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      How much Champions League stars’ Instagram posts are worth with just three Premier League aces in top 10

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE footballers tend to earn a pretty penny for their work on the pitch.But some can rake in just as much without even kicking a ball.
      The Champions League Instagram rich list has been revealed, with Erling Haaland among the top 10Credit: Sunday Times
      Kevin de Bruyne is also on the listCredit: Getty
      Europe’s most popular players can earn tens of thousands of pounds just by posting on Instagram.
      A new study from Japan-101 looks at the potential social media earnings for some of the biggest stars in the Champions League.
      But just three Premier League players have made the cut.
      10 – Casemiro
      The five-time Champions League winner joined Manchester United as one of the best midfielders in Europe last summer.
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      Although he has struggled to hit the ground running this season, Casemiro still has a huge army of loyal supporters – many of whom have loved him since his Real Madrid days.
      With 22.2million Instagram followers, the Brazilian has the potential to earn £10,617 with a single sponsored post.
      9 – Kevin De Bruyne
      Widely considered as one of the best players in the world, De Bruyne picked up his first-ever Champions League trophy just last season.
      He was one of the main men during Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign, also earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.
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      The midfielder has 24.3m followers on Instagram, meaning he could pick up an additional £12,818 with a sponsored post.
      8 – Luka Modric
      With five Champions League titles, three LaLiga titles, a FIFA Best award for Player of the Year and a Ballon d’Or to his name, Modric has become one of the most popular players in Europe with 33.3m Instagram followers.
      Should he decide to do a sponsored post he could earn up to £18,921, according to the study.
      7 – Robert Lewandowski
      Lewandowski shot to stardom when he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2010, but established himself as one of the world’s best strikers during his time at Bayern Munich.
      He controversially missed out on winning the Ballon d’Or in 2020, when he scored an astonishing 55 goals and provided 10 assists in 47 games.
      Over the years he has accumulated 35.5m followers, meaning he could earn £20,326 per sponsored Instagram post.
      Robert Lewandowski has over 35m Instagram followersCredit: Getty
      6 – Erling Haaland
      Arguably the Premier League’s most popular player right now, Haaland has 36.3m followers on Instagram.
      That means the 23-year-old treble winner has the potential to earn £11,333 from a post.
      5 – Antoine Griezmann
      The Frenchman has been among Europe’s elite since joining Atletico Madrid nine years ago.
      He experienced a huge dip in form after joining Barcelona in 2019, but returned to his best after re-joining Atletico last summer.
      Also a World Cup winner, Griezmann has an impressive 41.3m Instagram followers.
      The study suggests that he could earn a huge £31,730 per sponsored post as a result.
      How much Champions League stars could earn per Instagram post
      4 – Toni Kroos
      Kroos is one of the most decorated players in world football, with five Champions League titles, three Bundesliga titles, three La Liga titles and a World Cup to his name.
      His outstanding career has seen him become one of Europe’s most popular players.
      The midfielder has 43.2m loyal followers, meaning he could earn £27,480 per sponsored post.
      3 – Paul Pogba
      The Frenchman shot to stardom during his first stint with Juventus.
      He then made a blockbuster £89m return to Man Utd, but struggled to hit the ground running.
      Pogba went back to Juventus on a free transfer last summer after his contract at Old Trafford expired, but various injury issues have limited his game time.
      At the peak of his career, the World Cup-winning midfielder established himself as one of the biggest personalities in football.
      That translated into a huge Instagram following, meaning he has the potential of earning over £50,000 per sponsored post.
      Paul Pogba is one of Europe’s most popular playersCredit: EPA
      2 – Sergio Ramos
      The defender is widely regarded as a legend – especially in Spain.
      He has won two European Championships, the World Cup, four Champions League titles, five La Liga titles and two Ligue 1 titles since breaking onto the scene, making him one of the most decorated players of all-time.
      Ramos spent 16 years with Real Madrid before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
      Following two years in France he decided to move again, but despite receiving some lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, he returned to boyhood club Sevilla.
      With 61.9m Instagram followers, Ramos could earn £48,208 per post.
      Sergio Ramos is one of the most decorated players in the worldCredit: Getty
      1 – Kylian Mbappe
      At the age of just 24, Mbappe has a staggering 109m Instagram followers.
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      The World Cup winner’s success on the pitch has translated into a huge fan base.
      The Frenchman – who tops the Champions League’s Instagram rich list – could make an eye-watering £76,465 per sponsored post.
      Kylian Mbappe tops the Champions League Instagram rich listCredit: Getty More

