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      Leo Beenhakker dead at 82: Legendary manager who almost shocked England in World Cup dies as Koeman pays tribute

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      LEGENDARY Real Madrid and Ajax manager Leo Beenhakker has died at the age of 82.The Dutchman’s career spanned over five decades and saw him win three La Liga titles with Los Blancos.Leo Beenhakker has passed away at the age of 82Credit: EPAThe former Real Madrid and Ajax coach also took charge of Poland and Trinidad & TobagoCredit: AP:Associated PressA native of Rotterham, Beenhakker served as Ajax head coach in two separate spells. Beenhakker won the Dutch Eredivisie title with the club in 1980 and 1990. News of his passing was announced by the club on Thursday.An Ajax statement read: “Ajax extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Leo Beenhakker.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Beenhakker was a coaching icon and a truly unique figure at Ajax.”Beenhakker was a winger during his playing days but found his calling in coaching. He began his career way back in 1965 at SV Epe, before serving as a youth coach at both Ajax and Feyenoord.Beenhakker twice took charge of the Dutch national team as his star power rose.Most read in FootballAnd he enjoyed a hugely successful period during the 1980s and 1990s.Beenhakker won six trophies during his time with Real Madrid.Moment ITV are forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s interview after England’s Euro 2024 win over NetherlandsThat included three consecutive league titles between 1987 and 1989.The Spanish club wrote on X: “Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and sympathy to his family, his clubs, and all his loved ones.”Beenhakker’s Trinidad & Tobago also gave England a huge scare at the 2006 World Cup.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Three Lions looked to be heading to an embarrassing 0-0 draw before late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard.Since leaving the Poland national team job in 2009, Beenhakker served as a technical advisor at various clubs.His last role was at Sparta Rotterham, where he retired in 2018.Beenhakker was a proud advocate of “total football”, the mantra followed by Johan Cruyff and Ronald Koeman for Holland.Ronald Koeman (centre) has paid tribute to his former coachCredit: ReutersHe famously said: “Football should excite. It’s not just about winning, but about how you win.”Koeman wrote in tribute on X: “A great loss for Dutch football.”Leo was a coach with an unparalleled passion and vision, who knew how to touch not only matches, but also people. Read More on The Sun”Leo appointed me as coach of Ajax, I am grateful to him for this. “My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Leo!” More

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      Tragedy as footballer, 21, dies after horror collision with goalkeeper ruptures artery in his head

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      A 21-YEAR-OLD footballer died after a horror collision with a goalkeeper.Helar Gonzales Altamirano was rushed to hospital after being knocked out as he went for a long ball – with his dad pitchside watching the game.Footballer Helar Gonzales Altamirano passed away after a collisionHis brother Eliceo, who was still asking people to pray for Helar on Tuesday on social media, confirmed yesterday he had lost his fight for life.He said his sibling’s death was a result of rupturing an artery in his head in Sunday’s incident.The tragic footballer’s club Real Titan Nc said in a statement: “Rest in peace friend.“We will remember you for your love of football and your family. You leave us with great pain.READ MORE IN football “Great strength to your family at this difficult time. They are not alone because Titan is with them and the football family is with them.”The club published live footage of Helar’s coffin being taken to a funeral parlour in a white hearse ahead of the wake and a video of the goals he had scored this year before his untimely death.The fatal collision occurred in the 70th minute of a Copa Peru match between Helar’s team and Defensor Nueva Cajamarca.Footage showed players crowding round him as he was stretchered away unconscious, with a team-mate helping to put him in the ambulance that took him to hospital in the northern Peruvian city of Moyobamba.Most read in FootballA TV commentator said as he was driven away: “We hope he recovers and reacts quickly.”Helar’s dad Jose fought back tears as he told a local TV station: “I would like to thank everyone for their support with this terrible pain that we’re experiencing.“Helar wanted to be a great footballer from a very young age and was always talking about going as far in the sport as he could.“I know his team are going to dedicate all their future achievements to him.“I thought at first when I saw the clash that it was another player and didn’t initially connect that it was Helar.“I wanted to go on to the pitch to be nearer my son when I realised it was him but they wouldn’t let me and I didn’t see him until we got to hospital when he was already critical.”Helar’s funeral will take place on Friday.The Peruvian Football Federation said on X: “We regret the death of Helar Gonzales Altamirano.“Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and Real Titan Club.” More

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      ‘His legacy will live on’ – Cristiano Ronaldo pays emotional tribute as scout who discovered him and Luis Figo dies

