr ‘devastated’ by Ballon d’Or snub after ‘inviting 50 friends to Madrid for celebration party’

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      VINICIUS JUNIOR had to reportedly cancel a huge party and has been left “devastated” after missing out on the Ballon d’Or.The Real Madrid star, 24, was convinced he was going to be crowned the best player on the planet at the glamorous ceremony in Paris on Monday.Rodri pipped Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or gloryCredit: EPAReal Madrid boycotted the event in support of ViniCredit: ReutersBut just hours before the show got underway, it was leaked that Manchester City’s Rodri was the winner instead.Real Madrid were left furious and boycotted, with his team-mates and club chiefs all missing from the event.Reports from Spanish outlet AS claim Vinicius is heartbroken over the snub.He had to supposedly axe a pre-planned party for around 50 people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNike have had to scrap the specially designed boots they made to commemorate his success.And they are now forced to adjust plans for him to unveil a new store in the centre of Madrid as the Ballon d’Or winner.Real Madrid TV reportedly had five hours of programming in place to celebrate.Vini even allegedly taunted Barcelona star Gavi in their 4-0 El Clasico defeat on Saturday by telling him: “I’m going to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReal Madrid claimed Uefa “do not respect” the club in a furious statement.And a defiant Vinicius tweeted: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’Ballon d’Or chief Vincent Garcia has suggested that the Brazilian missed out as his team-mates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, who came third and fourth respectively, took votes off him.But many of his pals have came out to slam what they see as an injustice.Among those is Brazil and Tottenham star Richarlison, who ranted: “All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season. “Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long.“Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. “And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. “But Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today.“You are a giant and the best in the world, kid. And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up. We’re together.”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 More

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      Richarlison slams ’embarrassing’ Ballon d’Or decision and says ‘only person who lost is football’ after Vinicius Jr snub

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      RICHARLISON has slammed “embarrassing” Ballon d’Or chiefs for snubbing Vinicius Jr, claiming the “only person who lost is football.”Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar was widely tipped to be crowned the planet’s best footballer at last night’s glitzy event in Paris.Richarlison has slammed Ballon d’Or chiefs following Vinicius Jr’s snubCredit: GettyReal Madrid boycotted last night’s event after Vinicius finished secondCredit: AlamyBut hours before the ceremony kicked off, it emerged that Vinicius had actually finished second in the rankings.The Ballon d’Or instead went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.And a furious Florentino Perez made sure Real boycotted last night’s bash in protest.The clash has continued to rumble on, with Vinicius issuing a defiant message on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVarious teammates at both club and international level have come out in support of the stricken winger.And Brazil pal Richarlison has become the latest to back Vini as the rightful winner of the Ballon d’Or.But the forward’s comments risk infuriating Man City — who play his club Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.Richarlison said: “All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long.“Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. Hollywood icon trolls Real Madrid with subtle gesture as she poses with Barcelona stars at Ballon d’Or ceremony Man City star Rodri took home the top prizeCredit: EPA“And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. “But Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.“I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today! “You are a giant and the best in the world, kid! And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up! We’re together.”Earlier today, Ballon d’Or chief Vincent Garcia attempted to explain why Vinicius did not land football’s top individual gong.He said: “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.”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 More

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

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      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

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

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      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