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      Gareth Bale fires warning to Jude Bellingham about life at Real Madrid and tells him how to avoid ‘a lot of stick’

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      GARETH BALE warned Jude Bellingham he will have to become a “puppet” and “play the game” at Real Madrid.Bale spent nine years at Real and won three LaLiga titles as well as five Champions League trophies until his acrimonious exit in 2022.
      Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has set the world alight at Santiago BernabeuCredit: Rex
      Gareth Bale warned Bellingham he will have to be a ‘puppet’ and ‘play the game’Credit: EPA
      The legendary forward stood out at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he formed a dominating trio with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, but fell out with Spanish media.
      The Tottenham hero suffered a raft of injuries during his final few years at Madrid and struggled for minutes but still played for Wales during various international breaks.
      That led to a series of gruesome attacks from the press as Marca branded him “the Welsh parasite” after he left for international duty last year.
      The 34-year-old, who retired in January, made a special guest appearance on A League of their Own and revealed all he wanted to do during his time with Los Blancos was “play football and go home”.
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      But Bale advised Bellingham not to follow his example as even his stunning start, which saw him score 13 goals and three assists in 14 matches, won’t save him from getting ” a lot of stick”.
      The Welshman argues the England international will have to put up with the media, and preferably be speaking in Spanish.
      Bale said: “The biggest advice [is] play the game at Madrid.
      “If you don’t play the game and do what the media want, speak to them and basically be a puppet, you do get a lot of stick.
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      “You’ll see a lot of Galacticos, they’ll act like Galacticos, do what the press want, playing the game of being at Real Madrid.
      “That’s probably where I was a bit of a downfall. I didn’t want to do it.
      “I just wanted to play football and go home. It hindered me and that made them attack me a bit more.
      “So my advice would be, honestly, just play the game of Real Madrid off the field.
      “You have to speak after games, make sure you try and speak in Spanish, do those kinds of things.” More

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      Kylian Mbappe wanted by Liverpool and European rivals as Real Madrid face missing out on No1 transfer target

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN superstar Kylian Mbappe is being targeted by Liverpool and Bayern Munich, reports suggest.Mbappe is set to become a free agent this summer after he refused to trigger a clause last year that would have extended his contract for a season.
      Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe is wanted by Liverpool and Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid are showing hesitation regarding a move for MbappeCredit: Reuters
      Real Madrid had been favourites to land the striker in June but his astronomical salary of £30m per year, his recent performances and the club’s “financial issues” have led to doubts.
      According to Foot Mercato, Real’s hesitations have led to Liverpool as well as Bayern considering a serious bid for the 24-year-old.
      The Reds have been keeping an eye on the France international since 2017 when he joined PSG initially on loan from Monaco before his permanent move a year later.
      The Merseysiders’ manager Jurgen Klopp even met for talks with Mbappe before his move to Parc des Princes.
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      Recent reports also suggested Liverpool and the Frenchman’s camp have remained in contact in the period since.
      The versatile forward confirmed there were talks with the Premier League giants six years ago and they had a “greater chance” of signing him.
      Mbappe said last year: “We talked a little bit, but not too much. We talked a little bit.
      “I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favourite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool. I don’t know why, you will have to ask her!
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      “It’s a good club and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco I met them. It’s a big club.”
      According to Sport 1, Bayern are also ready to join the bidding war for Mbappe.
      The German champions hold a “serious” interest for the 2018 World Cup winner even though they understand how “complicated” a potential deal could turn out to be. More

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      What are the accusations against Dani Alves?