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      THE legendary scout who discovered football greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo has passed away aged 77.Aurelio Pereira, the former head of Sporting Lisbon’s recruitment department, died today, the Portuguese club have confirmed. Aurelio Pereira scouted a young Cristiano RonaldoSporting Lisbon confirmed the news of Pereira’s death on TuesdayPereira holding Ronaldo’s youth playing card ID while at SportingCredit: Instagram @cristianoA club statement read: “Sporting Clube de Portugal expresses its condolences on the death of Aurelio da Silva Pereira, the unmistakable, Mr. Formation.”He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest names in the history of national football and, above all, in the history of Sporting.”Born in Lisbon in 1947, Pereira joined Sporting as a youth player, before later signing for Operario FC and Benfica. After a short stint as a salesman, Pereira was persuaded into helping his brother coach at Benfica- where he went onto lead his sides to several championships.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was then invited back to Sporting by club icon Hilario, where he would remain for two decades as a youth team coach.And in July 1988, he opened the Recruitment and Training Department of Sporting CP to develop a national network of scouts to identify young talent.And the rest history. Pereira went on to discover 2000 Ballon d’Or winner Figo and five-time Ballon d’Or superstar Ronaldo.The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend was among the first to send his heartfelt condolences and thanked Pereira for his career.Most read in FootballPereira scouted Ronaldo into Sporting’s Recruitment and Training DepartmentCredit: ReutersTaking to Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: “One of the great icons of world. Formation has left us but his legacy will live on forever. “Will never stop being grateful for all he has done for me and so many other players. Forever, Lord Aurelius, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”Pereira first noticed Ronaldo’s promise while he was still playing for Nacional in Madeira.He later brought him to Sporting at 12, where Ronaldo began to thrive in a green-and-white jersey before making a high-profile move to Manchester at the age of 18.Sir Alex Ferguson signed Ronaldo after watching him shine in a pre-season friendly against his Man Utd side in 2003.Ronaldo became the talk of the United dressing room, before the club agreed to pay Sporting £12million for what Fergie considered to be “one of the most exciting young players” he had ever seen.Pereira also was credited for finding Paulo Futre, Simao Sabrosa, Ricardo Quaresma and former Man Utd winger Nani.Meanwhile, Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning squad featured 10 players unearthed by him.The Portuguese FA’s statement read: “The death of Aurelio Pereira represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese Football.”For history, in addition to the enormous legacy built by the man who discovered some of the best players in our history, there will be a kind person, of fine treatment and who always defended our talent.”In September 2012, Sporting named the club’s academy pitch in his honour.Read More on The SunAnd five years later in January 2017, he was awarded the City of Lisbon Sports Merit Medal.His brother Carlos played for Sporting for 13 years years and was Paulo Bento’s No 2 between October 2005 and November 2009. More

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      Jorge Bolano dead at 47: World Cup star dies suddenly as Gianluigi Buffon leads tributes

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      FORMER World Cup star Jorge Bolano has tragically passed away aged 47.It is reported the ex-midfielder died of a heart attack after celebrating a family birthday in Cucuta, Colombia.Jorge Bolano has died aged 47Credit: GettyBolano it is understood the former midfielder died of a heart attackCredit: AlamyGianluigi Buffon has paid tribute to his ‘unforgettable’ team-mateCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe was rushed to a nearby clinic but doctors were unable to save his life.Players and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Bolano following the news of his death.The Colombian’s former Parma team-mate Gianluigi Buffon said: “Jorge was an unforgettable friend and team-mate, a constant in a locker room of extraordinary champions.”We played and won together in the golden years of a great Parma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the pitch he fought without sparing himself and, off the pitch, I fondly remember his kindness and humanity that made him an example for everyone.”We will always carry you with us, rest in peace, my friend.”Bolano kicked off his playing career with Colombian side Atletico Junior in 1993 and spent six years in Atlantico before moving to Italy.There, he joined Buffon in playing for Parma and won the Italian Cup during the 2001/02 season.Most read in FootballThe midfielder enjoyed loan spells with Sampdoria and Lecce before joining Modena in 2007.He then returned back to his home country in 2010 with Cucuta Deportivo, where he spent the final two years of his career before retiring.Bolano also made 34 appearances for the Colombia national team, scoring once.He appeared for the nation at the 1998 World Cup in France. More

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      Fate of West Ham chair David Gold’s nine-figure estate revealed in will – and who will inherit huge stake in club