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      DANI Alves is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, having won a number of Europe’s top leagues and lifting the Champions League trophy three times.The former Barcelona defender has been accused of sexual assault and is understood to be denying any wrongdoing — but what are the accusations against him and will he stand trial?
      Alves was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrestCredit: Getty
      What has Dani Alves been accused of?
      Dani Alves has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
      At first he claimed to have never met the woman in question, before backtracking at a later date and saying the pair had consensual sex, according to reports.
      It was also initially reported he had put his hands down a woman’s underwear in the club’s VIP area’s toilets, but it later emerged the 23-year-old was alleging she had been the victim of rape.
      The fact Alves changed his story was reportedly key to the decision to remand him in custody.
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      It came after CCTV footage published by Spanish media was said to show him and the alleged victim in a VIP area and then going to the toilet for 47 seconds.
      The accuser said that after the alleged attack she was too scared to leave the toilet for several minutes, and when she finally opened the door the footballer and his companions had left the venue.
      Alves, a father of two, was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest at the start of 2023.
      What has Dani Alves said about the accusations?
      In a Spanish TV interview following the confirmation of a formal investigation being opened, Alves said: “I don’t know who this lady is.
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      “I don’t know her name, I don’t know her, I’ve never seen her in my life.”
      In June 2023, during an interview from his prison cell with Spanish reporter Mayka Navarro, Alves also said: “The only person I have to ask for forgiveness is my wife, Joana Sanz.
      “I have already done that here in prison, but I have to do it publicly, because the story is public, the offence I caused her is public and she deserves that public apology.”
      Alves continued: “I entered the nightclub bathroom after her.
      “I didn’t even lock the door. The door was open all the time. She could have left at any time because I spent virtually all my time in there sat on the toilet seat.”
      Will Dani Alves stand trial?
      Alves will stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub in late 2022.
      Three judges at Barcelona’s Provincial Court announced their decision in an eight-page legal ruling made public on November 14, 2023.
      The document read: “We consider there is sufficient prima facie evidence at this stage to agree the opening of the trial in the terms requested by state prosecutors and the prosecutor acting privately for the alleged victim.
      “The statements the alleged victim has made and witness evidence and expert reports that form part of these proceedings can be considered as sufficient in that regard, without prejudice to the final verdict.”
      Alves’ lawyer is expected to insist his client should be acquitted of any wrongdoing.
      A date for the trial hasn’t been set yet, but it is likely to take place at the start of next year.
      According to reports in Spanish outlets, Alves could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
      Where is Dani Alves now?
      Alves is currently incarcerated.
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      He is being detained at the Brians 2 prison in Catalonia, Spain.
      Alves was held at the Brians 1 Penitentiary Centre initially, but was transferred to Brians 2 three days after his arrest. More

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      Former Premier League boss whose contract was ripped up after one year returns to Champions League giants

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      FORGOTTEN ex-Premier League boss Walter Mazzarri is the new manager of Napoli.The Serie A champions are have sacked Rudi Garcia just 16 games into his tenure.
      Walter Mazzarri has re-joined NapoliCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      He replaced title-winning boss Luciano Spalletti following his resignation at the end of last season.
      But Napoli have struggled since the Italian national team boss left them and they are already ten points behind top of the table Inter Milan.
      Garcia has proved unpopular with many and chiefs in Naples have axe the Frenchman with his replacement given the international break to get settled in.
      Former Watford boss Mazzarri has taken over on a short-term deal that runs until the end of the season.
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      The 62-year-old managed the Hornets during the 2016/17 season before his contract was ripped up after they finished 17th.
      Mazzarri is an experienced Italian gaffer, who has had spells in charge of Sampdoria, Inter, Torino and most recently Cagliari.
      He returns to the Napoli dugout for a second stint with the club.
      The veteran was at the helm from 2009 to 2013, winning the Coppa Italia and coming runners-up in Serie A.
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      Napoli had been linked with ex-Marseille boss Igor Tudor but he rejected the club as he was not promised a long-term contract.
      They were also rumoured to be interested in Graham Potter and Antonio Conte. More

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      Tottenham ‘line up Champions League star with better record than Haaland to replace Harry Kane in bargain £39m transfer’

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      TOTTENHAM are lining up a move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, according to reports.Ange Postecoglou’s men have started the season in fine form and sit just two points off the top of the Premier League table heading into the international break.
      Santiago Gimenez has been in sensational form for Feyenoord this seasonCredit: Rex
      But back-to-back defeats at the hands of Chelsea and Wolves have slightly dampened the mood around the club.
      And while they have seemingly not missed record scorer Harry Kane as much as many expected, they could still seek a replacement in January.
      Richarlison has struggled to hit the back of the net since Kane’s exit and is now sidelined following surgery.
      Son Heung-min has been playing through the middle, but his more natural position remains the left flank.
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      According to Caught Offside, Gimenez, 22, is Spurs’ preferred striker ahead of Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.
      The Feyenoord marksman has netted 15 times in 15 matches for the Dutch giants so far this season – a better goal to game ratio than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland – who has 17 in 18 games in all competitions.
      It is understood Gimenez would set Tottenham back around £39million.
      But they face competition from Chelsea who could splash the cash once more in January.
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      Harry Kane has made a record-breaking start for Bayern Munich since leaving SpursCredit: AP
      Gimenez proved his credentials last season when he scored 23 goals in 45 games after joining from Mexican side Cruz Azul.
      And he has already performed in the Champions League, bagging a brace against Lazio last month.
      At international level, Gimenez made his Mexico debut in 2021 and has netted four times in 22 appearances.
      Meanwhile, Spurs’ former talisman Kane, 30, has been in scintillating form since he joined Bayern Munich.
      His record-breaking start has seen him score 21 goals in 16 matches – including 17 in 11 in the Bundesliga. More

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      Cole Palmer booked for scuffing penalty spot before Haaland goal but Chelsea fans rage ‘Garnacho got away with it twice’

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      CHELSEA fans have been left fuming after Cole Palmer was booked for scuffing the penalty spot against Manchester City.City were given a spot-kick after a controversial decision saw Marc Cucurella penalised for a foul on Erling Haaland during the Premier League clash.
      Anthony Taylor booked Cole Palmer for scuffing the penalty spotCredit: PA
      The former City star was trying to disrupt Haaland’s penaltyCredit: Sky Sports
      Chelsea fans claimed that Alejandro Garnacho got away with the same thingCredit: Getty
      While the VAR was overseeing the decision, former City star Palmer was booked for scuffing up the penalty spot.
      The action is nothing new and has been seen plenty of times recently in football.
      The midfielder’s attempts to disrupt Haaland’s penalty did fail as the Norweigan buried his effort.
      However, the booking angered the home support, with many claiming that Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho had gotten away with it in the past.
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      Taking to social media, the Blues supporters let their complaints against referee Anthony Taylor be known.
      One posted: “Palmer yellow for messing with the spot, but Garnacho got away with it twice 🤷🏻‍♂️.”
      A second complained: “Cole Palmer got a yellow card for scuffing the penalty spot, ridiculous.”
      While one claimed Palmer will “be a City villain for years”, another wrote: “Palmer yellow for messing with the penalty spot, banter.”
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      A fourth said: “Are y’all seeing the Cole Palmer yellow???? Wow.”
      Another added: “Anthony Taylor is awful.”
      Garnacho pulled off similar antics in Manchester United’s Champions League games against Copenhagen.
      He did it in the home fixture, which then saw Jordan Larsson’s effort saved by Andre Onana as United won.
      The winger then tried it again in the reverse game, but that time, it was to little effect as the Danish side scored and went on to win the game. More

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      Man City fans troll Chelsea with bizarre ‘champions of Europe’ chant… but Blues supporters have perfect comeback

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans trolled Chelsea with a bizarre chant – but Blue supporters quickly shut them up.With the match goalless and City dominating possession, the away fans tried to perk up their team by winding up the opposition.
      Raheem Sterling helped to silence the Manchester City fansCredit: AFP
      City fans strangely began to chant: “Champions of Europe, you’ll never sing that.”
      It is a song that has been used to taunt the Citizens for years, but they can now boast of being European champions thanks to their Champions League triumph in June.
      However Chelsea have also won the Champions League – twice, even beating City in the final in 2021.
      So Chelsea fans quickly hit back with chants of “We’ve won it all” and “champions of Europe, we’ve won it two times!”.
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      Some supporters even poked fun at the travelling contingent by signing: “We saw you crying in Porto.”
      Chelsea beat City 1-0 in Porto in the 2021 Champions League final – which was the first time City had reached that stage of the competition.
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      Chelsea fans may have silenced their opposite number but they were soon left fuming as referee Anthony Taylor awarded City a penalty after Marc Cucurella pulled down Erling Haaland in the box.
      Haaland slotted home the penalty as Chelsea fans directed their chants towards Taylor, criticising the ref despite VAR agreeing he made the correct decision.
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