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      FORMER West Ham chairman David Gold’s enormous will has been revealed.Probate has now been granted to his daughter Vanessa Young to administer the estate of the ex Hammers’ joint owner – which totalled more than £137million.Former West Ham co-owner David Gold died in January 2023Credit: SWNSA tribute to Mr Gold displayed at West Ham’s London StadiumCredit: GettyPallbearers carry Mr Gold’s coffin at his funeralCredit: Louis WoodMr Gold was initially thought to have died “intestate” in January 2023 with no instructions on how his fortune should be split.But fresh documents now reveal a will was actually made in August 2021 outlining his final wishes.The will includes details of how to deal with his family’s trust fund – and the right to sell his stake in West Ham United if “appropriate”.It gave a gross value of his estate in the UK as £137,241,336 – with a net value of £127,529,095.Daughter Vanessa was named as the executor and trustee.And the will also stated those in charge of his estate could “sell all or any” of its assets they deem “appropriate” – including his 25.1 per cent stake in Premier League club West Ham.In a document published last week, the grant of probate outlined: “The last will and testament of David Gold is proved and registered before the High Court of Justice.”The Administration of David Gold’s estate is granted by this court to the following Executor – Vanessa Julia Young.”Most read in FootballMr Gold’s other daughter Jacqueline Gold died in March 2023 after a seven year battle with breast cancer – leaving Vanessa as the sole administrator of his fortune.In his will, Mr Gold wrote: “I appoint my daughters JACQUELINE GOLD (Jacqueline) VANESSA JULIA YOUNG (Vanessa) to be the executors and trustees of this Will.David Gold dead at 86 West Ham pay tribute after co-chairman passes away with family by side following short illness”I give my trustees all my personal possessions with a request to distribute them according to the latest wishes I have expressed in any note left with my papers at my death.”Beneficies of the trust listed on his will included his two daughters, his two son-in-laws, a granddaughter and his partner.Mr Gold also left a series of legacies free of inheritance tax including £100,000 to his sister Marie Mould, £50,000 each to two named individuals, and £25,000 each to two others.Some of the awards were conditional on the benefactors remaining as employees at the time of his death.Mr Gold also outlined in his will that his trustees must hold his estate on trust.He added: “They may sell all or any of the assets in my estate as they consider appropriate.”Before the will was discovered, a letter of administration was granted by the High Court of Justice to Vanessa.Read More on The SunIt added that the “Ad Colligenda Bona grant” is “limited for the purposes only of collecting in and receiving the estate and doing such acts as may be necessary to preserve and protect the shareholdings of the deceased in WH Holdings Ltd, GGIH Holdings lTD and Goddington Manor Management Ltd, to include for the avoidance of doubt the right to sell the said shares and to sell (his main home) and until further representation be granted.”The application has stated the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to £130M and the net value amounts to £125M.”Vanessa Gold, left, and Jacqueline Gold, right, with their father Mr GoldCredit: AlamyDavid Gold and his fiancee Lesley Manning at the London StadiumCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      England’s legendary Euro 96 coach Terry Venables leaves eye-opening sum to his wife after his death at 80

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      FORMER England boss Terry Venables left his wife a £3.3million fortune following his death at the age of 80.The charismatic Three Lions coach, who reached the semi-finals of Euro 96, died in 2023.Terry Venables and his wife YvetteCredit: RexTerry with Yvette at their Hotel La Escondida in Alicante, SpainVenables died at the age of 80His probate details were published today and showed that he left a sum of £4,765,370.But once debts and bills were accounted for the value of this estate was recalculated at £3,289,952.His will, which was written six years before his death, left the entire sum to his beloved wife Yvette.Known as ‘El Tel’, Venables’ colourful career spanned decades.Read More in FootballThe father of two had a successful playing career at Chelsea, Spurs and QPR, but it was in the dug-out where he sparkled.After successful stints as boss of Crystal Palace and QPR, he took Barcelona to the La Liga title in 1985 and a European Cup final the following year.And he guided Spurs to FA Cup victory in 1991 – a game which saw Paul Gascoigne taken off injured after just 15 minutes.But Venables’ defining moment came in 1996 when he masterminded England’s thrilling Euro campaign on home soil.Most read in FootballHis Three Lions played with a swagger – demolishing the Dutch 4-1 and giving a nation hope before bowing out on penalties to Germany, with Gareth Southgate’s now famous missed spot kick.Off the pitch, Venables was co-author of crime novels, and a businessman, TV pundit, and even pop star.Following his death, ex England boss Sir Gareth Southgate said: “Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their opportunity, but it was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager.”He was open minded, forward thinking, enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.”A brilliant man, who made people feel special, I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family.”And Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said: “Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for.”He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.”He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. “RIP Terry.”Terry Venables’ life outside footballBy Michael HamiltonTERRY Venables was a larger-than-life footie legend — but also found time to write a TV detective series, release a board game and run a private members’ club and boutique hotel.An accomplished singer, he also made it to 23 in the charts with Elvis Presley song If I Can Dream, backed by a choir and recorded for The Sun’s World Cup advert in 2010.Terry’s agent and long-time friend Jonathan Harris said after his passing: “The song is appropriate because he always took the view that, if you had dreams, you should pursue them to the best of your ability.“He was an extraordinary man — charismatic, quick-witted, innovative and incredibly loyal.”A long illness meant that one of his last contributions to public life was penning an open letter to Gareth Southgate and his team — published in The Sun — on the eve of the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final.He wrote: “Football is just like life. You have to give it your best shot. Take the best and survive the rest.”Terry was born in bomb-blitzed Dagenham, East London, in 1943.He was the only child of Royal Navy petty officer Fred Venables and Welsh wife Myrtle.As a child he moved in with his nearby grandparents Ossie and Milly so that his parents could run a pub in Romford.Midfielder Terry became an apprentice at Chelsea aged 15. Two years later he entered a singing contest at Butlin’s in Clacton-on-Sea, but Chelsea did not allow him to compete in the final stages.After his footballing career, Terry wrote five novels. And, with Gordon Williams, he co-wrote the popular detective novels Hazell — later turned into a successful ITV series starring Nicholas BallWheeler-dealer Terry opened a West End tailor’s shop with his then-Chelsea teammates George Graham and Ron “Chopper” Harris.He married Christine McCann in 1966 and they had two daughters before splitting.He met second wife Yvette Bazire in his father’s pub in Chingford in 1984 and she went with him when he went to manage Barcelona that year.The couple ran Scribes West private members’ club in Kensington — where Terry mixed with an array of “colourful” characters — before selling it for close to £1million in 1997.Terry and Yvette also set up a boutique hotel and restaurant La Escondida in Alicante before he retired in 2019.It has been revealed he left a fortune to herCredit: GettyVenables with Alan Sugar during his days managing TottenhamCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdVenables consoling Gareth Southgate at Euro 96Credit: Action Images More

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      ‘We are really devastated’ – Boxer tragically dies after collapsing in ring without contact as tributes paid

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      BOXER Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has tragically passed away following a fight. The light-heavyweight from Nigeria collapsed during an eight-round bout against Jon Mbanugu.Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has tragically passed away following a fightAccording to TMZ, Olanrewaju fell back into the ropes without any contact from his opponent.Referee Richard Amevi immediately stopped the fight and the ringside physician and EMS administered aid, including CPR.Olanrewaju is said to have been transported from the Bukom Boxing Arena to a local hospital – but sadly he died 30 minutes later.Remi Aboderin, the general secretary of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, said: “We are really devastated.READ MORE IN BOXING”[This] is not something we envisaged. We will live up to our responsibility and make sure that we stand [by] the family.”Olanrewaju was confirmed medically fit and approved to fight Mbanugu by the NBBC before the bout. BoxRec stats show that Olanrewaju turned professional in 2019. He competed all of his bouts in Nigeria and Russia except his final which was in Ghana. Most read in BoxingOlanrewaju passed away with a record of 13 wins, eight losses and two draws. He won 12 of his 13 via knockout and formerly held the West African light-heavyweight tite.Olanrewaju’s death is the second in the sport this year after Irishman John Cooney passed in February seven days after a fight with Nathan Howells. More

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      Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family make huge sum selling his memorabilia to help settle £8m debt

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      EX-England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debts.He died owing more than £8million, including £7million in UK tax.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s family have made £140,000 selling off his memorabilia to help settle his debtsCredit: AFPSven with the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2002Credit: ReutersA lunch invitation from the late Queen went for £300Among the items up for sale was Sven’s Armani suit from the 2006 World Cup – it went for £3kCredit: bna.nuweauctionsInside the suit was Sven’s hand-written team notesThe Swede’s loved ones were forced to sell hundreds of mementoes — such as his Armani suit from a 2006 World Cup match with his hand-written team notes still in the pocket.The 349 items which went under the hammer also included his BBC Coach of the Year trophy in 2001 and Premier League Manager of the Month award from his time at Manchester City.A lunch invitation from the late Queen and an Ivory Coast top signed by his ­former forward Didier Drogba were flogged too.Sven died of pancreatic cancer last year aged 76, leaving his partner Yaniseth Alcides and two adult children to deal with his debts.read more on svenHe owed the huge sum despite earning tens of millions in a 42-year managerial career at 12 clubs and four national teams, including England from 2001-2006.The Swedish auction house said: “There was huge interest mostly from England, Italy and Portugal.“It was a reflection of the love and affection that people had for Sven in countries all over the world.“We are very pleased with how both auctions have gone and there may be a third one of items of his furniture.”Most read in FootballBut the cash raised is still a drop in the ocean and Sven’s ­family are also selling his seven-bed lakeside mansion in his homeland for £1.8million.Sven’s Premier League Manager of the Month award fetched £1,700Sven earned the award during his time at Manchester CityCredit: Matthew AshtonSven’s BBC Coach of the Year trophy was auctionedThe trophy, which he won in 2001, went for £500An Ivory Coast top signed by Didier Drogba was sold for £700Sven managed the Ivory Coast in 2010Credit: Getty More